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HOW DO I USE DNA IN FAMILY HISTORY?


Curious about DNA? Thinking of Testing?

There are a number of sources of information about DNA testing on the web, including Facebook and YouTube. Major testing companies such as FamilyTree DNA, Ancestry DNA and 23andMe etc have useful resources, including webinars.

The SAG has an Introduction to DNA Testing Webinar available for purchase through the SAG online shop, which will introduce you to using DNA testing as a tool in your research. Learn the basics required to get started: the types of tests, who to test, where to test, how to test, how much it costs, what you get and practical applications.

The Federation of Family History Societies in the UK has released a paper to help family historians understand more about DNA testing. While Australian laws may operate differently it contains some worthwhile advice and is included here courtesy of the Federation.   

Tested and want to know what to do next?

To be effective in DNA research you firstly need to be familiar with the evaluation tools provided by your testing company, and secondly be aware of some of the key concepts that underpin the analysis process. Testing companies such as Family Tree DNA, AncestryDNA, 23andMe, My Heritage etc all provide a range of educational items to assist with their product and all new users should gain familiarity with the relevant testing company's site.

The SAG also has the following webinars available for purchase in the shop which are considered the base skills needed for those wishing to undertake DNA research:

  • DNA Research, Key Concepts. This webinar aims to summarise some of the underlying key concepts that DNA researchers need to understand to be effective.

In addition to webinars, the SAG hosts lectures and hands on computer workshops focussed on practical applications using DNA sites and third party tools. Please check the Events Calendar for details of upcoming activities.

Want to dig deeper into your DNA results, expand your tree or break down a brick wall?

The SAG has three DNA Research Groups which you can attend to learn more about DNA.

Here is a list of upcoming DNA sessions 

Upcoming events

  • Analysing Your Ancestry DNA Results

    • 20 Jan 2021
    • (UTC+11:00)
    • 6 May 2021
    • (UTC+10:00)
    • 17 sessions
    • Your Place!
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Need help with starting to solve your DNA dilemma's? Have you tested with Ancestry DNA and want to understand how to work with your results?

    Join Christine Woodlands and other members of the SAG DNA Discussion Group for a 16 week course designed to assist you to understand the information you can glean from your Ancestry DNA matches.

    The course will be made up of four modules and consist of a mixture of presentations, live demonstrations, case studies and discussion groups.

    The course will be presented online using the GoToMeeting platform.

    Further details of the four modules can be found here https://tinyurl.com/Ancestry-DNA-Course-Overview

    You must have access to results from an Ancestry DNA test to undertake this course.


    Show details

  • GROUP: DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice

    • 6 Feb 2021
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place
    • 130
    Register

    DNA Testing Sites - Key Features (Group Members)

    Each of the testing sites have different tools that can help with your research. Hear from our experienced members about how the respective tools on each site helped them. The session will also discuss any limitations and suggest other tools that may help overcome those. This session is not focussed on whether to test at these companies, but rather tips and techniques for using the sites after you have tested. We will look at AncestryDNA, My Heritage, FTDNA and 23andMe, including how tools such as Genetic.Family can help.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.


    Skill level: Intermediate     Convenor: Veronica Williams

     

    Show details

  • GROUP: DNA Research Group

    • 6 Feb 2021
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place
    • 137
    Register

    DNA Research Methodologies - Chair: Veronica Williams

    Work as a group to discuss different approaches to DNA research and refine suggested research methodologies. What is your approach? How have your DNA outcomes been improved by using them? Our discussion group provides an opportunity to share your experiences and learn from others.

    This session is a facilitated discussion, it requires pre-work by participants that will be distributed before the meeting.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.


    Skill level: Advanced    Convenor: Veronica Williams

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: Borland Genetics - Tools and Workflows

    • 9 Feb 2021
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place!
    • 489
    Register

    In this webinar, Kevin Borland will demonstrate a variety of Borland Genetics tools including: using the DNA of a parent and two children to create a DNA profile for the missing parent (and submitting that profile to the Borland Genetics database for matching); creating DNA profiles for each of the parent’s parents; and adding the DNA of one of the parent’s siblings to improve the reconstructed grandparent kits.


     See: https://borlandgenetics.com/  https://isogg.org/wiki/Borland_Genetics



    Skill level: Intermediate and Advanced Presenter:  Kevin Borland

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: Writing an article for a family history magazine (ST)

    • 20 Feb 2021
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place!
    • 384
    Register

    Join magazine editor, former publisher of Inside History magazine and editor and co-founder of the Portrait Detective website Cassie Gilmartin as she explains some of the tips and tricks that will enable you to write an entertaining article suitable to be published in a magazine.

    This webinar is recommended for members enrolled in SAG’s Certificate course.



    Skill level: All    Presenter:  Cassie Gilmartin

    Show details

  • GROUP: DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice

    • 24 Apr 2021
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 144
    Register

    Working with Chromosome Data (Group Members)

    Why is it important to analyse chromosome data when undertaking DNA Research? What is triangulation? Each of the testing sites have different tools that you can use, some better than others. Hear from our experienced members about how the respective tools on each site can help you. This session is not focussed on whether to test at these companies, but rather tips and techniques for using the site after you have tested. We will look at My Heritage, FTDNA, 23andMe, GEDmatch including shared clustering.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.


    Skill level: Intermediate     Convenor: Veronica Williams

     

    Show details

  • GROUP: DNA Research Group

    • 24 Apr 2021
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 146
    Register

    Using Borland Genetics - Chair: Kerry Farmer

    Borland Genetics is a unique autosomal DNA database where users create public DNA profiles for their deceased ancestors, using the tools and methods provided on the site. Have you used these tools? How have your DNA outcomes been improved by using them? Our discussion group provides an opportunity to share your discoveries and also learn from others. This session is a facilitated discussion on the benefits and pitfalls of the various Borland Genetics tools and techniques. It requires pre-work by participants that will be distributed before the meeting.

    NOTE: A webinar presented by Kevin Borland is planned for 9th February. It is recommended that you also attend/watch the recording of this session as it will be discussed on the day. If you have missed the session please contact the Course Bookings Officer to purchase a link to the recording.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.


    Skill level: Advanced    Convenor: Veronica Williams

    Show details

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