Introduction

While many people believe that bloodstain pattern analysis is a new discipline within the forensic science field, the examination of blood at violent crimes has been around for decades.  Bloodstain pattern analysis has been sufficiently documented throughout history, from the considerations of bloodstains found in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth to scientific literature discussing the research conducted over the last century.

Background
Contrary to popular belief, examining the bloodstains present after a violent crime is not a new procedure for the forensic science community.  Over a hundred years ago, blood was considered to be an important tool in determining the circumstances surrounding a crime.  The function of bloodstain pattern analysis is to determine the facts about an incident that is in question.  Since the examination of blood spatter is involved, such incidents are almost always violent.

Course Goal

The goal of this online course is to provide the student with a basic, introductory overview of bloodstain pattern analysis.  The student will learn the background information and techniques necessary in performing analyses, but this will in no way replace the physical practice required when dealing with actual casework.  These units are designed to be an educational introduction to bloodstain pattern analysis.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Discuss the limitations of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
• Determine the angle of impact and directionality when presented with any well-formed bloodstain.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of certain presumptive tests.
• Use the different methods of obtaining an area of origin and point of convergence properly.
• Discuss the different methods available for collecting blood samples.
• Properly photograph and sketch crime scenes with bloodstain patterns present.

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offering 2.9 ILUs.  Average completion time for the course is 22 hours.  The instructor should be notified if an extension is required.  The course cost is $199 per registration, and a certificate for course completion will be issued to the student.

Public Laboratory Employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001.  A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual for any student that doesn’t access or finish the class in the time allotted.  See below on how to register.

Overview/Subject Matter
Topics covered in this course are:

• Introduction to Bloodstain Analysis
• Blood
• Safety and Biological Hazards
• Presumptive Tests
• Basic Stain Patterns
• Determining the Area of Origin
• Automation in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
• Blood Pattern Characteristics that Aid in Analysis
• Documentation and Preservation

Prerequisite(s)
No prerequisites or course materials are required for the course.

Computer Requirements

• Internet Explorer
• Adobe Acrobat
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java version 5.0

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started area of the course.)

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.) The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Materials
All required readings are provided in PDF format. There is no required text.

FAQs

Q: What tools do I need to have to complete this course?A ruler, a calculator or sine table, and access to a printer are needed for this course.Q: Do I qualify for NIJ funding?If you are in any type of forensic public sector, you qualify. NIJ provides funds so that forensic scientists, law enforcement, crime scene personnel, and related professionals can receive proper training. The exceptions are individuals working in the private sector, federally funded employees, and individuals working in academia.Q: Is there a required text?No, however there is a bibliography within the course that provides citations for sources used within the content. For further reading and learning, these references may be of use.
Q: Do I need to be technically savvy?As long as you have basic computer skills (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc) you will be fine. The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.
Q: How long will it take for me to complete the course?On average, the course can be completed in approximately 22 hours. Students work at their own pace and convenience and may work as much or as little as they would like during each session.  The student has until the end of the semester to complete the course, although extensions may be granted upon request.
Q: What level is this course geared toward?This course is an introductory level overview. It is a useful tool for anyone who would like to learn more about bloodstain pattern analysis or refresh their knowledge.  Although the course is not a substitute for a 40-hour training course, it does cover all lecture material from such a course.
Q: Who should I contact for more information?Instructor: Dade Chisler, at dade.chisler@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-8533

Registration Information

Registration

Public laboratory employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001. Please fill out the Supervisor Approval Form and fax or mail it. No other form is required to register. Students that submit a Supervisor Approval Form will receive registration confirmation by email showing a charge of $199. Please disregard this charge if you are a public laboratory employee funded by the NIJ Award. When WVU Extended Learning receives the Supervisor Approval Form, you will receive class access information by email within 5 business days. If you are not notified, please contact WVU Extended Learning at (800) 253-2762 or (304) 293-7570.

Others: Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.

Refund Policy

For all students: A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted.

All requests for cancellations/refunds must be in writing. Requests must be made within one week from when the class access information was emailed to the student. Mail to: WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506 or email to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu.