The Forensic Toxicology concentration is provided by UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine. It focuses on general and advanced principles of toxicology, forensic toxicology, and drug metabolism providing a strong foundation in analytical techniques, pharmacokinetics, drug elimination and toxicology.
Take the next step toward your M.S.
Who is this concentration for?
This program may be of interest to those currently working or seeking employment in the following areas: crime laboratories, medical examiners' offices, police departments, criminal defense firms, prosecution attorneys' offices, hospital and clinical chemistry labs, pharmaceutical companies and high school science programs.
Degree Completion
Upon completion of this program, graduates will earn a Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences and a concentration in Forensic Toxicology issued by the Graduate School of the University of Florida. The transcripts will read Master of Science, graduation date, major Veterinary Medical Sciences, concentration Forensic Toxicology. The diploma will read Master of Science issued by the Graduate School.
Course Progression
Core-Required Courses
Core courses must be completed before your final semester and should be completed before the required courses.
Required Courses
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VME 6650 | Principles of Mammalian Phamacology | 4 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| PHA 6935 | Applied Statistics for Data Analysis | 3 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| VME 6582 | Introduction to Forensic Medicine I | 4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| VME 6604 | Literature Survey of Forensic Toxicology | 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| VME 6934 | Special Topics in Forensic Toxicology (online using Honorlock) | 1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Required Courses can be taken in any order and any semester prior to the final semester. Literature Survey and Special Topics must be taken in your final semester.
Elective Courses
Elective courses can be taken in addition to the previous 32 credits. They can be taken before graduation or completed in your final semester. These courses are not required and can be taken in any order.
Recommended Course Order
The following is a recommended course order for students pursuing a master’s degree in forensic toxicology:
- Forensic Toxicology I must be taken before Forensic Toxicology II, and Laboratory QAQC should be taken following successful completion of Forensic Toxicology 1.
- General Toxicology is recommended before Drug Biotransformation & Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity and Toxic Substances.
- Introduction to Introduction to Forensic Medicine 1 must be taken before Introduction to Introduction to Forensic Medicine 2.
- Applied Statistics for Data Analysis can be taken any time prior to the final semester.
- Special Topics and Literature Surveys must be completed in the final semester.
- The University of Florida requires that you are registered for the following number of credits during the term you are graduating: Summer term: 2 credit hours; Fall/Spring term: 3 credit hours. Since the Special Topics course is only 1 credit, you will need to be sure you meet the credit requirement as noted above. It is strongly recommended that students only register for literature survey and special topics in their final term; if you need to register for an additional class due to financial aid or other circumstances, please contact Nancy Toffolo at ntoffolo@ufl.edu. All core required classes must be completed in the terms prior to your final semester.
Course Syllabus Catalog
The general course policies and the most recent course syllabus catalog are available as a PDF for download here.