FRSC206 Fire Investigation

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Fire Science

  1. Course Number and Title

    FRSC206 Fire Investigation

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This course introduces the students to scientific procedures for determining the causes of fires. Students learn to recognize the fire scene, burn patterns, thermal indicators, arson indicators, and the dynamics of fire development. Students gain an insight into the fire setter’s motives and personality characteristics.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. construct a valid, scientific, fact-based , fire investigation based upon a thorough understanding of the purpose and sequence of fire investigation;
        2. analyze the physical characteristics of an arson fire; and
        3. demonstrate an understanding of a fire setter’s motive and personality characteristics.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. understanding the analytical approach to fire investigation
      2. the chemistry and behavior of fire, the combustion properties of solid fuels
      3. the behavior of fire in structures and the firefighter and company officers role in a fire investigation
      4. the basics of electricity and wiring systems and how they relate to fire causes
      5. recognizing common fuels at a fire scene
      6. how to document, sketch, and photograph a fire scene
      7. students will formulate a scientific hypothesis as to the cause of a fire and test the hypothesis through examination and evidence
      8. vehicle fire investigation
      9. fire setters and their motives
      10. common methods of ignition, equipment and accelerates used in arson
      11. investigating a fire death
      12. preparation of a concise report on the cause of a fire and preparation for courtroom testimony
      13. laboratory services available to the fire investigator and how to collect and maintain evidence from a fire scene

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. The assessment of course learning goals will be based on classroom discussions, written exams, assignments, papers, and/or performance based tasks and projects.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      See course format

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date -11/00; course number revised 3/2010; Revised 4/2012