Thomas Edison State University | Prior Learning Assessment Course Description
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PLA Portfolio Assessment Course Subjects

Fire

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Courses 1-10 of 31 matches.
Fire Prevention and Inspection   (COD-145)   3 credits  
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Course Description
A study of the principles of fire prevention and inspection with emphasis on the standards designed to protect lives and property from fire and explosion. Based upon the NJ Uniform Fire Codes it covers the regulations, administrative aspects, and enforcement provisions of life safety systems of buildings, safe use and maintenance of facilities, handling of hazardous materials, retrofit requirements of the code and techniques for fire investigation and inspection.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Conduct field inspections in accordance with appropriate fire or building codes and standards, and prepare inspection reports of those field inspections.
  • Investigate common complaints concerning compliance with appropriate fire or building codes and standards, and determine the proper resolution.
  • Maintain fire inspection reports, complaint investigation files, and related documents in accordance with applicable record-keeping policies of the jurisdiction.
  • Cite the proper fire or building code or standard, given an identified fire protection, fire prevention, or life safety issue.
  • Properly identify the occupancy classification of a single-use occupancy, in accordance with appropriate fire or building codes and standards, and compute its allowable occupancy load.
  • Using a combination of field inspections and plan reviews, correctly identify the proper type of construction for an addition or remodeling project to ensure that it meets appropriate fire or building codes and standards.
  • Recognize and properly report hazardous conditions involving equipment, processes, and operations in accordance with appropriate fire or building codes and standards.

 
Introduction to Fire Science   (FIS-101)   3 credits  
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Course Description
An introductory course designed to examine the fire protection field. The student will be provided with an understanding of the behavior of fire and the strategy and tactics used in its prevention, extinguishment, and investigation. The value of public and private fire protection services will be emphasized.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Explain the history, organization and function of public and private fire protection services and their relationship to local, state, federal government and private fire protection agencies.
  • Describe the chemistry and behavior of fire.
  • Display knowledge of building classification, types of construction, and design features that limit smoke and fire spread and provide safe evacuation.
  • Explain fire prevention and the programs used to educate, enforce and maintain a fire safe environment.
  • Discuss fire protection systems, the types of systems in use today, the extinguishment method, and the design and inspection requirements for effective protection.
  • Examine the concept of leadership and management in the fire service. The types of leadership, management issues, and the role of the fire officer in managing a fire company or department.
  • Discuss the concept of incident management and its role at every event in order to manage the incident to its conclusion.
  • Describe laws, rules, and regulations affecting the fire service. Discuss fire protection terminology and jargon.
  • Analyze recent events, incidents, design and material development, and challenges to providing adequate fire safety and protection in a changing environment.
  • Describe fire Investigation and the role of the fire official in determination of cause and origin.
  • Discuss any of the following topics as they relate to the fire service: positions in the fire service, water supply, hazardous materials, strategy and tactics, fire department resources, new technology.

 
Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy   (FIS-181)   3 credits  
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Course Description
Basic procedures for suppression of fire; application to principles of building construction; coordination of manpower and equipment.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Explain how to size-up a fire scene using Incident Command System (ICS) principles.
  • Describe the roles and responsibilities of the first arriving fire officer at a fire scene.
  • Determine and explain the proper fire ground operations required to fight a fire in each of the following situations: (a) single story house, (b) multi-story factory building, (c) 5000 acre wildfire, (d) gasoline tanker fire, (e) major hazardous material spill with large vapor cloud. (This may be accomplished through simulation scenarios.)
  • Properly analyze an emergency incident, determine the resources required, and explain how they would be assigned.
  • Prepare an incident action plan for a single family house that will include the proper distribution and use of personnel and equipment for rapid control and extinguishment, as well as maintaining the proper control and operational safety of the fire ground.
  • Understand and be able to explain the terms "firefighting strategy" and "firefighting tactics."
  • Explain the importance of properly maintained fire ground safety at an incident scene.
  • Discuss the importance of in-depth training for aspiring officers before they can assume control of a fire scene.
  • Discuss any of the following topics as they relate to fire ground management: water supply, fire extension, rescue, exposure protection, fire ground safety, public protection, environmental hazards, and communication requirements.

