Environmental Crime & Toxicology

Are you interested in the hidden world of environmental crime? Do you also want to explore if and how substances involved in these crimes can affect our environment and health? Do you want to know what investigations methods are applied to detect this crime? In this course, you will dive into the science behind it and work on a practical case study.

What can you expect?

• From narcotic production to illegal shipping of e-waste – discover ways criminals commit Environmental Crime
• Toxicology – Learn how harmful substances impact the human body and the ecosystem
• Chemical Analysis – Use simple and/or advanced methods for chemical profiling and analysis of substances that are applied in environmental forensics
• Forensic Investigation – Learn how criminal investigations are carried out to uncover environmental crime
• Rules & Legislation – gain knowledge about relevant legal frameworks and quality and information management systems
• Data analysis – gain insight and apply (advanced) data analysis techniques
• Real case studies – during the entire minor you work on an environmental crime case study  from practice.
  
  So, if you care about the health of People and Planet and want to apply your detective skills against unfair Profit, apply to this minor.

Added Value

• Unique minor that meets labor market needs
• Interdisciplinary: students from various disciplines participate. Knowledge is offered at your own level
• Case studies and research questions from practice are discussed
• Work in small groups on case-studies of interest
• Company / field visits
• Good preparation for an internship or graduation assignment in toxicology, environmental crime, and/or analytical chemistry
  

Environmental crime case study
The student will, under supervision, analyze an environmental crime case-study by collecting and examining environmental samples, applying relevant chemical analytical techniques, obtain and interpret data and report the toxicological implications (for humans and/or the ecosystem) in relation to the forensic research question, and report the results in a structured and comprehensible manner, adhering to applicable quality standards and legal requirements.

Theory 
The student can describe theoretical concepts and principles of e.g. environmental toxicology, organ toxicology, toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics, risk assessment, and analytical (spectroscopic) techniques that are relevant in forensic applications.

Practical
The student can, under supervision, perform laboratory procedures and follow different workshop (e.g. exposure assessment, and dose-response analysis), interpret the results in relation to the research question, 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.

Casarett & Doull’s Essentials of Toxicology, 9780071847087

• 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
• Environmental forensic research project

o       Research proposal

o       Labwork

o       Research report

o       Toxicological risk assessment

Poster presentation

Maximum No. of participants

24