SubjectsSubjects(version: 982)
Course, academic year 2026/2027
  
   
Forensic and Clinical Toxicology - B342010
Title: Forenzní a klinická toxikologie
Guaranteed by: Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds (342)
Faculty: Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Actual: from 2026
Semester: winter
Points: winter s.:5
E-Credits: winter s.:5
Examination process: winter s.:
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:3/1, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity: unknown / unknown (unknown)Schedule is not published yet, this information might be misleading.
Min. number of students: unlimited
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech
Teaching methods: full-time
Level:  
Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan
enabled for web enrollment
Guarantor: Kuchař Martin doc. Ing. Ph.D.
Examination dates   Schedule   
Annotation -
This course builds on the introductory lectures from Fundamentals of Forensic and Toxicological Analysis. Clinical and forensic toxicology are two independent yet closely related disciplines that apply a wide range of analytical and bioanalytical methods, as well as knowledge of poison mechanisms, to diagnose intoxications and resolve questions arising in judicial proceedings. The course provides a basic overview of toxic substances, their entry into the body, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME/LADME), along with key concepts in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Students will gain insight into major analytical techniques used in clinical and forensic toxicology, including instrumental and immunochemical methods. Emphasis is placed on the selection and preanalytical processing of biological samples. Specific types of poisoning (e.g., by inorganic substances, natural toxins, alcohols, and drugs of abuse) are discussed, with a focus on diagnostic approaches and treatment options. Practical sessions include the application of calculation methods, modeling of pharmacokinetic parameters, and prediction of metabolic pathways of toxic compounds.
Last update: Kuchař Martin (13.04.2025)
Course completion requirements -

To complete this course, the student is required to attend lectures and practical classes in person, with a minimum attendance of 80%, and to present an assigned project. The course is concluded with an oral examination.

Last update: Kuchař Martin (13.04.2025)
Literature -

R: Hirsch H. L.: Essential Communication Strategies for Scientists, Engineers, and Technology Professionals, Wiley, 2005 (Online ISBN: 9780471722946)

A: Russel N.: Communicating Science: Professional, Popular, Literary, Cambridge University Press, 2010

Last update: Cibulková Jana (26.02.2025)
Teaching methods -

• Lectures using multimedia presentations and practical case studies from clinical and forensic practice.

• Interactive frontal teaching: the instructor presents the material while actively involving students through questions, discussions, and reflections on real-life scenarios.

• In-lecture discussions focused on critical evaluation of toxicological findings, ethical aspects, and interdisciplinary connections.

• Student project presentations during lectures followed by group discussion and feedback from both the instructor and peers.

• Case study work – applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios of clinical intoxications and forensic investigations.

• Practical classes focused on solving tasks related to toxicokinetic calculations, modeling of substance metabolism, and designing analytical procedures.

• Problem-solving individually and in groups, with emphasis on reasoning, comparing methods, and discussing results.

• Interactive problem-solving at the board, developing analytical and critical thinking in the context of practical toxicology.

• Ongoing formative assessment during exercises aimed at supporting understanding and real-world application of theoretical concepts.

Last update: Kuchař Martin (13.04.2025)
Requirements to the exam -

Examination Requirements:

The examination is conducted in the form of an oral exam. Students may only take the oral exam after fulfilling the following conditions:

Personal attendance at lectures and practical classes (minimum 80% attendance, or completion of an individual written assignment in justified cases)

Presentation of the assigned project

Achieving at least 50% in the credit test

The final grade is based solely on the oral examination. Meeting all credit requirements is a prerequisite for admission to the exam. If a student does not receive credit, they are not allowed to take the oral exam and the course is graded as F.

Last update: Kuchař Martin (13.04.2025)
Syllabus -

Introduction to Clinical and Forensic Toxicology and Related Legislation

Mechanisms of Intoxication

Pharmacokinetic Models in Toxicology

Metabolism and Biotransformation of Toxic Substances

Analytical Methods in Forensic and Clinical Toxicology – Bioanalytical and Immunochemical Techniques

Analytical Methods in Forensic and Clinical Toxicology – Separation and Other Instrumental Techniques

Classification of Samples and Use of Alternative Materials in Toxicology – Sample Selection and Collection

Classification of Samples and Use of Alternative Materials in Toxicology – Sample Preparation and Preanalytical Phase

Pharmacodynamics of Toxic Substances and Poisoning Therapy, Case Studies – Inorganic Compounds

Pharmacodynamics of Toxic Substances and Poisoning Therapy, Case Studies – Mushroom Toxins

Pharmacodynamics of Toxic Substances and Poisoning Therapy, Case Studies – Plant Toxins

Pharmacodynamics of Toxic Substances and Poisoning Therapy, Case Studies – Animal Toxins

Pharmacodynamics of Toxic Substances and Poisoning Therapy, Case Studies – Ethanol and Other Toxicologically Relevant Organic Compounds

Pharmacodynamics of Toxic Substances and Poisoning Therapy, Case Studies – Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances, Driving Under the Influence, Detection Methods in Drivers

Last update: Kuchař Martin (13.04.2025)
Learning resources -

Presentations and notes from lectures and seminars.

Recommended literature.

Balíková, Marie. Forenzní a klinická toxikologie, laboratorní toxikologická vyšetření. Praha: Galén, 2007, 140 s. s. ISBN 978-80-7262-284-9.

Negrusz, Adam, Cooper, Gail Audrey Ann. Clarke's analytical forensic toxicology. : , , xxi, 634 stran s. ISBN 978-0-85711-054-1.

Frank A. Barile. Barile’s Clinical Toxicology: Principles and Mechanisms 3rd Edition. : CRC Press, , s. ISBN 978-0849315824.

Last update: Kuchař Martin (17.04.2025)
Learning outcomes -

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to navigate the field of clinical and forensic toxicology, including relevant legislation. They will understand the fundamental principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of toxic substances in the human body (ADME/LADME), as well as basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models.

Students will gain knowledge of analytical techniques used in toxicology, including bioanalytical, immunochemical, and instrumental methods (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS). They will be able to select appropriate biological samples and apply correct procedures during the pre-analytical phase of toxicological analysis.

They will be able to evaluate cases of poisoning by inorganic compounds, plant, animal, and fungal toxins, ethanol, and other psychoactive substances. Students will learn to apply theoretical knowledge to real case studies and prepare and present an independent project.

The course emphasizes the integration of theoretical understanding with practical reasoning, analytical thinking, and the ability to present toxicological problems in both clinical and legal contexts.

Last update: Kuchař Martin (13.04.2025)
Entry requirements -

There are no prerequisites required for this course.

Last update: Kuchař Martin (17.04.2025)
Registration requirements -

B323020 Základy forenzní a toxikologické analýzy, B323012 Analytické metody ve forenzní analýze, B320001 Biochemie I

Last update: Kuchař Martin (13.04.2025)
 
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