Fundamentals of Forensic Toxicology is an introductory course that discusses the basic principles and procedures used in forensic toxicology. The course content addresses the practices and methods used, but also the proper handling of specimens and quality assurance practices. The intended audience for this course is people new to the field of forensic toxicology, interested in the field, or a review of the topic.
Cost: $0-225. This course takes 20 hours to complete, on average.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Define toxicology vs. forensic toxicology
Define pharmacology
Define postmortem toxicology and discuss why it is important in death investigations
Define human performance toxicology
Explain why workplace drug testing is considered a part of forensic toxicology
Explain what a presumptive test is and why it is used in forensic toxicology
Explain what a confirmatory test is and why it is used in forensic toxicology
Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offering 3.6 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is 20 hours. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required. The course cost is $225 per registration (with the exception of public lab employees, law enforcement, public attorneys, and federal employees – please see "Registration Information" below). A certificate of completion will be issued to students successfully meeting course requirements.
Table of Contents
Unit 1: Introduction to Toxicology
Unit 2: Forensic Pharmacology
Unit 3: Roles of the Forensic Toxicologist
Unit 4: Postmortem Toxicology
Unit 5: Human Performance Toxicology
Unit 6: Workplace Drug Testing
Unit 7: Specimen Preparation and Extraction Methods
Unit 8: Presumptive Tests
Unit 9: Confirmatory Tests
Unit 10: Drugs Commonly Tested for in Forensic Toxicology
Unit 11: Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course. A printable version of the course content is available in PDF format in the course library for future reference. Course readings are also available in PDF format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be familiar with toxicology to take this course?
Answer: No, this course is intended for any forensic or law enforcement professional with an interest in learning more about forensic toxicology.
I answered a question with the correct answer, why was it marked incorrect?
Answer: All quizzes are manually graded by the instructor which can take up to 72 hours. Keep in mind grading is not performed on weekends, holidays, or after close of business. The updated grade will appear in the “my grades” tab in the course once it has been updated.
Why can’t I see the animations in the course content?
Answer: The required course plug-ins may not be installed. Necessary course plug-ins can be found in the “Getting Started” button of the course on the page titled “eCampus Tutorial”. Click on the tab “Required Browser Plugins” and download the four listed programs.
Computer Requirements
Mozilla Firefox
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Quicktime
Adobe Flash Player
Java
There are free software plug-ins available in the Getting Started area of the course.
Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.). The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.
Instructor Information
Samantha Neal is the Instructional Coordinator for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops research, scientific resources, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities are the development and coordination of online continuing education courses in forensic science and continuing education programs. She has undergraduate degrees in both Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Chemistry.
Contact: samantha.neal@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5836
Sarah is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. She has a Bachelor's in Biology from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Sarah has also earned her Master's in Forensic Science from Towson University. During her graduate studies, Sarah was involved in research funded by the NIJ. The project focused on finding new serological tests using DNA as the substrate. Her responsibilities include assisting with online classes, developing a relationship with vendors, and helping with training. Sarah is a native of Wyckoff, NJ. Contact: sarah.ellis@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-9540.
Please read below to determine your eligibility. If you have any eligibility questions please contact Forensic Science Initiative at FSI@mail.wvu.eduBEFORE you register. Registration is accepted year-round for this course.
For general FAQs for the FSI online courses please click here.
