Bloodstain Pattern Analysis is not science.” That is becoming a more commonly held opinion in American courtrooms today. But those uttering these words usually do not understand that Bloodstain Pattern Analysis is based on principles of physics and mathematics. The issue then becomes, how well the analyst can apply these principles on the crime scene and explain them when he or she appears in court. When you do Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, do you really understand these principles or are you just filling in the blanks in a preprinted formula?
This course will introduce the student to the mathematical theory behind the formulae used to determine the origin of blood sources and the scientific principles that dictate the motion of blood. Successful completion of this course will enable the student to analyze and interpret bloodstained crime scenes more effectively and will give the student essential tools to become a better expert witness when testifying about Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Hands-on exercises will be utilized to reinforce principles learned in the classroom and will include instruction in the use of the HemoSpat® computer program for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
Prerequisite Attendance at a 40-hour basic bloodstain pattern analysis course is required for attendance at this course. Additional Requirement Students are required to bring a laptop computer (Mac OS X 10.9-10.10 (64-bit Intel), or Windows 7/8/8.1) and a scientific calculator. (Smart phone scientific calculator apps are acceptable in place of stand-alone calculators.)
