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FSC-30017 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

FSC-30017 - Forensic Toxicology
Coordinator: Natalie Capel Room: N/A Tel: +44 1782 7 33584
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of FHEQ level 5 modules or equivalent in Forensic Science

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

In this module you will build upon the Drugs of Abuse module you studied in the second year to examine the work of a forensic toxicologist. This module will teach you the key pharmacological behind the interactions of non-natural compounds with the human body as a lead into the process of toxicological investigation. In addition to learning about the subject's legal aspects, the analyst's role in sampling and determining poisons will be examined. The module concludes with an examination of the important classes of toxins taught with the use of case studies.

Aims
The role of forensic toxicology in the investigation of crime will be developed and reinforced. This module will exemplify the applications of forensic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and toxicology to the purposes of the law and develop students understanding of the pharmacological basis of drug action. The use of precise analytical techniques to formulate informed conclusions will be illustrated and reinforced by using appropriate recent case studies.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/fsc-30017/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Synthesise ideas and concepts in pharmacology to solve problems relating to the interaction of the human body with drugs: 1
Illustrate principles of forensic toxicology with reference to a variety of industrial, environmental, agricultural and natural compounds, including drugs and alcohol, in particular: 2
Demonstrate understanding of the key legal aspects of toxicology and the role of the analyst in a toxicological investigation: 1,2
Critically evaluate and interpret published evidence from toxicological investigation: 2
Work as part of a team to communicate the results of a toxicological investigation: 2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
Interactive lectures - 20 hours
Group work sessions - 6 hours
Independent study, preparation of assessments - 120 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Coursework weighted 50%
Pharmacology problem set
A series of short answer questions probing student understanding of the processes relating to the lifetime and progress of xenobiotics through the human body. Equivalent to ~2500 words.

2: Exercise weighted 50%
Toxicology Exercise
Students will work in groups to complete a toxicology scenario, processing evidence and determining appropriate toxicological investigations. Students will complete an individual write-up including scientific presentation, interpretation of data and critical reflective analysis. Equivalent to ~2500 words.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024