Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Course Overview

Toxicology is the study of toxins, which are substances that are toxic or harmful to the body. These toxins can be natural or artificial and can cause disablement or death. According to the 'Encyclopedia of Toxicology', toxicology is an ancient practice that is now defined as "the study of all the adverse effects resulting from the interaction of chemicals or physical agents with living organisms." Toxicology is a multidisciplinary science that draws from various areas, such as medicine, epidemiology, pharmacy, and engineering. Toxicological studies involve the detection, identification, and quantification of hazards resulting from human exposure to chemicals, public health aspects of toxic agents in the environment, and testing of novel pharmaceutical products. Toxicologists are also involved in the development of standards and regulations designed to protect the environment and human health from the deleterious effects of chemical toxicants. Toxicology provides important information to both medicine and epidemiology, contributing to a better understanding of disease etiology and the plausibility of the causal association between disease development and exposure to hazard agents. Additionally, toxicology uses toxic agents as tools in molecular biology studies to explore events occurring at molecular and gene cell levels. In summary, toxicology encompasses the detection, occurrence, properties, effects, and regulation of toxicants, and is a unique scientific discipline in its ability to achieve a balance between production of science and direct public applications.