65010 Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65019 Foundations of Forensic Science
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject examines the underpinning science of drugs and poisons relevant to matters that arise in judicial proceedings – that is forensic toxicology. The subject also takes a more detailed look at the chemistry, pharmacology and societal context of a number of groups of illicit substances. The online modules cover topics including mechanisms of action, the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs and poisons from the body as well as the signs and symptoms associated with the use of common drugs and poisons. In addition, several classes of drugs, such as stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens and mixed-effect drugs, are examined, focusing on their routes of synthesis, chemical profiling techniques, sampling and analysis protocols and construction and operation of clandestine laboratories. The subject also provides an overview of state and federal laws relevant to licit and illicit drugs and poisons and social issues related to the use of recreational drugs and the 'war on drugs'. The practical component is designed to reinforce topics covered in online modules and seeks to give students experience in solving problems associated with the analysis of a wide range of biological matrices relevant to the profession.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain the fundamental concepts of forensic toxicology, including its scope, origins and current practice, and apply these to current case studies |
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| 2. | Apply State, Federal and International legislation relevant to the recreational use of drugs and determine the social impact of such legislation |
| 3. | Evaluate, relate and reflect on the impact of the “war on drugs” on society |
| 4. | Explain the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of toxins |
| 5. | Explain the chemistry and pharmacology of a range of substances used in contemporary Australia as recreational drugs |
| 6. | Assess the toxicity and risks of specific types of drugs and poisons |
| 7. | Interpret dose forms and methods of administration of both licit and recreational drugs |
| 8. | Conduct accurate laboratory and data analyses in forensic toxicology, interpret and summarise results in an appropriate scientific format |
| 9. | Interpret experimental results and data in relation to the characterisation of drugs and poisons and the quantitation of such substances in biological fluids |
| 10. | Work collaboratively in a small team and contribute to formal recording of process |
| 11. | Critically evaluate the current scientific literature relating to forensic toxicology and communicate research finding within this context, in written and oral formats |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Critically engage with the appraisal and application of advanced knowledge, technical skills and research principles relevant to professional practice in forensic science. (1.1)
- Assess, argue for, and conduct appropriate approaches to complex forensic science problems through investigation, analysis and independent research in a relevant professional context. (2.1)
- Develop and execute - individually or collaboratively - ethical, safe and sustainable work practices, accountable to stakeholder requirements in forensic science, locally and globally. (3.1)
- Reflexively discover, create and evaluate the processes used to determine the value, integrity, and relevance of multiple sources of information to derive innovative solutions to complex forensic science problems. (4.1)
- Communicate complex ideas and justifications in a rigorous and professional manner using a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to discipline experts, scientists, stakeholders, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
- Disciplinary knowledge
The subject aims to introduce students with the fundamentals of forensic toxicology and provide an understanding of the nature, practice and application of the chemistry and pharmacology of recreational drugs. Both theoretical and practical materials which consolidate knowledge presented in the online modules are provided to develop students’ disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application. The online quizzes are designed to provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their learning and assess their knowledge of the subject’s content. This is further reinforced by the pre-laboratory activities that require students to carry out a literature search on the practical topic prior to the commencement of the experiment, and is used to assess student’s understanding of the scientific principles behind each practical.
- Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in laboratory-based problem-solving, enquiry and conceptual thinking. Students learn to acquire record and interpret scientific data obtained using sample preparation techniques, screening tests and confirmatory tests. In small teams, students will also conduct an investigation into the identification of the active ingredients in an unknown tablet obtained from a mock forensic case. Students will use the scientific data obtained to make judgements beyond the current experiment to the legal implications of quality assurance and experimental uncertainty. Students will assess and evaluate relevant scientific evidence and literature, and incorporate these into written scientific reports, group presentation in a scientific format and a critical analysis essay assignment.
- Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
Practical classes are constructed to cover some core areas of the subject in an effort to develop students’ professional skills and to enhance students’ employability. These professional skills include logical thought, problem-solving skills, the ability to work in a team and the collection, handling and presentation of quality data. Importantly, students also learn to conduct forensic toxicology investigations in a professional and ethical manner within the legal forensic framework. Assessment is based on the quality of pre-laboratory work, participation in the classroom, post-laboratory reports and group presentation of results.
- Reflection, innovation, creativity
Students will evaluate the social impact of various drug policies and advocate for their preferred policy in the drug policy assignment. Through the online content, students will be introduced to the legislation relevant to recreational drugs and to various drug policies including the “war on drugs”, harm minimisation and legalisation. The review of media news articles will further allow students to develop an understanding of the effect these drug policies have on society.
