JS 673: Forensic Drug Analysis

Taken Summer 2012 Instructor: Dan Matteo Fairly basic introduction to drug chemistry and analytical techniques. Teaches about the classes of drugs and lab processing. Pretty much an overview, Dan touches on most topics but leaves depth for toxicology in the Fall. Tests are cumulative and repetitive. Ends with informal presentations and a simple moot court. Enjoyed the class and learned a lot.

JS 673: Forensic Drug Analysis

Taken Summer 2012 Instructor:Dan Matteo I was a bit concerned about taking this course because my background is in biology. Also, it was the first time Forensic Drug Analysis was taught separately from Forensic Toxicology. However, I really enjoyed the course! The instructor was very knowledgeable and down-to-earth. You'll learn about using micro-crystalline and color tests to determine the class of a drug. You will also use tools such as the GC/MS and an IR spectrometer. I would encourage anyone getting ready to take the course to attend every class. Because the semester was only 9 weeks, we covered a lot of material. The majority of class sessions would consist of an exam, a lecture, and an in-class lab assignment. The exams were primarily short answer questions and became more comprehensive as the semester progressed. The test material came primarily from the lectures. A few questions came from the book. The lab assignments were straightforward and some exam questions came from the lab. We also had a presentation, a mock court room testimony, and an unknown drug to identify. These assignments were intended to help boost your grade if you were borderline, although they were not optional.

JS 673:Forensic Drug Anlys and Toxicology

Taken Summer 2012 Instructor: Dan Matteo I never thought I would be interested in a career in drug chemistry until I took this class. Dan is an actual drug chemist that has been working in the field for about 12 years and exposes you to the basics of drug chemistry. You'll get to see how a GC/MS and IR works as well as how to do different color tests used in drug chemistry labs. Even though the summer session was short, Dan was about to teach a vast amount of information. His tests build off each other, which helped me to retain all the information I learned throughout the semester. This class is very laid back and fun and gives you a good background for future class, like toxicology.

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.

JS 673: Forensic Drug Analysis and Toxicology

Taken Summer 2011
Instructor: Dan Matteo

Review:
For me, this was one of the best classes I have ever taken. Everything we learned can be applied to was is done in a real drug chemistry or toxicology lab. The teacher for drug chemistry was Dan Matteo and the teacher for toxicology was Karen. Both are current forensic scientists that work in the Birmingham Regional laboratory for ADFS. They gave real examples of situations they have been in. Moot court was extremely helpful. Dan questioned us very well giving us questions that the defense will get us to fall for even when we become professionals.