T - Toxicology Program

Pharmacology of Cannabinoids

Class Code: 
T104
Subject Area: 
T - Toxicology Program
Class Location: 
California Criminalistics Institute / Various
Class Description: 

Class being developed.  Webinar based.

Forensic Toxicology Instrumentation - LCMSMS

Class Code: 
T102b
Subject Area: 
T - Toxicology Program
Class Location: 
Various/Orange County
Class Description: 

This 16-hour course presents a comprehensive overview of the theory and practical application of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) instrumentation in forensic toxicology. Topics to be presented include basic LC theory and operation, basic mass spectrometer theory and operation as it pertains to LC, instrumental set-up and configuration, the use of LC/MS and LC/MS/MS in forensic toxicology, and qualitative and quantitative analyses. In addition, method development, validation, and proficiency testing will be discussed. Specific applications topics include analysis of common drugs of abuse, general unknown screens and specialized analyte screens (e.g., benzodiazepines, thermally labile drugs, quaternary ammonium compounds, HGH, insulin) and quantitations. Trace evidence analysts may be interested in general LC/MS/MS principles and selected discussions about applications of LC/MS/MS to explosives residue analysis.

Instructor: 
TBA
Preparation: 
Successful completion of Forensic Toxicology-Basic Concepts (T101) or equivalent.
Tuition: 
No cost to POST supported or State of California based Law Enforcement agencies.
Course Contact: 
CCI FAX (916) 464-5818

Introduction to Forensic Toxicology

Class Code: 
T101
Subject Area: 
T - Toxicology Program
Class Location: 
California Criminalistics Institute / Various
Class Description: 

This one-week (36-hour) course will present a systematic approach to processing biological samples for the presence of drugs and poisons, and an introduction to fundamental theoretical principles applied to toxicology and drug analytes. Course topics include postmortem, antemortem toxicology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, sample preparation and extraction techniques, instrumentation (GCMS, LCMS, immunoassay), and basic classes of drug analytes (alcohol, CNS depressants, stimulants, etc.). Priority admission to this course will be afforded to California public crime laboratory personnel. It is directed towards those who are currently, or are soon to be, assigned responsibility for forensic toxicological analyses.

Instructor: 
Various
Teaching Methods: 
Participatory lectures and demonstrations.
Objectives: 
(1) To understand analytical processes used in forensic toxicological laboratories. (2) To learn fundamental theoretical principles applied to forensic toxicological samples. (3) To understand general concepts and properties of various classes of drug analytes.
Prerequisites: 
Familiarity with fundamentals of college level chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and/or clinical sciences is highly encouraged.
Preparation: 
Pre-course reading material may be provided.
Tuition: 
No cost to POST supported or State of California based Law Enforcement agencies. A $600.00 tuition fee will be required of all other public agency, private sector, or out-of-state applicants.
Course Contact: 
Neda Khoshkebari (916) 464-5599, (916)464-0600
More Information: 

Forensic Alcohol Interpretation

Class Code: 
T108
Subject Area: 
T - Toxicology Program
Class Location: 
Various
Class Description: 

This four-day class (32 hours) presents scientific principles useful for understanding effects that alcohol can have on a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Topics to be addressed include:
a) Overview of value and purpose of forensic alcohol analysis;
b) Pharmacology, toxicology, and physiology of alcohol;
c) Widmark hypothesis;
d) Impairment;
e) Field sobriety tests;
f) Legal aspects of alcohol analysis;
g) Common courtroom challenges;
h) A practical drinking correlation experiment;
i) Hypothetical questions regarding drinking scenarios. POST Plan IV Certified

Instructor: 
Various
Teaching Methods: 
Lectures, discussions, demonstrations, drinking/correlation experiments.
Objectives: 
Students will understand better how impairment relates to blood alcohol concentration; absorption, distribution and elimination of alcohol in humans; the design and execution of drinking/correlation experiments; how California regulations address alcohol and impaired drivers.
Prerequisites: 
Competence with forensic analysis of alcohol in blood, breath and urine. Familiarity with chemical properties of alcohol, general physiology, and legal statutes regulating driving with alcohol.
Preparation: 
Pre-class reading material may be assigned.
Materials Fee: 
$0
Tuition: 
No cost to California public laboratory personnel. A $480.00 tuition fee will be required for all other public agencies, private sector, or out of state applications. Checks may be made payable to CA State Department of Justice.
Course Contact: 
Neda Khoshkebari (916) 464-5599, (916)464-0600
More Information: