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Pharmacy (PHARM) - Investigative Toxicology
PHARM 7353      Investigative Toxicology
The science of investigative toxicology is an emerging science that plays a central role in forensic toxicology and pathology regarding conditions of and for exposure of many different kinds of environmental, biological, chemical, or physical agents. Investigative toxicology may include criminal or civil legal matters. The duties of an investigative toxicologist include the qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs or poisons in biological systems and other physical evidence collected at the scene of the investigation. This also includes the interpretation of the exposure scene evidence and findings in regard to the physiologic and behavioral effect of those exposed to the detected/suspected chemical(s) at time of exposure. The complete investigation of the cause or causes of sudden or chronic chemical exposure and its potential aftermath is an important civic responsibility. The use of toxicologic information in investigation assessment requires careful field and laboratory analysis, evaluation of data, and scientific judgment. Knowledge in the toxicological field is important to domestic settings, community, law enforcement and workplace atmosphere aiming at providing reasonable theories and conclusions regarding intentional or the non-intentional exposure of poisonous agents that concern human health. Investigation toxicology of a poison exposure can be divided into four measures: 1) obtaining the case history and scene investigation of poisonous contamination, 2) collection of data and/or evidence, 3) methods and procedures designed for toxicological analyses of physical evidence, 4) interpretation of the toxic experience landscape. Establishing the mechanism of exposure rests with the investigative toxicologists, but success in arriving at the correct conclusion may also include the combined efforts of the forensic toxicologist and pathologist. Health care professionals and public safety providers have the responsibility to investigate, inform and educate the public on the human health concern of poison exposures and the importance in avoiding contact with toxic chemicals and potential poisonous situations. Prerequisite: Pharmacology I. Restrictions: B.S. Pharm Sci>Pharmacol/Pharm Sci Grad>PharmD - (P1)
Faculty: School of Pharmacy
Department: Pharmacy - General
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