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.

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

Lina Li

Term	Winter 2026
Class time	Friday 11 am - 1 pm
Office hours	Appointments scheduled with students as needed by e-mail.

Hours: 24L
Prerequisite: LMP310H1, LMP320H1. Pre-requisite waiver requests must be made to the academic unit (lmp.undergraduate@utoronto.ca).
Exclusions: none
Credit value: 0.5
Distribution requirements: Science
Breadth requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)
Enrolment limits: 35 students

Assignment: Proposal - AI in medicolegal death investigation. 15%. Format: 2 page written proposal. Due February 13, 2026.

In-class mid-term exam 35%. Exam format: short answers. All topics presented before Reading will be covered by this exam. February 27, 2026.

In person final exam 50%.

Date	Topic	Instructor
January 9, 2026	Introduction to Forensic Pathology.	Dr. Patrick Kim
January 16, 2026	Death from Natural Causes	Dr. Patrick Kim
January 23, 2026	Blunt Trauma Including Transportation Injuries	Dr. Henry Xie
January 30, 2026	Sharp Force Injuries and Gunshot Wounds	Dr. Henry Xie
February 6, 2026	Environment-Related Deaths	Dr. Patrick Kim
February 13, 2026	Asphyxial Deaths	Dr. Karissa French
February 20, 2026	Reading week, no class
February 27, 2026	Midterm exam
March 6, 2026	Toxicological Causes of Death	Dr. Karissa French
March 13, 2026	Deaths in Vulnerable Populations	Dr. Patrick Kim
March 20, 2026	Special Topics in Forensic Pathology; Writing Medicolegal Opinion	Dr. Patrick Kim
March 27, 2026	AI in Forensic Pathology; Course Review	Dr. Patrick Kim
April 9 - April 29, 2025	Final exam period