Forensic Toxicology by Research MSc (Full-time, Part-time)

Course overview

Why study Forensic Toxicology at BU?

• Work with real case scenarios, other scientific institutions and build up a network for possible further research / employment
• Gain excellent practical laboratory skills
• Graduate with a publication in a peer reviewed journal.

What will I study?

Toxicology, the study of drugs and poisons, is an expanding area of study that offers graduates a wide range of career options. Forensic toxicology is the application of the science and study of drugs and poisons to questions that arise in judicial proceedings and involves a wide range of case scenarios including drugs/alcohol and driving, drug facilitated sexual assault, and deliberate/malicious poisoning.

Forensics toxicology involves the study of the isolation and analysis of drugs and poisons from a wide variety of matixes, including human tissues and the effects that these may have on the individual. The course will aim to provide students with a detailed knowledge concerning the selection and collection of case materials, as well as the analytical techniques used in forensic toxicology laboratories for the isolation and identification of drugs and poisons.

You will study the signs and symptoms associated with the use of common drugs and poisons, basic pharmacology, mechanisms of drug/poison action, drug metabolism and drug elimination from the body. In addition to the more traditional areas of forensic toxicology, the course will introduce you to aspects of environmental forensic science where toxicology may be involved.

An important part of the training of the forensic expert is associated with the presentation of evidence in court and so you will undertake training in the preparation and presentation of evidence.

The course is delivered by experienced forensic toxicologists and forensic practitioners with an emphasis on professional capabilities. Wherever possible the study will be case lead. Our objective is to provide excellent, theoretically informed, science-based learning as well as research skills.