Are you fascinated by the truth behind poisonings and the science of drugs, medicines, and toxins? Do you want to learn how substances are detected in the body and what role toxicology plays in forensic investigations? If you also enjoy working in a laboratory and want to learn how to model the behavior of substances in the human body, then the Forensic Toxicology minor is perfect for you!

In this minor, you will explore the world of:

• Medicines and toxic substances – How do they work in the body?
• Doping, alcohol, and drugs – From recreational use to crime.
• Forensic analysis – Learn how to detect toxic substances using advanced chemical analytical techniques.
• Toxicological testing – Conduct toxicity tests and perform in vitro toxicity experiments in the lab.
• Kinetics – Study how quickly substances are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated (ADME), also by applying in vitro assays yourself.
• Physiological Based Kinetic (PBK) modeling – Build your own model to predict how substances behave in the body and explore inter-individual differences.

Discover how broad the application of forensic toxicology is.

Added value:

• Unique minor integrating both lab work and modelling
• Interdisciplinary minor: students from various disciplines participate. Knowledge is offered at your own level
• Practical case studies and research questions (in small groups)
• Guest lectures from experts
• PBK modelling workshops
• Good preparation for an internship or graduation assignment in toxicology, forensics, PBK modelling, and/or analytical chemistry

Theory

The student can describe theoretical concepts of e.g. pathological responses and organ toxicology toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics, post-mortem toxicology, risk assessment principles, and analytical (spectroscopic) techniques relevant for forensic toxicology.

Forensic toxicological case study

The student can, under supervision, analyze a forensic toxicological case-study by collecting relevant toxicological data (from both literature and own lab experiments), developing and applying a physiologically based kinetic model, interpretate forensic toxicologic data and clearly report the findings to both peers and non-specialists, with consideration for ethical and legal frameworks.

Practical

The student can, under supervision, perform toxicological laboratory techniques, such as cell culture and ADME studies, interpret the results in relation to toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic processes, integrate these into a PBK model, and accurately document these according to applicable quality and safety standards.

At least including propaedeutic exam plus 40EC from bachelor phase, in a study programme in forensic sciences, life sciences, chemistry, food technology, environmental sciences or related. Basic knowledge about biochemistry, and experience working safely in an analytical chemistry and/or (molecular) biology lab.

Based on the external student's field of study, the coordinator determines what specific documents must be provided.

Casarett & Doull’s Essentials of Toxicology, 9780071847087

Student are expected to be available from Monday till Friday. The schedule differs from week to week.

Teaching method(s) and study load

• Lectures including various guest lectures
• Seminars
• Work discussions / tutor groups
• Practicals
• Drafting a research proposal
• Conduct research
• Presentation / jury discussions
• Reporting
• Field trips
• Self study

 30 ECTS = 840 hours in total

• Theoretical exam
• Workshops and lab assignment (e.g. dose-response modelling, exposure assessments, toxicity tests)
• Forensic toxicological research project with PBK model
  • Research proposal
  • Labwork in vitro cell culture and ADME studies
  • Toxicological risk assessment
  • Research report including statistics
  • Poster presentation

Grades between: 1-10; 0.1 interval; 5.5 pass

View ECTS credits and grading

Maximum No. of participants / Waiting list​:

24