Forensic toxicology I will deal with qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological specimens for the presence of alcohol, drugs (marijuana, cocaine, the major opiates, the common hallucinogens and amphetamines), and/or poisons and their corresponding metabolites. The principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics as they apply to forensic toxicology, the molecular mechanisms of toxicity, drug toxicity, toxins and poisons, drug classifications will also be discussed. An overview of analytical methods used in the analysis of drugs and toxins e.g. GC, TLC, GC/MS, LC/MS and HPLC will be discussed. Throughout the semester students will be provided with journal articles and expected to read and prepare for class discussions.
- Lecturer: Sophie Turfus