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FSC-30039 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

FSC-30039 - Forensic Toxicology: Ingestion to Detection
Coordinator: Natalie Capel Room: N/A Tel: +44 1782 7 33584
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Building upon the Drugs of Abuse module in second year, here you will examine the work of a forensic toxicologist. You will study the pharmacological journey of compounds through the body as a lead into the process of toxicological investigation. In addition to learning about the subject’s legal aspects, the role of the analyst will be explored, from sampling to the determination of toxins and poisons, with the use of toxicological cases and scenarios as authentic applications of the content.

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-30039/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: 1,2
Demonstrate understanding of the key legal aspects of toxicology and the role of the analyst in a toxicological investigation: 1
Critically evaluate and interpret evidence from both practical and simulated toxicological investigations: 1,2
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
Laboratory work - 3 hours
Independent study, preparation of assessments - 121 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 60%
Toxicology problem set
A series of short answer questions probing student understanding of the processes relating to the interaction of the human body with drugs, analysis of laboratory results and practical considerations of a toxicologist, and the key legal aspects relating to an investigation. Approximate word count - 3000 words.

2: Exercise weighted 40%
Toxicology Scenario 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. Approximate word count - 2000 words.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026