- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This laboratory course introduces the chemistry and analytical requirements for the testing of illicit and controlled drugs. The student will learn the characterization of drugs in typical street form including cannabis, cocaine and crack, heroin, designer drugs and hallucinogens, as well as how they are analyzed, and the requirements for their certification to be used in a court of law. The student will learn how to use various chemical tests, isolation and purification techniques, as well as chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
Prerequisite(s)
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary chemistry.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$900.20
Learning Outcomes
- Identify classes and chemical properties of street drugs.
- Identify classes and chemical properties of street drugs.
- Describe techniques used for identification of street drugs-naturally occurring, semi-synthetic, synthetic-including extraction, isolation and purification.
- Explain roles, responsibilities and safety procedures in the laboratory.
- Perform classic colour tests on various drug types.
- Describe GC & TLC chromatographic techniques and use of visualizing reagents.
- Describe features of infrared and mass spectrometry.
- Describe physical and chemical macro and micro characteristics of Cannabis Marihuana.
- Identify cocaine using colour tests and spectroscopic techniques.
- Test for the presence of amphetamines and heroin in powdered samples.
- Identify the characteristics of clandestine laboratories including reactions, drug types, locations, hazards and by-products.
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Drug Analysis (FSCT 8250) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2025
Below is one offering of FSCT 8250 for the Fall 2025 term.
CRN 32938
Dates
Sep 08 - Dec 08 Loading
- CRN 32938
- $900.20 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
13 weeks
Instructor
Adrienne Law
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- This offering will be taught F2F (face to face) for the Fall 202530 term. No Class on Monday Oct 13 (Thanksgiving weekend). There is no required textbook. The instructor will distribute course material in class. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.