Fibers and Textiles for Forensic Scientists

Overview

Fibers and Textiles for Forensic Scientists is offered to familiarize forensic service providers, both laboratory personnel and crime scene/law enforcement staff, with textiles as they relate to forensic science. The course will be beneficial to those with minimal experience looking to increase their knowledge of fibers and textile science. In addition, the experienced trace examiner will be able to learn some textile-specific information while reviewing concepts such as microscopy, fiber types, fabric construction, and color issues. The course combines intermediate information with the basic foundation of fibers and textile.

Cost: $0-225. This course takes 12 hours to complete, on average.

Objectives

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

• Determine why is it important for forensic examiners to understand the science of textiles
• Discuss the basics of various types of textile fibers
• Discuss the various types of fabric construction
• Discuss the polarized light microscope and its uses for fiber examination
• Explain why color consistency is important to scientists and textile manufacturers
• Describe types of dyes, pigments, finishes, and processes

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offering 3.66 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is roughly 12 hours. The course cost is $225 per registration (with the exception of public lab employees, law enforcement, public attorneys, and federal employees – please see "Registration Information" below). A certificate of completion will be issued to students successfully meeting course requirements.

Table of Contents:

Unit 1: Forensic Examination Overview
Unit 2: Textile Production
Unit 3: Microscopy
Unit 4: Animal Fibers
Unit 5: Natural Fibers
Unit 6: Manufactured Fibers
Unit 7: Color
Unit 8: Pigments and Dyes
Unit 9: Finishes
Unit 10: Textile Labels
Unit 11: End Use and Significance
OPTIONAL UNIT: Chemical Properties of Fibers

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this class.  A printable version of the course content is available in PDF format in the course library for future reference. Course readings are also available in PDF format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was a correct answer on a quiz marked incorrect?

Answer: Quizzes are graded automatically by the computer.  However each quiz will be reviewed by the instructor in order to double check the system.  The instructor is able to update your grade if necessary.

How do I know that I have successfully completed all assignments?

Answer: You may follow your progress by clicking on “My Grades” in the left toolbar. If something does not have a grade or does not meet the 80% minimum standard, it must be completed.

Computer Requirements

• Mozilla Firefox
• Quicktime
• Adobe Flash Player
• Java

There are free software plug-ins 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.

Instructor Information

Robin Bowen is the Assistant Director for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops scientific resources, outreach opportunities, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities include coordination of continuing education programs, management of grant funded projects, and correspondence of progress to the National Institute of Justice. Bowen is the author of Ethics and the Practice of Forensic Science. She is a former advisory member of the Outreach and Communication Interagency Working Group (IWG) under the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee (NSTC) on Forensic Science. She is also on the Editorial Advisory Board for the revised edition of Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Bowen is the primary developer of the Forensic Educational Alliance, an initiative to offer a variety of forensic science continuing education courses online. She has an undergraduate degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences and a graduate degree in Secondary Science Education. Robin is the online course instructor for Ethics in Forensic Science, Fibers and Textiles for Forensic Science, and Transition to Leadership. Contact: Robin.Bowen@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-6214

Samantha Neal is the Instructional Coordinator for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops research, scientific resources, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities are the development and coordination of online continuing education courses in forensic science and continuing education programs. She has undergraduate degrees in both Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Chemistry.
Contact:  samantha.neal@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5836

• Forensic Science Initiative: http://fsi.research.wvu.edu/, Contact: fsi@mail.wvu.edu
• Technical Assistance: 304-293-4444 (non-credit eCampus student)
• Extended Learning: http://continuinged.wvu.edu, Contact: WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Registration Information 

Please read below to determine your eligibility. If you have any eligibility questions please contact Forensic Science Initiative at FSI@mail.wvu.edu BEFORE you register. Registration is accepted year-round for this course.