The study of ballistics dates back to the 1530s, when theories were made about the path of a projectile in motion and its shape of trajectory. Mathematical solutions to projectile velocity and the effects of air resistance followed subsequently. However, firearm identification was not used as an investigative tool until 1835.  The realization that firearm identification could apply to forensic science produced many discoveries that would aid criminal investigations immensely.

Background
This course has been designed to give students the basic understanding of how IBIS is used as an investigative tool for solving gun-related crimes. The units within this course will cover a brief history on firearm identification, the methods of bullet and cartridge case identification, and the uses of IBIS for acquiring ballistics evidence. The course will also discuss how IBIS can be used more effectively to yield better results and more identifications.  West Virginia University Extended Learning and WVU’s Forensic Science Initiative presents these learning materials and this course to you on-line.

Objectives

Course Goal
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the basic use of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS).  IBIS is used as a form of ballistic analysis to record and store digital microscopic images of bullets and cartridge cases recovered from a crime scene.  With this system, the user can determine how many firearms were used at a crime scene and potentially link multiple crimes that were committed with the same firearm.  IBIS can also allow the user to identify a particular firearm as being used at a crime scene. 

Course Objectives
By completing this course, the student will:

• Understand the process of classifying and identifying ballistic evidence.
• Learn about the different systems in the IBIS product line.
• Understand the process of acquiring evidence with the IBIS system.
• Understand the correlation and comparison procedures for ballistic evidence.
• Learn how the IBIS system is used as a helpful investigative tool.
• Learn about other similar or related methods of analyzing ballistic evidence.

Overview

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offered for 15 contact hours. Average completion time for the course is 8 weeks. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required. The course cost is $177 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.

Overview/Subject Matter
Topics covered in this course are:

• History of the Advancements in Firearm Identification
• Identification of Cartridge Cases and Bullets
• Overview of IBIS and NIBIN
• The Fundamentals of Evidence Acquisition
• Correlation and Comparison Procedures
• Civil Applications
• Other Tools and Technology
• Standards
• Success and Setbacks
• Evidence Acquisition

Requirements

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

Computer Requirements
Internet Explorer
Adobe Acrobat
QuickTime Player
Macromedia Flash Player
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 5.0 Update 7

(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.

Registration Information

To Register
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 $177. 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.

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

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

Others: 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: Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506 or email to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

More Course Information

Contact:
Forensic Science Initiative at fsi@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-6214.