Forensic Toxicology, BSc Hons

Program Overview

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The Forensic Toxicology program at the University of Greenwich prepares students for a wide range of careers in forensic science. Students gain expertise in detecting and analyzing drugs and poisons in biological samples, as well as understanding their effects on the human body. The program emphasizes practical training through laboratory workshops, case studies, and a final research project. Graduates are highly sought after in the forensic toxicology field, as well as in related industries such as clinical toxicology, pharmaceutical development, and analytical chemistry.

Program Outline

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Forensic Toxicology, BSc Hons - University of Greenwich

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in forensic science, including roles in forensic science providers, hospitals, and research laboratories. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding the effects of chemicals on the human body and the methods used to detect them. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of drugs, their effects, detection methods, evidence reporting, and legal defense arguments. The program also covers related topics such as crime scene sciences, biology, chemistry, and physiology.

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Outline:

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Full-Time:

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Year 1:

• Biochemistry 1 (15 credits): This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of biochemistry, including the structure and function of biomolecules, metabolic pathways, and enzyme kinetics.
• Fundamentals of Biology and Physiology (30 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of human biology and physiology, covering topics such as cell structure, tissue organization, organ systems, and their functions.
• Investigative Methodology 1 (15 credits): This module introduces students to the principles and practices of scientific investigation, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Practical and Academic Skills (30 credits): This module develops students' practical and academic skills, including laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and presentation skills.
• Introductory Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (15 credits): This module introduces students to the basic principles of organic chemistry and its applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Year 2:

• Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits): This module explores the regulation and integration of physiological systems, including the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems.
• Instrumental Analysis (15 credits): This module introduces students to various analytical techniques used in forensic toxicology, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
• Skills in Crime Scene Examination, Evidence Recovery and Law (15 credits): This module provides practical training in crime scene examination, evidence recovery, and the legal framework surrounding forensic evidence.
• Pharmaceutics (30 credits): This module covers the principles of drug formulation, manufacturing, and delivery.
• Pharmacology (15 credits): This module explores the mechanisms of drug action, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
• Forensic and Clinical Toxicology (15 credits): This module focuses on the principles and practices of forensic and clinical toxicology, including the identification and interpretation of drugs and poisons in biological samples.
• Drug Development and Regulation (15 credits): This module examines the process of drug development, from discovery to approval, and the regulatory framework governing the pharmaceutical industry.

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Year 3:

• Project (Chemical Sciences) (30 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project in a relevant area of forensic toxicology.
• Chemometrics and Informatics (15 credits): This module introduces students to the application of statistical and computational methods in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• Specialised Topics and Case Studies in Toxicology (15 credits): This module explores advanced topics in toxicology, including specific types of drugs, poisons, and their effects.
• Neuropharmacology (30 credits): This module examines the mechanisms of drug action on the nervous system, including neurotransmitters, receptors, and signaling pathways.
• Analytical Toxicology (30 credits): This module focuses on the practical aspects of analytical toxicology, including sample preparation, analysis, and interpretation of results.

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Sandwich:

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Year 1:

• Biochemistry 1 (15 credits): This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of biochemistry, including the structure and function of biomolecules, metabolic pathways, and enzyme kinetics.
• Fundamentals of Biology and Physiology (30 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of human biology and physiology, covering topics such as cell structure, tissue organization, organ systems, and their functions.
• Investigative Methodology 1 (15 credits): This module introduces students to the principles and practices of scientific investigation, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Practical and Academic Skills (30 credits): This module develops students' practical and academic skills, including laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and presentation skills.
• Introductory Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (15 credits): This module introduces students to the basic principles of organic chemistry and its applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Year 2:

• Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits): This module explores the regulation and integration of physiological systems, including the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems.
• Instrumental Analysis (15 credits): This module introduces students to various analytical techniques used in forensic toxicology, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
• Skills in Crime Scene Examination, Evidence Recovery and Law (15 credits): This module provides practical training in crime scene examination, evidence recovery, and the legal framework surrounding forensic evidence.
• Pharmaceutics (30 credits): This module covers the principles of drug formulation, manufacturing, and delivery.
• Pharmacology (15 credits): This module explores the mechanisms of drug action, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
• Forensic and Clinical Toxicology (15 credits): This module focuses on the principles and practices of forensic and clinical toxicology, including the identification and interpretation of drugs and poisons in biological samples.
• Drug Development and Regulation (15 credits): This module examines the process of drug development, from discovery to approval, and the regulatory framework governing the pharmaceutical industry.

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Year 3:

• Work Placement Module (For students taking Sandwich Year option): This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a relevant workplace setting.

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Year 4:

• Project (Chemical Sciences) (30 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project in a relevant area of forensic toxicology.
• Chemometrics and Informatics (15 credits): This module introduces students to the application of statistical and computational methods in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• Specialised Topics and Case Studies in Toxicology (15 credits): This module explores advanced topics in toxicology, including specific types of drugs, poisons, and their effects.
• Neuropharmacology (30 credits): This module examines the mechanisms of drug action on the nervous system, including neurotransmitters, receptors, and signaling pathways.
• Analytical Toxicology (30 credits): This module focuses on the practical aspects of analytical toxicology, including sample preparation, analysis, and interpretation of results.

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Coursework: This includes assignments, essays, reports, and presentations that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a more applied setting.
• Practical assessments: These involve laboratory experiments, case studies, and simulations that assess students' practical skills and ability to apply their knowledge.
• Project: The final year project provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research and demonstrate their ability to design, execute, and report on a research project.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and practitioners with expertise in forensic toxicology, chemistry, biology, and law. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures: These provide students with a foundation in the theoretical aspects of forensic toxicology.
• Seminars: These allow students to discuss and debate key concepts and issues in smaller groups.
• Workshops: These provide students with practical training in laboratory techniques and other skills.
• Case studies: These allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Guest lectures: These provide students with insights from industry professionals and experts in the field.

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Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in forensic science, including:

• Forensic toxicologist: This role involves analyzing biological samples for the presence of drugs and poisons, and interpreting the results to assist in criminal investigations.
• Clinical toxicologist: This role involves managing patients who have been exposed to drugs or poisons, and providing advice on treatment and prevention.
• Research scientist: This role involves conducting research in forensic toxicology or related fields.
• Analytical chemist: This role involves developing and applying analytical methods to solve problems in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and food safety.

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Other:

• This is the only undergraduate Forensic Toxicology course in the UK.
• The program provides "hands-on" learning of the procedures encountered in the workplace.
• The program is taught at the Medway Campus in Chatham Maritime, Kent.
• Students are provided with lab coats and safety glasses free of charge.
• Students may be required to pay for prescription safety glasses.
• The cost of field trips varies depending on the activity.
• Students are not obliged to pay for field trips to complete the course.
• Professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by tuition fees.
• Students can take up additional professional memberships at their own cost.
• Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library.
• Students receive an allowance for printing costs.

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Home/international fees 2024/25 £9,250 /£17,000