Department of Social & Behavioral 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 minutes

  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. In this course the instructor covers 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. To understand basic building construction terminology.
      2. To understand basic principles of construction so as to understand the consequence of structural fires.
      3. To understand the components of a rational decision-making model, that includes building construction features, used for for fireground management.
      4. To enable students to utilize their knowledge of building construction and building materials into pre-fire planning process.
      5. To ensure that students understand the hierarchy of structural components.
      6. To understand different construction types and the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each.
      7. To understand the strengths and weakness of structural systems, such as various floor and roof systems.

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

      Building Construction for the Fire Service covers the following topics with the intention of having the students master the previously stated course goals:

      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:

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

      Building Construction for the Fire Service, by Frank Brannigan, second edition (text book).

  8. Teaching Methods Employed:

    The instructor uses lectures, slides, video, and overhead transparencies for the class lecture. Appropriate individual case studies will be used in each module to support new concepts and reinforce previously covered materials.

    Review/Approval Date -11/00