Pharmacology/toxycology and Legal Medicine

The course aims to provide the basic notions to:
1. know the working principles of drugs and toxicants at the molecular, cellular and complex systems level
2. know the main parameters and pharmacokinetic variables
3. understand the legal aspects of professional practice, i.e. the duties, the meaning and the legal consequences of acts performed during laboratory and research work
4. know technical and legal aspects of forensic toxicology

The student will acquire the terminology and knowledge related to the molecular aspects of the mechanisms of drugs. This knowledge will be complemented by notions of pharmacokinetics, which will be useful to better understand the problems related to the correct use of drugs.
Students will be able to understand the basics of the Italian legal system, the legal consequences of negligence, malpractice and imprudence or wilful behaviour; the duties related to the practice of the profession (professional secrecy, informed consent, duty to inform the authorities), acts aimed at proactively minimize legal risks, the principles of accountability. The students will also be able to understand the basic principles of forensic genetics in criminal and paternity testing settings, as well as the duty to protect personal data.