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. The goal of this online course is to provide the student with a basic, introductory overview of bloodstain pattern analysis. Students will gain an introductory understanding to the presumptive tests used for blood, understanding basic patterns, and determining the area of origin of a bloodstain. Also, the documentation of bloodstains will be discussed 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.
Cost: $0-225. This course takes 19 hours to complete, on average.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
This is a non-credit course offering 3.56 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is 19 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: Introduction to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Unit 2: Blood
Unit 3: Safety and Biological Hazards
Unit 4: Presumptive Tests
Unit 5: Basic Stain Patterns
Unit 6: Determining the Area of Origins
Unit 7: Automation in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Unit 8: Blood Pattern Characteristics that Aid in Analysis
Unit 9: Documentation and Preservation
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.
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.
Sarah is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. She has a Bachelor's in Biology from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Sarah has also earned her Master's in Forensic Science from Towson University. During her graduate studies, Sarah was involved in research funded by the NIJ. The project focused on finding new serological tests using DNA as the substrate. Her responsibilities include assisting with online classes, developing a relationship with vendors, and helping with training. Sarah is a native of Wyckoff, NJ. Contact: sarah.ellis@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-9540.
Kelly Ayers is a curriculum developer with the Forensic Science Initiative. Prior to joining FSI, Kelly was employed as a forensic services technician with the Asheville, NC Police Department. While there, she was qualified as an expert in forensic identification in North Carolina Superior Court and was published in the Journal of Forensic Identification. She has an undergraduate degree with a double major in Philosophy and Biology from Frostburg (Maryland) State University and was the first graduate of the West Virginia University Forensic Identification Program. Since joining FSI, Kelly has become an IAI Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst and received her Master of Science in Forensic Science Administration from Oklahoma State University. She is a native of Romney, WV. Contact: kelly.ayers@mail.wvu.edu 304-293-0323
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.
“By way of introduction, I am Robert Hebert, a 16-year veteran with the Port of Lake Charles (La.) Harbor Police Department; I also served some years as a Navy Master-at-Arms.
It's delightful and encouraging to find WVU Professional Development courses in time when budget restrictions are so tough on departments' training. The courses are simple to follow and accessible at the most convenient times. They are in-depth and focus on the particulars that a lab specialist, crime scene evidence collection specialist, investigator or first response officer need to know.
I've completed Forensic Questioned Documents and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis; I'm currently enrolled in Death Investigation and Shooting reconstruction.
All of these things, a first responder officer needs to know. In a larger department, this information would help the first responder prepare the scene for chief investigators, and make those officers (first responders) more valuable in the event they might be needed to help collect evidence (as would be the case with fragile evidence). In a small department, often the first responder is the chief investigator. So, that in itself says it all: we never know when we might be thrust into a position whereby we must collect the evidence, and all the particular follow-ups.
I'm so appreciative of WVU's contribution to the law enforcement and forensics community. The information is invaluable and most timely. I've encouraged my fellow officers to explore these great courses. Keep up the great work!”
“I recently completed the on-line course for Introduction to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. I want to thank you and express how much I enjoyed the course. It was very convenient for me to take the on-line course and be able to work on it when time permitted. I learned a great deal and am now able to move on and take a 40 hour course on an Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course. I feel like I learned the basics and will have a better understanding of the principals when I attend the course in May. Thank you for offering an on-line program to Law Enforcement Personnel. The education is invaluable. I look forward to taking more courses from West Virginia University Extended Learning.”
"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."
3 OPTIONS FOR REGISTRATION
