Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Chemistry.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes using powerpoint, presenting the theoretical foundations and possible applications of scientific methodologies and technical procedures.

Theoretical-practical classes for presentation and informed discussion of case studies based on theoretical assumptions.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of general ideas on toxicology, poisoning and associated toxic agents

To identify acute and chronic intoxications, and the general signs and symptoms related to the toxic substances

Knowledge of the toxicological substances and / or group of substances most commonly associated with poisoning in Portugal and their respective etiologies

Know the importance of clinical, circumstantial and thanatological information for the toxics research and results orientation.

Developing the ability to correctly interpret a report of forensic toxicology.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Forensic Toxicology: scope and objectives.
The importance of clinical information, thanatological and circumstantial in guiding the toxic research. Sampling and chain of custody: selection, collection, packaging, transportation and packaging of samples in forensic toxicology.
Drug intoxication.

Clinical Toxicology aspects.
Doping.
Endogenous and exogenous substances and profiles and biological passports.
Explosives.
Analysis of fibers and others textiles.
Analysis of other non-biological traces.
Structure of biomolecules and metabolism.
Poisoning volatile compounds.
Alcohol and forensic expertise on the dead corpse.
Ethanol. Poisoning by drugs of abuse. Opiates and amphetamines. Cocaine and cannabinoids.
Pesticide poisoning. Organochlorine pesticides, organophosphates, carbamates.
Glyphosate and Paraquat poisoning. Statistics and etiology.
Clinical Toxicology. Medicolegal problems.
Case studies.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Baselt RC.Disposition of toxic drugs and chemicals in man. 7th ed.FosterCity: BiomedicalPublications; 2004
Hadley K, Fereday MJ. Ensuring competent performance in forensic practice. New York: CRC Press; 2008
Http://www.mai.gov.pt/data/areas_accao/Prevencao_seg_rodoviaria/portaria_902B_2007.pdf
Instituto de Desporto de Portugal http://www.idesporto.pt
Karch SB, editor. Postmortem toxicology of abused drugs. New York: CRC Press; 2008
Lista de substâncias e métodos proibidos (2011). WorldAnti-DopingAgency
Lista de substâncias e métodos proibidos (2011).World Anti-Doping Agency; http://www.wada-ama.org/en
National Institute of Drugs of Abuse http://www.nida.nih.gov
Portaria n.º 902/B de 13 de Agosto de 2007
Saukko P, Knight B. Knight’s Forensic Pathology.  3rd. ed. London: Edward Arnold; 2004.
Shkrum M. Forensic Pathology of Trauma. Totowa, New Jersey: Humana Press; 2007. p. 228-231
World Anti-Doping Code. World Anti-Doping Agency
World Anti-Doping Agency http://www.wada-ama.org/en/