- Communication
Students have the opportunity to further develop their written and oral communication skills, particularly in mastering the language of forensic toxicology, through laboratory-based scientific reports, participating in group discussion and presentation, and in the essay assignment. In the practical program, students are required to communicate sample preparation, structural characterisation and quantitation results in a written format, through the completion of formal laboratory reports, as well as a group oral presentation in a scientific format.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered through online module content, eleven workshops and hands-on laboratory sessions. The online module content and practical notes are located on Canvas. While completing the online modules students will have the opportunity to participate in discussions through embedded discussion forums, problem solving and calculations, and analyses of case examples used to explore the concepts of forensic toxicology. Students are also required to complete independent research to supplement the online modules.
In the laboratory sessions, students work collaboratively in groups of 2 – 3 throughout the practical sessions to investigate various drugs and poisons, and the analysis of a number of biological matrices including urine. Students are required to complete pre-lab work before the laboratory sessions, which is accessed through Canvas. Written and verbal feedback is provided on the pre-lab work which gives guidance for the experimental work and laboratory reports. In these practical sessions, students will complete a number of experiments designed to replicate the type and standard of work that occurs in a toxicology laboratory. Therefore students get hands-on experience with the techniques, equipment and samples they would encounter in a working laboratory environment. During the classes, students will conduct the experiments and collect, record and interpret data in small teams. Through these practical sessions, students will develop their time management, teamwork and communication skills. Verbal feedback on the progress of the experiments and the students input and performance is provided in class. Students will learn to communicate their experimental results through both the writing of a scientific report and an oral presentation. Detailed feedback on these reports is provided which students can utilise in the preparation of future assessments.
In the workshops, students will develop skills to help them in completing the practical experiments and in transition to industry. Students will take part in a number of workshops covering topics from the interpretation of analytical data to professional skills required in a toxicology laboratory environment. Students will complete activities during the workshops which will be submitted and assessed. Verbal and written feedback will be given on these tasks to help students develop their skills and knowledge.
Content (topics)
Online Modules:
- Relevant laws, legislations and metrological standards in forensic toxicology
- Licit and recreational drug use
- Review of biochemical molecules and processes important to sustain life
- Review of the central nervous system, the chemistry of nerve transmission
- Absorption, distribution metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics
- Mechanism of drug action, concepts of agonists, antagonists
- Stimulants (e.g. amphetamines, cocaine)
- Opiates and cannabinoids
- Hallucinogens
- Mixed effect drugs (e.g. MDMA, nicotine)
- Sedatives/hypnotics (e.g. benzodiazepines, gamma hydroxybutyrate)
- Manufacture of amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, heroin and other drugs
- Routes of synthesis and profiling of drugs to determine route of manufacture or geographical area of origin
- Opium poppy cultivation and heroin processing in Mainland Southeast Asia
- Systematic approach in analytical toxicology
- Postmortem toxicology including sampling
- Interpretation of analytical results
Workshops
- Foundamental biology and chemistry
- Profession skills
- Analytical toxicology data interpretation
Laboratory practicals
- Cyanide detection in cyanogenic food products
- Detection of opiates in biological matrices
- Identification of unknown tablets
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Practical
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical, and social responsibility 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 10, 11, 8 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | Appropriate presentation and analysis of results, correct response to questions; individual input into practical work, communication skills. |
Assessment task 2: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical, and social responsibility 4. Reflection, innovation, creativity 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Correct responses to questions, ability to express ideas clearly, clear argument for prefrential drug policy |
Assessment task 3: Workshop Activities
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 10, 11 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Correct responses to questions, correct understanding of concepts?, ability to express ideas clearly |
Minimum requirements
Practical classes and workshops in subjects offered by the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences are an essential and integral part of each subject in which they run. In addition to assisting students’ understanding of concepts, practical classes and workshops develop important laboratory skills and experience that are desired by employers. Thus students are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled sessions.
Failure to attend a class that is associated with a submitted report will result in a mark of zero for that report unless an acceptable reason for your absence, supported by relevant evidence, is provided to the subject coordinator.
Recommended texts
- Hardman, J.G., Limbird, L. E. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 10th Ed., McGraw-Hill (2001).
- Moffat, A. C., Osselton, M. D., Widdop, B. and Galichet, L. Y. Clarke's Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, 3rd Ed. Pharmaceutical Press (2004). This is available online via the library website.
- Merck Index: An Encyclopaedia of Chemicals, Drugs, & Biologicals. Merck & Co, (2001) ISBN: 0-911-91013-1.
- Handbook of Forensic Drug Analysis, 2005, F P Smith and J Siegel, Elsevier Academic Press, ISBN 0 12 650641 8
Other resources
Other useful references will be posted on Canvas.