MED4301: Toxicology and Forensic Medicine

This course is intended to acquaint the student with principles of toxicology. It equips the student with knowledge on potentially toxic substances in the clinical practice and environment. Furthermore, it provides knowledge and skills to assess and manage poisoned patients. This course also introduces the students to the legal aspects of the medical profession and prepares a doctor to defend the community as an expert witness. It uses common medical legal problems in Uganda as examples. It also has a laboratory aspect where students will participate in carrying out post-mortem.  
 
Course objectives  
By the end of the course, students should be able to;  

• Describe the different branches of toxicology and their role to society 
• Explain the concept of exposure, toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics and toxicogenetics in poisoning 
• Explain the various common drug and food poisoning (toxidromes) encountered in clinical practice 
• Describe the pharmacological basis of the presenting signs and symptoms and approaches used in management of poisoned patients 
• Explain the concept Forensic pathology and forensic medicine 
• Discuss the legal aspects of the medical profession 
• Explain the responsibility of the doctor as an expert witness
• Describe the examinations carried out in a clinical forensic unit