The Analysis of Controlled Substances, M.D.Cole, John Wiley, 2003.
An array of electronic media/links will also be provided

Suitable computer capable of accessing to the WWW, and the University Server and of running Blackboard. Library facilities as necessary

(1) A ~ 1500 word essay, (40%), will be set after completion of Activity 4, and will encapsulate the more "physical" aspects of the module (outcomes 1 and 2).

(2) Production of a "WWW site" (60%) (outcomes 3 and 4). This will occur at the end of the module. A "WWW portal site" aimed at providing an access point to information you think is relevant to answering the question set. The question will be either tutor-directed or via negotiation with tutors.
PASS CRITERIA: Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of reading beyond the VLE study guide together with good use of relevant examples. Tasks competently completed.
MERIT CRITERIA: A very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments expressed cogently and lucidly. Tasks completed soundly, with evidence of critical analysis of literature beyond VLE study guide.
DISTINCTION CRITERIA: Coherence, originality and creativity in response. Thorough understanding of the subject matter, evidence of reading beyond the VLE study guide together with excellent use of relevant examples. Tasks competently and thoroughly completed

The module makes use of Blackboard as the VLE. Activities will be posted on the module on a weekly basis. Each activity will contain notes, either as word files or power point presentations. Information will be provided via use of the extensive electronic sources available within this area. You will need to spend at least 15h per week study time, with some dedicated times for answering on-line formative assessments and any group working activities

Entry to postgraduate programme in Forensic Science

Forensic science plays a vital role in tackling drug-related crime. This module addresses the key forensic issues relating to drugs, including drug legislation, analysis of drugs and drug related materials, and clandestine drug synthesis. Forensic toxicology has three main areas of study, drugs of abuse, poisons and post-,mortem applications, this module will examine these three areas together with the underpinning needed to interpret the information. Learning will occur through interactions within a VLE and revolves around nine activities.
Activity 1 will provide a historical perspective of various aspects of toxicology including drugs of abuse and poisons. Activity 2 will cover drug-related legislation with emphasis on the Misuse of Drugs Act. Activity 3 examines the processes of detection, identification and quantification of drugs, poisons and their metabolites. Activity 4 covers the methods of extraction, processing and synthesis of illicit drugs. Activity 5 will introduce and develop basic toxicological principles, providing the basis for interpretation of toxic effects and impacts Activity 6 covers drugs testing in a variety of settings including sport and occupational considerations. Activity 7 will include the various problems and impacts of alcohol. Activity 8 will investigate post mortem forensic toxicology. The final Activity 9 will consider the potential problems and pitfalls associated with interpretation, especially involving drug interactions.
Throughout, the activities will provide an opportunity to reflect on your learning and provide feedback. More detail of the material dealt with in the various activities is contained in the module handbook. The theory and practical application of most of the analytical techniques encountered here is covered in greater depth in the Methods of Chemical Analysis and Practical Support modules

1. Understand the key legislation relating to drugs of abuse, the key methods of drug analysis and illicit drug synthesis, and the scientific principles needed to sensibly interpret toxin-related data.
a. Knowledge & Understanding
b. Learning

2. Evaluate and compare the different approaches to drug analysis, and the appropriateness of different techniques for the analysis of toxin-related evidence.
a. Analysis
b. Enquiry
c. Knowledge & Understanding
d. Problem Solving

3. Synthesise, evaluate and appraise information on drugs and poisons from a variety of viewpoints in order to effectively understand the problem within the field.
a. Learning
b. Enquiry
c. Communication
d. Reflection

4. Effective communication within the electronic media
a. Analysis
b. Communication
c. Enquiry
d. Problem Solving

Study key legislation relating to drugs of abuse, key methods and approaches of drug analysis and illicit drug synthesis, and the scientific principles needed to sensibly interpret toxin-related data.