Curriculum Information

The Analytical and Forensic Toxicology module provides MSc Analytical and Forensic Science students with advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for the detection, identification, and quantification of toxic substances and drugs in biological systems. The module covers both postmortem and antemortem toxicology, exploring the collection and analysis of biological samples in diverse forensic contexts, such as autopsy, workplace testing, and drug-impaired driving. Students gain hands-on experience with contemporary analytical techniques, including immunoassays, chromatography, and mass spectrometry, as well as emerging technologies and in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models for toxicity assessment.

A strong emphasis is placed on the application of statistical analysis, method validation, and quality assurance to ensure the reliability and admissibility of forensic evidence. The module also addresses the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, fostering a critical understanding of their effects and mechanisms of action. By integrating legal, ethical, and professional standards, students learn to interpret and present complex toxicological data, supporting the integrity of forensic investigations and judicial proceedings. This module directly contributes to the programme’s aims by equipping students with the expertise to evaluate, apply, and communicate advanced analytical techniques within the context of forensic science practice.

1.Introduction to Forensic Toxicology

• Overview of Forensic Toxicology:

  • History and development of forensic toxicology

  • Sub-fields of forensic toxicology

  • Sciences involved in the development of modern forensic toxicology

• Postmortem Forensic Toxicology

  • Collection of Samples in Autopsy

  • Identification of Intoxications

  • Postmortem Samples

• Antemortem Forensic Toxicology

  • BAC evaluation

  • Doping

  • Drive under the influence of drugs

  • Drug analysis in a work and immigration context

2. Statistical Analysis Applied to Forensic Toxicology

• Calibration Curves:

  • The application of calibration curves for the quantification of analytes

  • Uncertainties associated to calibration curves

  • Residual and linearity evaluation

• Descriptive and Inferential Statistics:

  • Central tendency data

  • Dispersion measures

  • Evaluation of normal distribution

  • F test, t test and ANOVA

  • Linear Regression

• Application of Quality Controls:

  • Laboratory Fortified Blank

  • Instrument Detection Limit

  • Using confidence interval to evaluate method accuracy

3. Principles of Pharmacology

• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics:

  • ADME

  • Dose-response

  • Therapeutic Index

  • Drug-receptor relationship

4. Analytical Forensic Toxicology

• Screening Tests:

  • Development of antibody profile using animal models

  • Immunoassays
    

• Extraction Methods:

  • Acid Digestion for the Analysis of Heavy Metals

  • Principles of Solid Phase Extraction

  • Solid-Liquid Extraction

  • Aci-Base Extraction (extraction of alkaloids – Otto-Stas Method)

  • Liquid-liquid Extraction

  • Headspace for the analysis of alcohol and other volatiles

  • Solid Phase Microextraction

  • Solid Phase Stir-Bar Extraction

  • QuEChERS
    

• Confirmatory Tests:

  • Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry

  • Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry in Tandem (Triplequadrupole - QQQ)

  • Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry in Tandem (Quadrupole Time of Flight – QTOF)

  • Induced Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

5. New Models in Forensic Toxicology

• In Silico Models:

  • The use of software to predict metabolic reactions

  • Application of machine learning tools to elucidate possible drug biomarkers of use
    

• In Vitro Models:

  • Microsomes

  • 2D cell culture

  • 3D cell culture

  • Toxicity assays in cell culture models

  • Toxicity assays using tissues (lipid peroxidation, GSH/GSSH method, protein alkylation method).
    

• In Vivo Models:

  • The use of animals in toxicity research and evaluation

  • Animal models for different types of drugs

  • Ethical issues of using animal models

6. Quality Assurance and Method Validation

·       Consideration of the standard approach to method validation including UKAS style paperwork and parameters including repeatability of measurement, intra- and inter-day variability, LODs, LOQs, Internal Quality Controls (IQCs), Levy-Jennings, Precision, Bias, Uncertainty.

·       A practical approach based on the design, implementation and statistical evaluation of a drug of forensic toxicological and pharmaceutical interest.

·       This element will form a formative assessment.