1. Demonstrate the coherent utilisation of relevant scientific principles, examples and underlying methodologies to answer specific toxicological problems
Enquiry
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Reflection

2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of professional level data interpretation and handling skills in aspects of forensic and crime science.
Analysis
Application
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding
Problem Solving

3 Demonstrate the critical evaluation of the gathering and application of toxicological information, both literature and case based including understanding of the expectations that the courts have of evidence provided
Analysis
Application
Knowledge and Understanding
Problem Solving

4. Demonstrate the synthesis of diverse information from, and beyond, the directly taught programme Application

Portfolio of laboratory and data analysis exercises [LO2, 3] 50% 4000 words

Digitally collected demonstration of competent use of toxicological terminology [LO1] 20% “Class” Test

In depth information portal for a toxicant of the students choosing [LO4] 30% 1500 words

1. Some of the exercises will involve the collection of data within the laboratory then its subsequent analysis and interpretation whilst others will be problem solving linked to a given data set/case study.

2. Basic knowledge testing to ensure student becomes familiar with the fundamental scientific terminology of the discipline. Electronically administered, time limited (weeks) but multiple attempts allowed. (Questions change each time).

3. A "WWW portal site" aimed at providing an access point to information relevant to a toxicant of the students choosing. Information would range from basic properties through to impacts and would be expected to include relevant consideration of any legal context of the chosen toxicant.

This module is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the essential principles of modern forensic toxicology and will cover classification, exposure, dose and thresholds; absorption, distribution, and excretion of toxicants, modifying factors of toxic effects; toxicological assessment including back-calculations and the interpretation of data. Specific studies (post-mortem toxicology, poisons and poisoning, alcohol, performance-altering drugs) will investigate particular forensic applications and the potential problems (analytical and biological) of interpretation.

Laboratory based sessions will give you an understanding of the standard analytical techniques employed in the field. This section will also be linked with principles such as signal-to-noise ratio, limit of detection, limits of quantification, interference and robustness.

Not only will you develop your scientific underpinning of the subject, throughout the module due attention will be paid to a development of an appreciation of the nature of evidence that is acceptable in court and the means by which miscarriages of justice can occur by the inappropriate interpretation of data.

This module will build on the broader forensic scope of learning that you have gained in previous modules and refine the niche toxicology has in the forensic context. Its content will be taught through mixture of a Virtual Learning Environment, workshop attendance and lecture based sessions designed to help you assimilate the framework in which your new knowledge sits.

Baselt, R. C. 2008. Disposition of toxic drugs and chemicals in man. 8th ed. Foster City: Biomedical Publications.

Harr, D. C. 2016. Quantitative Chemical Analysis. 9th ed. New York: W. H. Freeman.

Lappas, N. T. and C. M. (2016) Forensic Toxicology: Principles and Concepts. Oxford: Academic Press.

Moffat, A. C., Osselton, M. D., Widdop, E. and Watts, J. (eds.) Clarke’s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons. 4th ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press.

Negrucz, A. and Cooper, G. (2013) Clarke's Analytical Forensic Toxicology. 2nd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press

Rouessac, F. and Rouessac, A. (2007) Chemical Analysis: Modern Instrumentation Methods and Techniques. 2nd ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Supplemented with primary literature throughout, including material from: Forensic Toxicology and Pharmacology, Forensic Toxicology, and the Journal of Analytical Toxicology.

Laboratories equipped with standard analytical equipment, such as GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, and Capillary Electrophoresis. Access to Excel, Word, and the WWW.