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 2024/25

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 2024/25


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.