units

FOR5007

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Monash University

Postgraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 0 (NATIONAL PRIORITY), 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelPostgraduate
FacultyFaculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
OfferedClayton First semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)Prof O Drummer

Synopsis

Teaching in this unit aims to develop students' familiarity with the concepts of clinical and post-mortem toxicology. The unit also focuses on the basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of commonly abused drugs found in forensic medical cases. Emphasis will be on behavioural issues of these drugs and how they relate to forensic practice. Such issues include the effects on cognitive and psychomotor skills in drivers and in the workplace and other adverse reactions attributed to drug misuse.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student will be expected to:

  1. demonstrate a familiarity of the technical terms associated with analytical toxicology;
  2. demonstrate a broad understanding of the range of techniques used in forensic toxicology;
  3. demonstrate an awareness of the type of drugs seen in forensic medical cases;
  4. comprehend the main pharmacological effects of alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and cannabis with the emphasis on their effects on behaviours, psychomotor control and cognition;
  5. describe and recognise the relevant behavioural effects of common illicit drug combinations and common adverse illicit drug reactions; and
  6. apply this knowledge to forensic cases for the purpose of preparation and presentation to courts..

Assessment

Case study 1: 20%
Case study 2: 30%
Presentation: 25%
Workbook: 25%

Chief examiner(s)

Prof Olaf Drummer

Off-campus attendance requirements

Compulsory 2 day workshop