FSCI 4030U – Forensic Drug Chemistry and Toxicology

The identification and quantification of illicit drugs found at a crime scene and within collected biological samples have significant implications for criminal investigations. This course will provide students with advanced principles in contemporary topics in forensic drug chemistry and toxicology. Topics will broadly cover components of drug identification, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs and their metabolites in forensic samples, sample handling and storage, sample preparation, methods of detection and identification and types of interpretations. Themes of quality control and assurance will be integrated into the course. Current contemporary topics will also be included. In both lecture and the laboratory, students will learn analytical chemistry-based concepts and apply them to forensic scenarios.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Laboratory hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): (FSCI 3020U or FSCI 3120U) and FSCI 3040U and enrolment in fourth year of the Forensic Science program
Experiential learning: Yes