Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The lectures are grounded in teaching techniques aimed at a teaching / participatory learning:

• Formulation of goals

• Use of handouts

• Structuring the lesson from the analysis of a problem

• Placement of issues which promote the reasoning

• Discussion after exposure

• Exposure complemented by brief summary final

The exposure technique of lectures is guided by the theme of the lesson, active / interactive methodology is used whenever possible.

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

• Distinguish the concepts of psychic and physical dependence, tolerance, and potential toxic effects.

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

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Toxicology/Forensic Toxicology:historical development, basic concepts, scope and objectives

The Toxicological Expertise: in vivo and in the corpse.

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

Intoxication by drugs of abuse.Opioids and amphetamines and derivatives, and synthesis drugs or "designer" drugs.Cocaine and Cannabinoids

Ethanol:Medico-legal expert in vivo - roadside surveys under the influence of ethanol and psychotropic substances,illegal substances and drugs

Accidents and labour accidents

Carbon monoxide,hydrocyanic acid and derivatives.

Pesticides Intoxication:Organochlorine pesticides, organophosphates, carbamates. Poisoning by Paraquat and Glyphosate

Metals Intoxication:Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, Aluminum, Thallium, and Lithium

Intoxication by drugs:Hypnotics, neuroleptics,anxiolytics,antidepressants and analgesics

Intoxication by solvents and caustic substances

Intoxication by plants and animals.

Head Lecturer(s)

Helena Maria Sousa Ferreira Teixeira

Assessment Methods

Final assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

1- Barry Levine, Principles of Forensic Toxicology, 4 th ed., AACC Press, 2013.

2 - Goodman & Gilman's. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12th ed.,  McGrwaw Hill,  2011.  

3 - Guimarães et al. Terapêutica Medicamentosa e suas Bases Farmacológicas, 5ª ed., Porto Editora, 2005.  

4 - Steven B. Karch. Drug Abuse Handbook,  CRC, 1998.  

5 - Mathew J. Ellenhorn. Ellenhon's Medical Toxicology, 2nd ed.,  Williams and Wilkins, 1997