Analytical Toxicology enables students to gain detailed knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of analytical toxicology and its application. Modules include: Principles of analytical toxicology; Laboratory techniques; Practical classes; Clinical toxicology; Forensic toxicology. Expected careers include analytical and supervisory roles within government and private institutions.
KEY BENEFITS
- This programme, unique in the UK, integrates theoretical and practical aspects of analytical science with clinical and forensic toxicology.
- It has been designed for scientists wishing to enter the field of clinical or forensic toxicology, or for clinical and forensic practitioners wishing to enhance their existing knowledge and professional experience.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Expected career paths include analytical and supervisory roles within government and private institutions.
Programme leader/s
Dr Andrew Kicman
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, September to September.
Location
Waterloo Campus. The research project may be undertaken in the UK or overseas.
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
School of Biomedical Sciences
Department of Forensic Science and Drug Monitoring
Closing date
16th August 2012
Intake
10 FT approximately.
Fees
FT Home: £5950 (2012)
FT Overseas: £18000 (2012)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Admissions
Tel: 020 7848 8390
Email
PURPOSE
To provide graduates with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of analytical toxicology and its application to the best standards of clinical and forensic practice.
DESCRIPTION
Key features of this programme include:
- A unique programme that integrates both clinical and forensic toxicology with analytical science.
- Programme content has been developed in consultation with both national and international experts in the field of clinical and forensic toxicology.
- A strong practical element which includes a research project carried out either in industry or within a King’s laboratory, for example, in King’s Drug Control Centre.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Please see the modules list below for a basic description of each of the modules, which are studied in the following order:
- Principles of Analytical Toxicology
- Biochemical Toxicology
- Clinical & Forensic Toxicology
- Advanced Analytical Toxicology
- Analytical Research Project
Follow this link for a
complete guide to module content, which can also be found under the Further Information tab, Further Literature section.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Four taught modules, providing a firm theoretical and practical (laboratory) training in specialist skills. Also an in-depth laboratory-based research project.
The assessment of the taught modules is by written examination paper and coursework (practical reports, case studies, poster and oral presentations, essays). The research project is judged on the basis of a written report, poster presentation and mini viva voce.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7BBFA009
Credit level: 7
This highly practical module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of sample handling, immunoassay, techniques, on-site and point of care testing for drugs and alcohol, as well as the latest mass spectrometry instrumentation.
Topics include:
- Advanced sample handling, including consideration of matrices, solid phase extraction and microextraction
- On-site testing for drugs and alcohol, including near patient testing devices as used in roadside testing
- Mass spectrometry techniques and instrumentation
Practicals and workshops give hands-on experience to learn the key elements of sample extraction, immunoassay, on-site testing, and mass spectrometry.
Module code: 7BBFA010
Credit level: 7
All students will carry out a relevant supervised project to develop research skills and detailed understanding of a specific technique. Wherever possible, this will be at an external clinical or external forensic laboratory. We realise that for some students, an external placement may be difficult and if this is the case, internal placements within King’s College London may be found, for example, within the Drug Control Centre.
Module code: 7BBFA007
Credit level: 7
This module provides an understanding of the fundamental principles of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. It also covers elementary pharmacokinetics, mechanisms and principles of toxicology and pharmacogenetics relating to drug development and safety evaluation. Students will learn how to interpret and integrate a broad range of toxicological information, and apply their skills in the assessment of actual and potential acute or chronic drug toxicity. In addition, this module also addresses the toxicological assessment of a number of important chemical poisons, including heavy metals and pesticides.
Topics include:
- Chemistry for biologists and biology for chemists
- Anatomy and physiology, including an introduction to clinical biochemistry
- Pharmacological classification and drug action
- Drug absorption, distribution and elimination
- Xenobiotic biotransformation
- Functionalisation reactions
- Conjugation reactions
- Factors affecting drug metabolism
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic parameters
- Intravenous and oral drug administration
- Multiple dosing
- Principles of toxicology and toxic response
- Toxicokinetics
- Specific examples of drug toxicity
Module code: 7BBFA008
Credit level: 7
This module provides an in-depth understanding of common drugs and chemical poisons relevant to both clinical and forensic toxicology.
A strong emphasis is placed is on the application of modern analytical methods to the measurement of drugs, chemical poisons and their metabolites in biological fluids in both a clinical and medicolegal context. The emphasis of this module is to integrate aspects of clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, with extensive use of both clinical and forensic case reports concerning suspected poisoning and drug misuse. This module will include data evaluation, report preparation and presentation, tutorials and workshops.
Topics include:
- Drug misuse, poisoning and its epidemiology
- The clinical management of poisoning
- The clinical and forensic toxicology of alcohol, methanol, amphetamines, cannabis and cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates and opoids, including laboratory techniques used in the investigation of abuse, overdose or intoxication
- Newer drugs such as GHB, ketamine and piperazines
- Benzodiazepines and related hypnotic drugs
- Psychotropic drugs
- Pesticides
- Non-opoid analgesics such as paracetamol and aspirin
- Cardiovascular agents, including beta blockers, antiarrhythmic agents and digoxin
- Metallic poisons, including arsenic, lead, mercury and thallium
- Therapeutic drug monitoring
- Drugs in sport
- Poisonous plants and herbal medicines
- Fire deaths related to suspected carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning
The module also covers the role of laboratory investigations in the diagnosis and management of suspected poisoning or sudden or unexpected deaths, best practice in techniques applied and their application to patient care and the medico-legal aspects of drug abuse and poisoning.
Workshop topics include:
- Post-mortem toxicology
- Paediatric clinical and forensic toxicology
- Forensic issues relating to drugs and alcoholrelated criminal cases
- The practical forensic aspects of blood and urine alcohol measurement
Module code: 7BBFA006
Credit level: 7
An introduction to the major chromatographic, spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques applied to analytical toxicology, the instrumentation used and the scientific principles underlying the instrumentation. Students will be tutored on applying the appropriate analytical techniques for different sample types and cases, bearing in mind the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as specimen collection, preservation, storage and documentation.
Topics include:
- Immunochemical techniques
- Chromatography; spectroscopy and spectrometry
- Mathematics for analysts
- Auality assurance
- Specimen preparation and extraction
A series of practicals, workshops and tutorials include:
- Chemometrics (calculations for analysts)
- Laboratory skills including health and safety, pipette skills and volumetric work
- Gas chromatography
- High performance liquid chromatography
- Specimen collection, preservation and storage, chain of custody and documentation of specimens
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:1 first degree in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, forensic science or related discipline. Overseas applicants with an equivalent qualification are encouraged to apply.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You will be admitted on the basis of your academic ability, recommendations from referees and a successful interview.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please give any information you consider relevant to your application not mentioned anywhere on the application form, for example work experience, research projects undertaken.
FUNDING
Contact School for details.
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