 
Introduction to Industrial Fire Prevention   (FIS-201)   3 credits  
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Course Description
This course gives non-fighter students an understanding of the function & goals of a fire safety professional in private industry. Industrial fire hazards, the cause of these hazards and methods of correcting these hazards are discussed & illustrated in depth. OSHA regulations pertaining to the establishment, functions and duties & the training of employees other than the fire brigade are also covered.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Explain the various options available to a private industry regarding fires and other emergency situations within the plant or building.
  • Identify the purpose, establishment, and responsibilities of the industrial fire brigade.
  • Discuss the setup, operation, and training of a fire brigade, citing the governing standards for fire brigades.
  • Explain the three elements of industrial fire protection.
  • Describe the requirements for a company emergency action plan.
  • Citing examples, discuss industrial fire hazards, their causes, prevention, and methods of correction.
  • Identify and discuss OSHA industrial fire safety requirements and employee training programs to meet those requirements.

 
Fire Prevention and Inspection   (FIS-221)   3 credits  
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Course Description
The student will analyze, evaluate and apply methodology utilized in the field of fire prevention and inspection. Topics included are inspection procedures, common and special fire hazards, occupancy problems and life safety requirements. Students completing this course, which is recognized by the NJ Bureau of Fire Safety, may obtain licensure as a Fire Official/Inspector. (FIS-221) 3.00 s.h.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Conduct field inspections in accordance with appropriate fire or building codes and standards, and prepare inspection reports of those field inspections.
  • Investigate common complaints concerning compliance with appropriate fire or building codes and standards, and determine the proper resolution.
  • Maintain fire inspection reports, complaint investigation files, and related documents in accordance with applicable record-keeping policies of the jurisdiction.
  • Cite the proper fire or building code or standard, given an identified fire protection, fire prevention, or life safety issue.
  • Properly identify the occupancy classification of a single-use occupancy, in accordance with appropriate fire or building codes and standards, and compute its allowable occupancy load.
  • Using a combination of field inspections and plan reviews, correctly identify the proper type of construction for an addition or remodeling project to ensure that it meets appropriate fire or building codes and standards.
  • Recognize and properly report hazardous conditions involving equipment, processes, and operations in accordance with appropriate fire or building codes and standards.

 
Fire Suppression Systems   (FIS-242)   3 credits  
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Course Description
Fire suppression and protection systems, including characteristics and usage of sprinkler systems, wet pipe systems, stand pipe systems, heat detectors, smoke detectors; covers components of sprinkler systems, values, O.S.Y. and P.I.V. valves, spacing of sprinkler heads according to occupancy classification temperature rating and color coding of sprinkler heads, and Fire Department support, connections and emergency involvement.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Refer to regulatory or design guidance documents and show the required spacing and types of fire sprinkler heads required in a variety of situations.
  • Explain the design of a sprinkler system for a building, including auxiliary water sources, additional input sources, and standpipes.
  • List and discuss the differences between wet and dry sprinkler systems.
  • Give examples and explain the difference between fire suppression and fire protection systems.
  • Identify the primary types of sprinkler heads by their size, shape, or coding, and explain their proper use.
  • Explain the reasons for selecting a particular fire protection or fire suppression system for different types of buildings.
  • Explain the use of standpipes and how they differ from sprinkler systems.
  • Discuss fire protection systems and their uses in modern building construction.

 
Building Construction   (FIS-252)   3 credits  
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Course Description
A study of building construction from the viewpoints of fire safety and stability, a delineation of the types of building construction both current and historical, and the strength and weaknesses of building materials. Case studies of catastrophic fire losses due to faulty construction considerations. Economic considerations, as well as current and emerging problems in this area are examined. (FIS-252) 3.00 s.h.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Define basic building construction terms.
  • Classify major types of building construction, and explain their characteristics, scope, and features (wood frame, concrete, steel, and composite).
  • Analyze and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each construction method identified above as they relate to firefighting techniques and practices.
  • Use and apply current building and fire codes.
  • Discuss how building and fire codes relate to fire prevention and control.
  • Analyze building design and construction techniques and explain how each of them affects fire development, spread, and suppression.
  • Develop a fire pre-plan for a structure based on its construction method.
  • Discuss why it is important for firefighters to understand building construction.
  • Explain how to recognize potential structural failure in a burning building.

