Curious about studying Forensic Toxicologyat University of Greenwich? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
University of Greenwich (Medway Campus)
Sandwich
Sep 2026
4 Year
With purpose-built facilities and links to local emergency and counter-terrorism services, choosing Greenwich for a forensics degree is the best decision you will make for your forensics future.Our degree in Forensic Toxicology will prepare you for many exciting careers spanning forensic science, whether you are interested in working for a forensic science provider, hospital or research laboratory. With millions of chemicals in existence, there is little wonder why it is important to understand the effects of these substances on the body and the methods capable of their detection. The relevance of drug use and abuse in forensic casework can be illustrated by statements such as "the drug made me do it" which is a very common defence argument leading to more lenient sentencing and reduced culpability.In the words of Paracelsus, "it's the dose that makes the poison" so you will graduate with strong quantitative and analytical skills. Among many topics, you will learn about many different types of drugs, how they act on the human body, how they are detected, how to report evidence of drugs, and defence arguments used in the court of law. You will also gain an appreciation of topics such as crime scene sciences, biology, chemistry and physiology.Whether you are interested in a career involving clinical toxicology or are enticed by research involving novel crossover specialisms such as entomotoxicology, anthrotoxicology, ecotoxicology and pharmacogenetics, this course will prepare you for your career of choice.
To introduce students to the structure and properties of nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and to introduce the relationship between structure and biological function. To introduce the fundamental science of enzymes as biological catalysts and the role of cofactors.
? To provide a broad overview of the fundamentals of biology, from the cellular level, to the ecosystem. ? To provide an understanding of the fundamental principles of physiology at an anatomical and functional level
? To provide students with a basic knowledge of forensic science including where it fits in within the legal process ? To build confidence and competence in basic laboratory procedures particularly where related to forensic science. ? To introduce students to the principles and applications of biological and chemical analyses within the context of forensic practice ? To develop an awareness of, and commitment to, the ethical and legal obligations of science and forensic science in particular ? To understand the breadth and diversity of forensic disciplines and the role of a forensic scientist.
To introduce students to the key stages in modern drug discovery and pharmaceutical product development. The module shows the role organic chemistry plays in drug optimisation while developing students? understanding of reaction mechanisms. PHAR0012 also develops students? problem solving and library research skills through report preparation and spectroscopy structural determination problems.
? To enhance the student?s knowledge in a specific area of chemistry outside the indicative content of the taught programme. ? To develop an appreciation of a specific topic through the study of appropriate literature and to enhance the student?s skills through the presentation of an evaluation both orally and in a written report.
This module provides students with a broad practical introduction to laboratory and professional skills: Students will develop the basic skills and knowledge needed for working in a laboratory: chemical handling, measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions; aseptic technique; laboratory instrumentation; collecting, analysing and reporting data; and health and safety requirements; Lab and learning skills acquired will underpin students? progression into the subject-specific degree components of term 2 modules; Generic professional skills and employability skills are introduced via personal development planning (PDP), based on recommendations of Skills for Scientists (http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/resource/download/res00001029/cmp00001721/pdf) and subject benchmark statements for key subject areas within the School of Science (www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements) via student-directed activities.
The module will introduce students to the process behind drug development after which students will learn about major categories of drugs important in the field of forensic toxicology.
The module is designed to prepare students for the fields of clinical and forensic toxicology and will cover case types encountered in a hospital setting and at a crime scene. The module will also include discussions on testing regimens, vulnerable groups, and interpretation of case scenarios, as well as areas of overlap between these case types.
This module is designed to provide students with basic understanding of a range of analytical techniques, and to be able to apply these basic principles to a chosen specialised scientific field such as the forensic, chemical or the pharmaceutical industry.
? To have an understanding of the morphology and biological character of viruses, bacteria and fungi. ? To introduce the control of these organisms, and aseptic working. ? Preservatives and preservative testing. ? To be able to relate the design of a product with the pharmacokinetic parameters of the active agent. ? To introduce the concepts of thermodynamic stability and kinetic stability. ? Calculate pharmacokinetic constants from plasma and urine data and interpret the findings. ? To appreciate the importance of pre-formulation issues. ? To appreciate the use of colloids and colloid stability in pharmaceutical formulation. ? To gain an appreciation of the factors involved in the production of a formulated product to a specification. ? To be able to describe the characteristics and uses of the main dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, pulmonary aerosols, injectables and transdermal delivery systems.
To provide a fundamental pharmacological knowledge of the principles of drug action including the concept of drug action at cell, tissue and system levels. To introduce malfunctions in normal physiology that contribute to pathophysiological conditions and relate mechanisms of drug action to therapeutic intervention of these diseases.
To develop students' understanding of the roles and limitations of homeostatic control and regulation. ? To examine the factors which contribute to the integrated control of representative examples of different physiological systems in health and disease.
? Demonstrate a wide knowledge of the techniques and skills required for the collection, processing, recording, preservation and interpretation of crime scene. ? Display a clear appreciation of the responsibilities, roles and liabilities of those involve in crime scene investigation, and be able to work effectively and make a positive contribution within such a team following relevant quality assurance procedures. ? Practically demonstrate the ability to construct and manage efficient investigation strategies and to effectively communicate and discuss them both verbally and in writing.
The placement helps students synthesise knowledge and skills acquired during the first two years of the degree programme and apply them appropriately in a working environment under the supervision of an employer. It provides students with the opportunity to manage and enhance the development of their own personal skills, acquire and develop a range of skills such as communication skills, professional awareness, technological skills, employability skills, and have the opportunity to apply them in a work environment. It also aims to provide students with an opportunity to work supervised and unsupervised with an appreciation of work ethics.
The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the matrices used in forensic toxicology and related disciplines, and will emphasize more specific challenges encountered in forensic toxicology laboratories, not covered in the module Instrumental Analysis.
This module aims to introduce, develop and secure a coherent strategy for the acquisition and interpretation of analytical data directed towards the solution of analytical problems. The specific aims are: ? To apply appropriate mathematical and statistical methods to critically evaluate data. ? To provide an integrated approach to solve and assess the statistical significance of analytical data. ? To make recommendations based upon data analysis to assist research and commercial decision-making processes.
? To extend knowledge of neuropharmacology in the autonomic and central nervous systems (with an emphasis on the CNS and CNS disorders). ? To increase understanding of neurotransmission in the nervous systems, sites of drug action, drug targets and therapeutic uses. ? To provide an understanding of the pathophysiology and neuropharmacology of various disorders/diseases of the CNS. ? To encourage students to develop a critical approach to the interpretation of pharmacological information.
? To provide an opportunity for personal development in applying prior theoretical and practical learning to a specific project. ? To demonstrate the ability to carry out a sustained piece of work related to the student?s field of study.
The module is designed to provide students with an awareness of contemporary forensic toxicology issues, and prepare them for communicating science to a lay audience.
4.3The University of Greenwich is a leading higher education institution whose driving force is an ethos of ‘no limits'. Th...
