Fire Science Course Descriptions

Undergraduate Course Descriptions

FS 137 Emergency Personnel Fitness (3)

This course prepares students for both physical and cognitive demands of academy training by targeting specific training modalities that are required by various government agencies. In addition to preparing students for the demands of public service jobs, this course will instill in them an appreciation for physical activity and an understanding of its importance for both their mental and physical well-being as well as their quality of life. An overview of general fitness concepts including principles of exercise, coronary heart disease, physical readiness, nutrition for health and performance and the tools to design their own exercise program will be included.

FS 140 Introduction to Fire Science (3)

This course provides an introduction to the fire protection field. The behavior of fire and the strategy and tactics used in its prevention, extinguishment and investigation are examined. The value of public and private fire protection services is emphasized.

FS 150 Introduction to Engine Company Operations (3)

This course is an introductory course designed to examine the fire protection and fire suppression field operations and responsibilities of engine company personnel. The student will be provided with an understanding of fire behavior, and the strategies, tactics, tools and equipment used by engine company personnel.

FS 151 Introduction to Ladder Company Operations (3)

This course is designed to provide students with insight into the comprehensive scope of actions and responsibilities of ladder company officers and firefighters. This course will provide students with an understanding of the strategies, tactics, special equipment, and tools uniquely employed at fire and emergency operations by ladder company personnel.

FS 241 Fire Prevention and Related Codes (3)

A study of applicable fire prevention codes and related codes with emphasis on life safety, fire resistance and fire protection is the focus of this course. The various existing fire codes are surveyed. Reference is made to National Fire Protection Association Standards. (Prerequisite: FS 140) Textbook: IFSTA Fire Inspection & Code Enforcement FS 243 Fire Detection and Suppression Systems (3) This course reviews portable fire extinguishers, foam systems, explosion suppression, fire detection systems, standpipe and sprinkler systems. Legal considerations, maintenance and testing and recent developments in fire suppression are surveyed.

FS 261 Hydraulic Technology (3)

In this course, students develop an understanding of the properties, principles and concepts of the hydraulic use of water. Pressure, flow and pumps are examined for their practical application by fire services.

FS 262 General Fire Insurance (3)

This course presents all aspects of fire insurance, with emphasis on function, types of carriers, provisions, and establishments of rating systems. Additionally, it examines the handling of risk and settlement of claims.

FS 334 Fire Investigation and Arson (3)

Arson and incendiaries, arson laws and types of incendiary fires are topics that are introduced in this course. Methods of determining fire causes and recognizing and preserving evidence are considered.

FS 336 Firefighting Tactics (3)

This course will provide the student with an analysis suitable for any fire and emergency situation. Problem analysis is stressed to insure delimitation of conditions presented, both existent and potential. The reasons for the various tactical operations at the company level for strategy determination and implantation are examined. Safety of both the public and the operating forces are stressed. Case histories are reviewed. Current problems, such as hi-rise fires and fire problems from other areas of the country are studied.

FS 342 Building Construction (3)

Building construction from the viewpoints of fire safety and stability are studied in this course. Historic and current building construction types are reviewed as are the strengths and weaknesses of building materials. Case studies of catastrophic fire losses due to faculty construction are presented. Economic considerations, as well as current and emerging problems in this area are examined.

FS 344 Hazardous Materials (3)

This course will examine the hazardous properties of flammable liquids, gases and combustible solids, methods to control the hazards, and extinguishment of fires involving these materials. It will relate these principals to the common hazardous materials found in industry, and how they can be controlled and how to control the incident using a systematic 8 step process.

FS 365 Fire Officer Company Management (3)

This course examines the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a fire company officer. Principles are related to the training requirements, education requirements and job description of a fire company officer.

FS 431 Transportation and Industrial Fire Hazards (3)

This course is designed to provide an awareness of the hazards presented by the various types of industries and the various modes of transportation. Fire prevention will be stressed. Automatic suppression will be reviewed. Safety precautions, emergency procedures and public protection will be studied.

FS 435 Problems in Fire Engineering (3)

This seminar examines the various dimensions of the fire problem; economic, environmental, social, fire protection factors and prevention factors; and engineering aspects. Emphasis is placed on fire research and development. Student development of research projects in selected areas in encouraged.

FS 436 Firefighting Strategies (3)

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how to use various firefighting tactics to develop successful firefighting strategies. This case scenario-based course will examine how to safely and effectively extinguish structural fires in buildings categorized within each of the five different types of building construction.

FS 464 Fire Department Organization and Administration (3)

Students review the basic concepts of the management and organization of fire departments in this course. The structure and types of fire department organization, the functions of a manager, as well as the leadership that is necessary to maintain the high degree of professionalism associated with good business practice are examined.

A select number of internships is available for students.

Fire Science related certification may be considered/reviewed.