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Forensic Toxicology FSCT 8240

Forensic Investigation Course

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International Fees

International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.

Course details

This course serves as an introduction to the analysis, interpretation and reporting of common drugs encountered by a practicing forensic toxicologist. Other topics that are explored include laboratory techniques and instrumentation, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of common drugs including cannabis, CNS stimulants, Opioids, CNS depressants and novel psychoactive drugs, the application of forensic toxicology to post-mortem, sexual assault and impaired driving cases, and presenting expert testimony in court. Directed reading, practical quiz and participatory discussions will introduce you to the science of forensic toxicology.

Prerequisite(s)

  • 3 credits of university/college chemistry course.

Credits

3.0

Domestic fees

$798.50

Course offerings

Winter 2024

Below is one offering of FSCT 8240 for the Winter 2024 term.

CRN 47557

Duration

Thu Jan 04 - Thu Apr 11 (14 weeks)

  • 14 weeks
  • CRN 47557
  • Domestic fees $798.50
    International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees.
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
Jan 04 - Apr 11 Thu 19:00 - 21:30 Online
Instructor

Kimberly Young

Course outline

Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.

Domestic fees

$798.50

Important information
  1. Internet delivery format.
  2. Departmental approval needed
  3. International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
  4. Co-instructor is Elizabeth Hird. This course will be taught ONLINE and consists of weekly live lectures which will be recorded. There will be no class on Feb 22, 2024. Lecture materials will be released each week along with assigned reading from the textbook (www.bcitbookstore.ca/distance/buy_main.asp? (BCIT WINTER 2024 TERM... DE – FSCT), a weekly quiz or assignment, and compulsory discussion forum. The details of the course structure will be posted in the online course material. Students who have been accepted into a Forensic Science program where this course is a part of the program 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 @ BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
Status

Seats Available

3 seats remaining as of Sun December 10, 2023 at 9:00 am (PST). Availability may change at any time.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Explain, in detail, the analytical process for extracting, screening, confirming and determining a level for a particular drug or drug group. Be able to illustrate how the process was contamination free, samples were not mixed up and that the analysis was accurate.
  • Compare the scientific instruments used in Forensic Toxicology including their scientific principles and components, as well as how they are used to confirm that a drug is present.
  • Differentiate the pros and cons of the different analytical techniques utilized during analysis, and what techniques are better for certain drugs and drugs groups and why.
  • Evaluate in detail the chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics of commonly encountered drugs or drug groups including alcohol, CNS depressants, CNS stimulants, opioids, cannabis and hallucinogens.
  • Describe the specific issues and concerns encountered in Forensic Toxicology including drug stability and storage, post mortem redistribution, post mortem production of alcohol, time between sample collection and sample analysis, use of particular vials/additives for analysis.
  • Contrast which components of driving are and are not affected by drugs as well as any risk factors associated with a drug or drug groups after reviewing the scientific literature.
  • Outline the elements of giving expert testimony and the type of evidence expected for qualifications, direct or cross examination as well as how to prepare an expert CV.

Effective as of Winter 2024

Related Programs

Forensic Toxicology (FSCT 8240) is offered as a part of the following programs:

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
    Bachelor of Science Full-time
  2. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Advanced Certificate Part-time
  3. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Bachelor of Technology Part-time

Contact Us

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  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond your request for BCIT course information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5A 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.