Curricular Unit:			Code:
Skills: Legal Medicine and Toxicology			1162PMLT
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
2	Undergraduate	Criminology	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
Spring Semester		Portuguese/English	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
The objective of this curricular unit is to provide students of Criminology with general knowledge about the role of Forensic Medicine and other forensic sciences, as well as theoretical and practical knowledge related to specific areas of Forensic Pathology and Forensic Toxicology. It is intended to provide the student with the skills to apply the knowledge and understanding skills acquired in the analysis and resolution of medical-legal problems encountered in the exercise of their professional activity. It is also intended that the student develops scientific and critical thinking and acquires skills that allow the updating and progress in the scientific field and its practical application.
Syllabus:
Portuguese forensic medical organization. Types of forensic medical expertise and scope. Forensic Pathology. General procedures of a medico-legal autopsy. Pathophysiology of death. Pathology of wounds. Autopsy in settings of natural death, sudden death, mechanical asphyxia, submersion, deaths associated with stab wounds, and gunshot deaths. Types and classification of injuries. Presentation of cases. Forensic toxicology. Types of intoxication. Classification of toxic compounds. Pharmacokinetics, Toxicokinetics, and Necrokinetics. Toxicological investigation. Collection, preservation, and handling of samples. Chain of custody. Toxicological analysis and interpretation of findings. Toxic substances: Ethanol, Drugs of abuse, and others. Portuguese legislation concerning driving under the influence of alcohol and psychotropic substances. Cases presentation.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The syllabus is consistent with the objectives aimed at the acquisition of segmented and oriented concepts and specific areas of application of forensic sciences by encouraging the development of student's critical thinking and ability to apply the knowledge acquired in performing medico-legal skills and for resolving medical-legal issues. The constant request for practical nature activities helps to fulfill the established objectives.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The teaching methods are theoretical-practical classes, including (1) explanation and debate of relevant theoretical concepts; (2) demonstration of the practical application of those concepts; and (3) guidance of autonomous study by the students, consulting the recommended references. The assessment consists of two written tests (one on Forensic Pathology and one on Forensic Toxicology) worth 50% of the final grade each.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The teaching methodologies are consistent with the objectives of the course as they seek to provide students with knowledge related to specific areas of Forensic Pathology and Forensic Toxicology regarding its scope, objectives, and mode of conducting medical-legal expertise. With the resolution of practical cases, it is intended that students develop critical and reflective thinking, that allow updating and progressing in the scientific field and its practical application. In addition to the essential bibliography attached, each topic will be followed by specific readings that will be discussed in class to stimulate the understanding of the problem and acquisition of a critical spirit.
Reading:
Di Maio, V. J. M., & Molina, K. (2021). DiMaio's Forensic Pathology: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group. Lappas, N. T., & Lappas, C. M. (2021). Forensic Toxicology: Principles and Concepts: Elsevier Science. Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira, Maria de Lourdes Bastos, Félix Dias Carvalho (Eds), Toxicologia Forense, Pactor, 2015. Curtis D. Klaassen (Ed.), Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, Ninth Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2019. Levine, B. S., & KERRIGAN, S. (2020). Principles of Forensic Toxicology: Springer International Publishing. Maria de Fátima Terra Pinheiro (Ed.) CSI Criminal, Edições Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 2008. ISBN: 9789896430030 Saukko, P. J., & Knight, B. (2016). Knight's Forensic Pathology: CRC Press. Charles Catanese (Ed.) Color Atlas of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 2016.