JS 673: Forensic Drug Analysis and Toxicology

Taken: Summer 2011
Instructor: Dan Matteo

This course was broken into two sections: Drug Chemistry with Dan and Toxicology with Karen. This was probably one of the best courses I have taken. Both Dan and Karen drew upon their experiences working in the Hoover ADFS lab to teach us as much as they could about both departments. In Dan's sections, we did practicals involving extractions, microcrystal tests, FTIR, and GC/MS. It was helpful to get hands-on experience. Karen's section did not involve any practicals, but she gave us a lot of information about toxicology and pharmacology; it wasn't just the different types of drugs, but also the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of them. At the end of the semester, we had to identify an unknown substance and testify in moot court. Dan conducted moot court, and questioned us in a way for us to actually gain experience testifying in court, while also frequently stopping to give us various tips and further explanations. The only downside to this course was that it really needed to be split up into two different classes. There was so much more they could have gone over with us (and more in depth) if they'd had more time. But overall, I really enjoyed the class.