 
Elements of Arson Investigation (scientific)   (FIS-331)   3 credits  
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Course Description
The student will conduct a comprehensive examination of the field of arson investigation and evaluate its implications for the fire service. The course is divided into three major components: fire dynamics; fire scene investigation/analysis; and documentation and legal processing. Students will review actual cases to determine the fire process (ignition, spread, and cause); identify and preserve evidence; document the investigation, and prepare for hearings. (FIS-331) 3.00 s.h.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Describe the various stages of fire and compare the conditions found in each.
  • Locate and identify arson characteristics that may be discovered at a fire scene.
  • Explain physical changes or identifiable shapes formed by fire effects (char patterns, annealed springs, V patterns, etc.).
  • Inspect and evaluate a fire scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
  • Identify, collect and preserve evidence recovered at the fire scene.
  • Conduct a technically and legally sound investigation.
  • Cite the essential elements of a fire report and explain why they are required.
  • Demonstrate how to show evidence on a fire scene diagram.
  • Describe the purpose and benefits of demonstrative evidence exhibits.
  • Prepare investigation reports for legal proceedings.

 
Strategic Analysis of Fire Prevention   (FIS-372)   3 credits  
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Course Description
This course examines community fire protection and fire service issues using a case study approach to enhance the officer's ability to perform at the executive level. Emphasis is on transfer of skills to local organizations. An independent research project is included as a major component of the course. (FIS-372) 3.00 s.h.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Explain the principles of life safety in buildings and how these principles provide the foundation for fire prevention.
  • Discuss the historical perspective of the influence of tragic fires on the development of current fire prevention and fire safety education programs.
  • Compare the relationships among: fire prevention efforts within the community, fire investigation, fire inspections, and fire and building code administration/enforcement.
  • Categorize how fire-incidence risks are identified, and explain how specific programs are developed to mitigate occupant risks for special groups, i.e. children, older adults, and for various high risk occupancies.
  • From a fire service command perspective, explain how to establish a shared vision for the community, one which provides adequate long term fire and emergency service protection to the residents and businesses in the community.
  • Analyze internal and external issues which could affect the community's fire and EMS programs for the near and distant future.
  • Assess the community's master plan and develop a plan of action to meet the fire and EMS needs throughout the master planning period.
  • Compare and contrast the use of databases, histograms, inferential statistics and probabilities, and GIS results to determine future facility sites.

 
Fire Official   (COD-141)   3 credits  
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Course Description
A comprehensive review of the duties and responsibilities of an appointed Fire Official. The organization and administration of a local enforcing agency are presented as well as legal methods of code enforcement. This course assists fire service personnel, property managers, architects, engineers, builders, safety officials, and the public to understand the administrative requirements of the Uniform Fire Code.

Learning Outcomes
Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:

  • Develop cogent and concise written correspondence to communicate fire protection and prevention requirements that comply with applicable fire and building codes and appropriate standards.
  • Create complete and accurate inspection and compliance checklists and forms.
  • Properly process a permit or plan review application and evaluate it in accordance with applicable codes, regulations, and procedures.
  • Accurately receive and fully investigate complex complaints to determine the circumstances, evaluate possible violations, and identify and take all necessary steps to correct or resolve the complaint.
  • Evaluate existing codes and standards and recommend changes or amendments that fully address any deficiencies or other problems.
  • Recommend changes to existing inspection policies and procedures to improve the service to the public while complying fully with all applicable codes and standards.
  • Accurately compute the types and occupancy loads of a multi-use building in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Properly identify the occupancy classification of a mixed-use building so that each area is correctly classified in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Correctly determine and classify the type of construction in a new building according to applicable codes and standards.
  • Correctly determine the size and type of fire protection systems and equipment required for various types of buildings or facilities, in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Properly analyze building exits and correctly evaluate hazardous conditions involving equipment, processes, or operations to determine compliance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Accurately identify and document deficiencies or violations involving building construction, fire protection systems, correct building egress, and hazardous conditions in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Evaluate emergency planning and preparedness procedures for various types of buildings and facilities and determine their compliance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Measure or determine fire flows for a site and verify compliance with required fire flows in accordance with applicable codes and standards for water pressure and flow.
  • Analyze code compliance requirements for the storage, handling, and use of flammable/combustible liquids/gases and other hazardous materials and verify compliance with all applicable codes and standards. Accurately report violations or deficiencies.
  • Determine the fire growth potential in a building or space so that the contents, interior finish, and construction elements can be evaluated for compliance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Inspect site access for emergency vehicles to determine compliance with the required access in accordance with applicable codes and standards.

 
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