Units / FOR5025
FOR5025 · Forensic pharmacology
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Forensic Medicine
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit builds on FOR5007 Elements of Forensic Toxicology, an introductory unit in aspects of forensic toxicology of relevance to forensic practitioners with a medical background, to deliver more advanced knowledge in drug detection techniques and use of alternative specimens to assist in investigations, teaching of advanced pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug interactions and aspects of pharmacogenomics relevant to those with both biomedical science and medical backgrounds.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| University of the Philippines | Second semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
| Southbank | Second semester | A combination of on-campus and online teaching in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case study (1,800 words) | Written | 30% | — |
| 2 | Analytical case study-based report (1,800 words) | Written | 30% | — |
| 3 | Integrated case-based presentation (12 mins + 3 mins Q&A) | Presentation | 40% | Competency |
Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prerequisite
- FOR5007 — Elements of forensic toxicology
Learning outcomes
- Articulate the specialist applications for specimens in particular types of cases where drug involvement is suspected.
- Critically evaluate key elements to initiate an investigation where drug involvement is suspected.
- Apply concepts of advanced analytical practice with its strengths and limitations in relation to drug detection.
- Attribute complex pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics responses to drugs and be able to apply this to relevant cases
- Articulate the various types of drug interactions of relevance to forensic medicine and their relevance to drug actions.
- Explain and evaluate the common types of genetic variations that can significantly modify drug effects.
- Review and evaluate the key elements involved in cases where drug use has modified behaviour, e.g. in drug facilitated assaults.
Workload
It is expected that you will need to undertake approximately 12 hours of study per week over the Semester. This will include private study (text and readings), assessment tasks (case studies, assignments), and may include involvement in case work. Video-based materials including key lectures will also be available.
Ask about FOR5025
Answered from the Handbook fields above — no AI, no guessing. Every answer links back to the source.
Community discussions about FOR5025
CommunityStudent experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.