- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This course examines the pharmacological and physiological effects of alcohol consumption on the human body. The theoretical basis and practical applications of various technologies, both laboratory based and field use based, that are currently utilized to determine blood alcohol concentration in the body will be thoroughly reviewed. Students will be given practical training in the usage of Approved Screening Devices and Evidentiary Breath Testing Instruments. Actual application and interpretation of the obtained blood alcohol concentration results within a courtroom setting will also be discussed and further reinforced by use of sample case studies.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$851.18
Learning Outcomes
This course examines the pharmacological and physiological effects of alcohol consumption on the human body. The theoretical basis and practical applications of various technologies, both laboratory based and field use based, that are currently utilized to determine blood alcohol concentration in the body will be thoroughly reviewed. Students will be given practical training in the usage of Approved Screening Devices and Evidentiary Breath Testing Instruments. Actual application and interpretation of the obtained blood alcohol concentration results within a courtroom setting will also be discussed and further reinforced by use of sample case studies.
- Describe the pharmacological effect of alcohol at various blood alcohol concentrations on both mental and physical activities and the factors relating to each.
- Define and distinguish between impairment vs. intoxication.
- Describe the physiological effects of alcohol in terms of absorption into, distribution in, and elimination of alcohol from the human body and the various factors relating to each.
- Based on physiological considerations, calculate expected blood alcohol concentrations based on theoretical drinking situations.
- Describe the scientific considerations and the process of collecting a blood sample for blood alcohol analysis.
- Describe and discuss the merits of the various technologies available to determine a blood alcohol concentration from a blood sample on the basis of accuracy, precision, and cost.
- Describe the scientific considerations and the process of collecting a breath sample for blood alcohol analysis.
- Describe and discuss the merits of the various technologies available to determine a blood alcohol concentration from a breath sample on the basis of accuracy, precision, and cost.
- Discuss the role of the Alcohol Test Committee of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science and the critical importance of setting forensically acceptable standards and procedures for determining blood alcohol concentrations within the scientific community in Canada.
- Describe the application and interpretation of the results of blood alcohol concentration analyses in a courtroom setting from both a Crown Counsel's perspective and a Defence Counsel's perspective.
- Describe the use and application of standardized field sobriety tests in assisting police officers to detecting possible impaired drivers.
- Identify current trends in breath testing and list their advantages and disadvantages.
Effective as of Fall 2019
Related Programs
The Medicolegal Aspects of Alcohol (FSCT 8230) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs with a co-op option.
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science Full-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2025
Below is one offering of FSCT 8230 for the Winter 2025 term.
CRN 47556
Dates
Mon Jan 06 - Mon Apr 07
- 13 weeks
- CRN 47556
- Domestic fees $851.18
Status
Seats Available
This course offering has seats available.
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 - Apr 07 | Mon | 18:00 - 21:30 | Burnaby SW03 Rm. 4785 |
Instructor
Amy Minh
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Co-instructor: Ana Brown. This course will be taught face-to-face (F2F) at the Burnaby campus. Attendance is mandatory. Please note: there will not be a class on Family Day Monday, Feb 17th. Students who have been accepted into a Forensic Science program where this course is a part of the program matrix may register without any further approvals. For the recommended textbook, please check: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/buy_textbooks.asp? (FSCT) for more details. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval @ BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.