Fire Science Courses

FSCI 104 - Fire Prevention and Building Codes

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

The course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of fire safety based on model (nationally recognized) fire prevention and building codes with amendments unique to the city of Philadelphia. A description of the historical background and purpose of fire prevention and building codes is followed by major topics of fire safety: occupancy and construction types, egress requirements, hazardous materials (types, storage, restrictions), fire protection systems and the conducting of fire safety inspections of buildings.

Offered Online: Yes

FSCI 111 - Emergency Scene Management

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces the student to the complexities of managing a response to an emergency scene such as a fire, explosion or multi-casualty incident. The student will learn the importance of the Incident Command System (ICS), the primary functional duties within this system and the process of establishing command and control at an emergency scene. In addition, this course teaches the student several methods of emergency scene analysis and a systematic approach to deciding on the appropriate course of action for first-responders.

FSCI 142 - Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety for Firefighters

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Provides an understanding of contemporary health and safety issues, and regulations in modern workplaces and communities. Major study of basic health and safety management principles.

FSCI 172 - Fire Detection and Suppression Systems

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course will provide students with knowledge of basic hydraulic principles and the practical application to sprinkler and standpipe delivery system design and operation. It will assist students in making tactical decisions on the emergency scene or when planning for emergencies.

FSCI 181 - Building Construction for the Fire Service

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Course will familiarize students with qualities and types of structures commonly encountered in Philadelphia: ordinary construction, wood frame, masonry, concrete and steel frame. The course will identify the inherent strengths and weaknesses of building structural systems and building materials with regard to flammability, toxicity and emergency scene personnel deployment. In addition, the course will address newly developed construction techniques.

FSCI 221 - Fire Prevention and Protection

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course provides students with an understanding of the evolution of the fire service. They will examine historical precedents and the major responsibility of the fire service in preventing fire and establishing and maintaining safe environments. Analysis of fire prevention problems and the components of an effective fire prevention program are studied.

FSCI 241 - Fire Administration

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course provides students with an understanding of management as a theoretical as well as a practiced discipline. They will examine how management is practiced in various environments with particular emphasis on identifying and understanding the differences between public service institutions and private organizations with regard to public safety.

Offered Online: Yes

FSCI 271 - Hazardous Materials

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course provides students with the basic knowledge to recognize, identify, classify and evaluate the dangers posed by hazardous materials. Students will learn to control hazardous materials emergencies by using the incident management model. Topics covered include: site safety and control; responder roles within the incident management system; related standards, laws and regulations; evaluation of the properties of hazardous materials; container and environment evaluation; personal protective equipment; decontamination and termination procedures. This course prepares interested students for the Pennsylvania Voluntary Fire Service Hazardous Material Awareness (NFPA #472 Standard) Certification Exam, that is proctored at the Philadelphia Fire Training Academy.

FSCI 281 - Fire Investigation

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course will acquaint students with the theories of fire investigation, consistent with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) protocols. Methodology of fire investigation, motives of arsonists, fuels, incendiary fires, explosions and auto fires will be discussed, as will the formulation and testing of a hypothesis with regard to the origin and cause of a fire.

FSCI 291 - Computer Assisted Pre-Fire Planning

2-2-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course teaches students to create, maintain, modify and enact pre-fire plans regarding a variety of building occupancies and facilities. Using CAD technology, students learn to create graphic depictions of buildings and fire access routes, plot locations of fire stand-pipes and hydrants, charge emergency egress routes throughout building interiors, and plan for the deployment of firefighting equipment.

Additional course fee: $85