Fire Science

Introduction to Fire Science

FRSC100

This course is an overview of the history and philosophy of municipal fire protection and public fire prevention. It provides a basic understanding of laws and regulations, equipment, strategies and tactics, building construction, extinguishing agents, hazardous materials, fire chemistry and physics, and the types of municipal fire department organizational structures.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Building Construction for the Fire Service

FRSC103

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.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

ICC Fire Prevention and Building Code

FRSC104

This course introduces the Fire Science student to the ICC Fire Prevention and Building Codes. Students prepare to conduct basic buildings inspections for ICC code compliance, in terms of fire protection equipment and building code requirements, and the identification and elimination of common fire hazards.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Pre-Emergency Planning and Computer Aided Design

FRSC107

This course introduces the student to the intricacies of preparing pre-emergency plans and diagrams for fire investigation reports using CAD technology. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the importance of pre-emergency planning for the Fire Service and will prepare pre-emergency plans and diagrams.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Education

FRSC110

This course provides the student with an understanding of fire prevention and fire safety education programs. Students review the effectiveness of existing programs and identify future trends in both fire prevention and fire safety education.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Firefighting Strategy and Tactics

FRSC201

This course introduces the fire science student to the complexities of safely and effectively fighting a structural fire. In class, students work in small groups to decide on the appropriate strategy, tactics, and action plan for various simulated structural fires.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Hazardous Materials

FRSC202

This course introduces the student to the chemical and physical characteristics, hazards, and combustibility of the most commonly encountered hazardous materials. Students learn how hazardous materials can influence fire development and spread, as well as how to manage hazardous materials at the incident scene.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Fire Protection Systems

FRSC205

This course introduces the Fire Science student to the fundamentals of the inspection, maintenance, and operation of fire suppression and detection systems. New fire suppression agents and the important characteristics of these agents are covered in this course.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Fire Investigation

FRSC206

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.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

The Organization and Management of Emergency Services

FRSC208

This course introduces the student to the contemporary administrative issues that challenge managers in the Fire Service and Emergency Medical ServiceTopics include recruiting, legal issues, information management, long- range planning, budgets, and professional development.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Fire Service Occupational Health and Safety

FRSC209

This course introduces the Fire Science student to contemporary safety and health issues in the Fire Service, comprehensively covering emergency scene safety for both fire suppression and emergency medical personnel. Students are also introduced to the Occupational and Safety Health Act of 1970.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None