GMS6359L
In-Person Elective Course
Credits: 3
Dates: TBD
Location: UF TREEO, 3900 SW 63rd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608
This course has been designed to give students a hands-on approach regarding the basic concepts of bloodstain pattern analysis and interpretation. Students will become familiar with the history, properties of blood, distribution, shapes, sizes, mechanisms to create patterns/stains, surface textures, and methods to obtain Area of Convergence and Area of Origin.
Course Objectives
- Describe the development, history, and advancement of bloodstain pattern analysis.
- Describe the inherent limitations of bloodstain pattern interpretation.
- Recognize, document, collect, preserve, and examine bloodstain pattern evidence.
- Recognize and distinguish between spatter stains and non-spatter stains and sequencing events.
- Understand bloodstains on clothing, absorbent/non-absorbent substrates.
- Recognize and interpret the mechanism by which bloodstains were created.
- Recognize the variety of wounds and various weapons used to create wounds.
- Explain the mathematical relationship which apply to bloodstain patterns in determining Area of Convergence and Area of Origin.
- Prepare scientifically-based reports, peer-review and courtroom testimony.
- Understand cognitive bias, subjective v. objective.
Getting Started
- This course is held from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily – make sure you plan travel time from your hotel accordingly!
- Clothing: fieldwork clothes – closed toe shoes and long pants are required.
- Lunch:
- We will break for lunch daily around noon depending on the course schedule for that day. There are fast food options and a Publix nearby.
- If you bring your own lunch, the TREEO center has a a microwave and refrigerator we are allowed to use. (please do not each the snacks in their kitchen – that is for UF TREEO staff ONLY!)
- Camera: DSLR or phone camera
- Computer: You will be creating a final presentation to give to the class on Friday afternoon. Make sure you bring any necessary cables to upload your photos from your camera to your computer for inclusion in your presentation.
Lodging
Lodging is the responsibility of each attendee.
- Best Western Gateway Grand, 4200 NW 97th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32606. A special rate of $108 per night (includes complimentary breakfast) has been arranged for course attendees. Reservation rates will be honored throughout the course dates. Please refer to Maples Center Forensics when making reservations. For reservations, call (352) 331-3336 (local). Reservations depend on availability—the sooner you can book, the better!
- Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, 1714 SW 34th Street Gainesville, FL 32607. A special rate for the hotel is booked through the UF College of Medicine. When using the specialized link below, you can book your room under the corporate special rate code – N1364036. To make a reservation over the phone, please call the Sales Coordinator, Julia Andreeva at (352) 384-3412.
- University associates can book a Wyndham Hotel and receive a discount on their stay, as a result of a University of Florida contract with the Wyndham Hotel Group. This contract provides reduced rates on rooms at 11 brands and nearly 7,000 participating hotels worldwide. As an associate of the University of Florida, you will receive a minimum of 10% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating locations every time you travel whether the travel is for business or pleasure. To make a reservation, call the member benefits hotline at 1 (800) 525-5501. You will need to give the agent the information below at the time of booking to receive the discount.
- University of Florida
- Discount Account ID Number: 1000007780
- Affiliate ID Number: 005140
Syllabus/tentative agenda coming soon!
Interested in this subject, but can’t come to the in-person lab? Take Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 100% online!