BSc in Forensic Toxicology (ab initio)

BSc in Forensic Toxicology

According to the Society of Toxicology, toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical or biological agents on people, animals, and the environment. Toxicologists, therefore, are scientists trained to investigate, interpret, and communicate the nature of those effects.

Forensic toxicology involves the study of toxins – poisons, drugs, and other substances that have a life-threatening effect on a living being. A forensic toxicologist knows the rates of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs and chemicals along with a variety of other features about the nature of the interaction of toxins with the human body. Forensic toxicologists may perform tests on human or animal tissue samples and body fluids in order to determine whether or not a toxin is present. As well as possessing specialist scientific knowledge, forensic toxicologists are required to have strong communication and interpersonal skills (written and oral), IT skills, time management skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

This three-year, ab initio level 7 degree programme provides an integrated, coordinated and comprehensive education in forensic toxicology. It will equip you to work in a wide range of sectors such as pharmachemical and healthcare companies, contract research and testing, chemical companies, government agencies, health services (among others). 

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

Grade D3 at ordinary level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

FETAC

FETAC applicants to this programme must hold the following award: Laboratory Techniques (CASLT). They are also required to have the module Mathematics (C20139) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate Mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.

Modules

Year 1

Learning to Learn, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics for Scientists, Information Technology for Scientists, Current Scientific Issues through Enquiry-Based Learning and Scientific Computing.

Year 2

Biochemistry, Genetics & Forensics, General & Applied Microbiology, Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Physical & Inorganic Chemistry and Probability & Statistics.

Year 3

Biochemical & Forensic Toxicology, Ecotoxicology, Analytical & Forensic Toxicology, Toxicological Pathology, Genotoxicology, Quality Control & Experimental Design and Occupational Regulatory Affairs.

Progression

As a graduate of this programme you are eligible to apply to join the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Human & Animal Toxicology or the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Biosciences at AIT, or related Level 8 programmes at other third-level institutions.

Professional Recognition

Career Opportunities

The course provides suitable training to enable graduates to pursue a variety of career opportunities. These include employment in the food, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries; in research and development laboratories, in ensuring the safety of new products; and in regulatory agencies concerned with the monitoring and control of toxic agents. With the recent enactment of environmental legislation, several graduates of this course have obtained employment as environmental science technicians. 

Additional Information