The purpose of this module is to provide the student with a knowledge of illicit drugs(street drugs), their formulation, their societal impact and their analysis by spectroscopic techniques
Compound Characterization/Advanced Spectroscopy
Obtaining and using molecular formula (degrees of unsaturation); NMR Spectroscopy (the 5 main experiments (1H-, 13C-, DEPT, HH-COSY, HSQC, HMBC correlation) and the information they yield; common artifacts; other experiments (e.g. nOe) and their particular applications; common methods of predicting spectra from structure); Mass Spectrometry (information from isotopic abundances; common fragmentation patterns); Structural elucidation by IR, UV/VIS, NMR, & MS (prior knowledge of IR & UV assumed); C,H,N, Analysis
Classification of drugs
main classes of drugs - narcotics, stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociative anesthetics, depressants; smart drugs
Clandestine Drug synthesis
Narcotics; Stimulants; etc; case studies
Drug formulation
Unit operations - milling, blending, compression; equipment; excipients; cutting agents
Trends in illicit drug use relative to Ireland and Europe
WHO reports, DEA reports, National and international Government reports, National Health Body reports
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |
| Formal Examination | 70 |