FRSC103 Building Construction for the Fire Service

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Fire Science

  1. Course Number and Title

    FRSC103 Building Construction for the Fire Service

  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 students to the classifications of commonly encountered buildings according to construction materials and techniques. Students review in depth the effect of building construction design on fire development, fire suppression and firefighter safety.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. differentiate the inherent strengths and weaknesses of various structural elements, construction techniques, light-weight structural elements and building systems to articulate defensible fire ground decisions based upon their knowledge of how these systems perform under fire conditions; and
        2. demonstrate their understanding of the hierarchy of structural components as related to understanding the structural integrity of a building involved in a fire.

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

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

      1. integrating knowledge of building construction into the fireground decision making process
      2. building construction terminology
      3. the principles of construction
      4. building components and systems
      5. building construction, firefighter safety and the risk/benefit analysis
      6. prioritizing the pre-fire planning process
      7. the characteristics, scope and unique features of ordinary construction
      8. various wood frame construction
      9. steel frame construction and the associated systems
      10. concrete construction: structural elements and assembly
      11. wood and steel truss roof and floor systems
      12. flame spread: decorations and finishes
      13. fire resistance: estimating flame spread
      14. smoke and fire containment in structures
      15. high-rise construction features and building systems
      16. fire development and spread in multiple-occupancy dwellings

    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; Revised 4/2012