LMP415H1 - Forensic Pathobiology 24L

Course description

A thematic review of the major scientific areas and research controversies in forensic medicine.

The approach is mechanistic analysis and evidence-based medicine.

Classical forensic medicine is critically analyzed with emphasis on experimental methods to resolve controversies.

We also explore how the justice system utilizes medical and scientific data.

Course coordinator

Dr. Maliha Khara

Office address: Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, 25 Morton Shulman Ave 

Maliha.khara@ontario.ca

Teaching assistant

Evan Lubanszky

evan.lubanszky@mail.utoronto.ca

Term

Winter 2023

Class time

Friday 2 - 4 pm

Office hours

Appointments scheduled with students as needed by e-mail.

Course details

  • Hours: 24L
  • PrerequisiteLMP310H1LMP320H1
  • Exclusions: none
  • Distribution requirements: Science
  • Breadth requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)
  • Enrolment limits: 35 students

Student evaluation

In-class mid-term exam 50% - short and long answer format

Final exam 50% - short and long answer format

See information on Academic Integrity

Schedule

Date

Topic

Instructor

January 13, 2023

Intro to Forensic Pathology, the forensic autopsy, PM changes, cause and manner of death

Dr. Maliha Khara

January 20, 2023

Deaths from natural causes; therapeutic complications

Dr. Jayantha Herath

January 27, 2023

Injuries: blunt, sharp, firearms, blast

Dr. C. Lemieux

February 3, 2023

Asphyxias (including drowning)

Dr. Tyler Hickey

February 10, 2023

Toxicological COD

Dr. R. Ndikumana

February 17, 2023

Child Abuse and Elder Abuse 

Dr. L. Kocovski

February 20 - 24, 2023

Reading week

 

March 3, 2023

Midterm exam 

 

March 10, 2023

Environment Related Deaths

Dr. Magdaleni Bellis

March 17, 2023

Neurological causes of death, Molecular Autopsy

Dr. Maliha Khara

March 27, 2023

Injuries associated with transportation/FP potpourri

Dr. D. Smyck

March 31, 2023

Deaths in custody/Human rights abuses; Ethics

Dr. Christopher Ball

TBC April 11 - April 28

Final exam

 

Recommended reading or text book

There is no required text, however, we recommend following standard textbooks as references

  1. Robbins and Cotran Pathological Basis of Disease
  2. Forensic Pathology, DiMaio and DiMaio
  3. Knight’s Forensic Pathology
  4. Simpson’s Forensic Medicine