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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Reconstruct events using bloodstain pattern analysis 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243257  Reconstruct events using bloodstain pattern analysis 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forensic Science 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to reconstruct events with the aid of bloodstain patterns found on incident scenes. This unit standard will enable learners to use principles influencing reconstructing events when demonstrating the use of reconstruction methods. The competencies will enable learners to determine evidence to be used as a forensic tool during the investigation process and possible judicial proceedings. Learner will also be able to demonstrate the use of methods of reconstructing incident scenes.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Analyse methods used to reconstruct events.
  • Reconstruct the event with the aid of stringing.
  • Reconstruct an event using scientific methods. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics on NQF level 4.

    The unit standards:
  • Perform blood spatter analysis.
  • Evaluate blood stain pattern evidence. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    In this unit standard given incident scene may refer to but is not limited to a structured scenario, a case study and/or virtual presentation. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Analyse methods used to reconstruct events. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles underlying reconstruction of events are explained using examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles may refer to but are not limited to scientific principles such as mathematical, physics and biological principles.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods of reconstructing events are distinguished in terms of their uses, advantages and disadvantages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include computer software (such as BackTrackWin and BackTrackImages), stringing and scientific analysis.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A method of reconstructing events is selected within a given incident scene. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Reconstruct the event with the aid of stringing. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    This outcome must be assessed with both 2D and 3D stringing and may be assessed using a software package such as BackTrackWin and BackTrackImages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Well-formed bloodstains are identified with the aid of stringing. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Identification includes measuring the length and width of the stain.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The central point of the incident scene is determined in order to use a stringing method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Area of convergence is determined by stringing in order to determine the point of origin of the stain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Overlapping bloodstain patterns are analysed by stringing in order to determine the central point of the incident scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Impact angle of each stain is calculated to establish the bloodstain path. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Distance from stain to relevant point of convergence is measured to define a stain's path. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Height of area of origin is calculated to determine point of origin for the bloodstain spatter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Area of origin is determined by using a stringing method to visualize the point of origin in a graphic three-dimensional design. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Reconstruct an event using scientific methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Scientific methods are analysed in order to determine which method would assist in the reconstruction of a specific given incident scene. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Scientific methods may refer to but are not limited to the use of mathematical concepts, physics concepts and forensic investigative methods.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Selected methods are explained by listing their stages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods may include the conceptual model.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The selected method is used within a given incident scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reconstruction of an event based on a given incident scene is justified verbally in a mock trial. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The limitations of bloodstain pattern analysis are explained using examples. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.
  • Assessor must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Relevant sections of the following Acts:
  • The Human Tissue Act 65 of 1983.
  • The National Health Act 61 of 2003.
  • The Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
  • The Occupational Health And Safety Act 85 of1993. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Utilise appropriate standard operating procedures in the field of bloodstain pattern analysis to achieve desired outcomes, in line with international accepted forensic practice. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team within the process of bloodstain pattern analysis. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities so that all requirements are met in achieving competence in bloodstain pattern analysis. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, evaluate, organize and critically evaluate information related to bloodstain pattern analysis so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with others within the process of bloodstain pattern analysis, as well as external role-players in order to achieve the aims of documentation, report writing and expert witness testimony utilizing the modes of oral and written communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Definitions:

    Incident:
  • The overall crime or occurrence is the incident. The incident encompasses all actions related to the occurrence. Within this incident there are specific events.

    Event:
  • Each event is some part of the occurrence. Each event is defined by small, specific actions taken that are in turn supported by the presence of specific items of evidence. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  57977   National Certificate: Forensic Biology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.