Forensic Toxicology

Courses

Principles of Forensic Toxicology

A forensic toxicologist detects and identifies foreign chemicals (toxins) in the body and this course provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the pharmacology of these substances and their pathological effects on the human body. The evaluation of the appropriate biological matrices for analysis is pivotal in understanding toxicological analyses and this course will provide the student with the key skills for development of a detailed knowledge of the types of toxic substances and matrices encountered in Forensic Toxicology.  Students will also gain theoretical knowledge of the essential pharmacology skills required in Forensic Toxicology casework.  In addition this course will contain seminars focussing on development of generic transferrable skills.

Laboratory Techniques in Forensic Toxicology

This course will provide students with a detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of the techniques employed within a modern laboratory for sample handling, screening and confirmation of analytes of interest. These are essential skills required by Forensic Toxicology laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, from high throughput analysers to specialist hyphenated chromatographic spectrometers. In order to effectively troubleshoot or improve current methodologies it is essential as an analyst, laboratory manager or forensic toxicologist to have a fundamental understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the techniques employed within the laboratory. In addition, this course will also allow individuals to develop an appreciation of the importance of good laboratory practice and keeping contemporaneous notes, instrument maintenance logs and record keeping.

Advanced Instrumentation

Modern Forensic Toxicology laboratories worldwide provide a service that demands the highest standards and competency to ensure reliable and legally defensible test results for presentation in court hence laboratories are seeking accreditation to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025 in recognition of the importance of implementing quality systems to ensure the effective control of the testing services they provide. Therefore this course provides individuals with the theoretical and practical skills required for developing and validating new methodologies within a forensic toxicology laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. In addition this course will allow the development of critical understanding of the theory and practice of interpreting mass spectral data with necessary skills to troubleshoot and carryout routine maintenance of GC and LC-MS instrumentation.

Case Review and Interpretation

An essential role of any Forensic Toxicologist is to evaluate results from toxicological analysis and interpret these in light of relevant case details and report them to courts. This course provides the opportunity to develop case-reviewing skills from sample receipt through to reporting and presentation in a court of law using real case studies.

Research and Laboratory Management

This course aims to incorporate good laboratory practice which includes laboratory management, quality assurance and quality control. Project planning including cost management and COSHH assessment is also covered in this course in preparation for the independent project. In addition, management and quality training will help students develop an in-depth knowledge of the processes for implementation of the international quality standard ISO/IEC 17025 into a Forensic Toxicology Laboratory. Student will also gain key skills required for conducting and evaluating system audits.

Project

The Project involves a substantial piece of individual research, focused on a topic relevant to Forensic Toxicology. This course will allow students to evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodolgies and determine solutions. They will gain first hand experience in processing and troubleshooting analytical data and will critically appraise and present their finding using a variety of media.