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.
Cost: $0-225. This course takes 27 hours to complete, on average.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
This is a non-credit course offering 3.54 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is 27 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: History of the Advancements in Firearm Identification
Unit 2: Identification of Cartridge Cases and Bullets
Unit 3: Overview of IBIS and NIBIN
Unit 4: The Fundamentals of Evidence Acquisition
Unit 5: Correlation and Comparison Procedures
Unit 6: Civil Applications
Unit 7: Other Tools and Technology
Unit 8: Standards
Unit 9: Success and Setbacks
Unit 10: Evidence Acquisition
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. Access to an IBIS system is not required for this course.
Do I need to have access to an IBIS?
Answer: No. The course is set up so that any part of the system you may need to view, you can through provided animations and screen shots.
Are discussion posts required?
Answer: Yes, all the discussion posts in this course are required.
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.
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
Anthony Iten is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelors of Arts degree and Forensic Science Certificate. Anthony has spent time working in the Drug Chemistry and Latent Print sections in the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab in St. Paul, Minnesota. His responsibilities include online course development and assistance in training professionals in the forensic field. He is currently developing a Latent Print online course. Contact: anthony.iten@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5186
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.
“I just wanted to let you all know that I have enjoyed the online forensic classes that are being offered through W. Virginia University. I have completed the Introduction to Firearms and Toolmarks course. It was very interesting. I have found I would like to further my knowledge in this area of forensic science. I am finishing up the IBIS course. It too has been a wonderful experience. I look forward to continuing with the non credit classes. I hope there will continue to be classes added to the course list as the Forensic Science field has many disciplines to encounter. I think the courses are great for those just beginning in the field or even as brush up courses. The thing I like best about the courses is they are great to just experience a basic knowledge of the different disciplines of forensic science. Thanks to all the instructors who put together the course materials and take the time to interact with those of us who are completing the courses.”
"All the classes that I have enrolled in have been great. The courses have so much information. I am very confident that any situation I come in contact with will aid me.
I want to thank all the teachers and staff of West Virginia University for the service they provide to law enforcment and other public service employees.
Great Courses."
“My decision to take this class enabled my supervisor to see I was interested in the program and I was subsequently signed up and certified on the IBIS system! It was my foot in the door. Thank you.”
3 OPTIONS FOR REGISTRATION
