(Page 1 of 7) Course Title: Fire Behavior and Combustion Course Prefix & No.: LEC: FIST 1020 4 LAB: 0 Credit Hours: 4 COURSE DESCRIPTION: FIST 1020 (Fire Behavior and Combustion) will explore the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled. Topics include fundamental laws of chemistry, states of matter, gas laws, chemical bonding, and thermodynamics with applications to various industrial processes. COURSE PREREQUISITE (S): Admission into the Fire Science Program RATIONALE: This course is designed for the entire fire service or the student that would like to enter the career field. FIST 1020 focuses heavily on the science and chemical properties of combustibles, flammables and related elements of the chemical reaction commonly known as combustion. This course is written to the National Fire Academy (NFA) FESHE curriculum. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK (S) and/or MATERIALS: Title: Fire Suppression Practices & Procedures Edition: 2 nd Ed. ISBN 9780131517738 Author: Mahoney Publisher: Brady Materials: Notebook, Calculator, Studyguide
(Page 2 of 7) Attached course outline written by: Steven E. Ausdemore Date: 10/20/2006 Reviewed/Revised by: Jeffrey G. Strawn Date: 10/3/2012 Effective quarter of course outline: Spring Date: 2013 Academic Dean: Dr. Stacey Ocander Date: 2012 Course Objectives, Topical Unit Outlines, and Unit Objectives must be attached to this form.
(Page 3 of 7) TITLE: Fire Behavior and Combustion PREFIX/NO: FIST 1020 COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will be able to apply the theory, concepts, science and basic chemistry involving the combustion process. The student will also be able to differentitate the various types of extinguishing agents. The prioritization of safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the organization/industry will also be stressed. TOPICAL UNIT OUTLINE/UNIT OBJECTIVES: A. Introduction B. Units of Measurements C. Chemical Reactions D. Fire and the Physical World E. Heat and its Effects F. Properties of Solid Materials G. Common Flammable Liquids and Gases H. Fire Behavior I. Fire Extinguishment J. Extinguishing Agents K. Hazards by Classification Types
A. Introduction 1. Matter and Energy 2. The Atom and its Parts 3. Chemical Symbols 4. Molecules 5. Energy and Work 6. Forms of Energy 7. Transformation of Energy 8. Laws of Energy B. Units of Measurements 1. International Systems of Measurements (SI) 2. English Unit of Measurement C. Chemical Reactions 1. Physical States of Matter 2. Compounds and Mixtures 3. Solutions and Solvents 4. Process of Reactions D. Fire and the Physical World 1. Characteristics of Fire 2. Characteristics of Solids 3. Characteristics of Liquids 4. Characteristics of Gases E. Heat and its Effects 1. Production and Measurement of Heat 2. Different Kinds of Heat F. Properties of Solid Materials 1. Common Combustibles Solids 2. Plastic and Ploymers 3. Combustible Metals 4. Combustible Metals G. Common Flammable Liquids and Gases 1. General Properties of Gases 2. The Gas Laws 3. Classification of Gases 4. Compressed Gases H. Fire Behavior 1. Stages of Fire 2. Fire Phenomena -Flashover -Backdraft -Rollover -Flamover 3. Fire Plumes (Page 4 of 7) I. Fire Extinguishment
1. The Combustion Process 2. The Character of Flame 3. Fire Extinguishment J. Extinguishing Agents 1. Water 2. Foams and Wetting Agents 3. Inert Gas Extinguishing Agents 4. Halogenated Extinguishing Agents 5. Dry Chemical Extinguishing Agents 6. Dry Powder Extinguishing Agents K. Hazards by Classification Types 1. Hazards of Explosives 2. Hazards of Compressed and Liquified Gases 3. Hazards of Flammable and Combustible Liquids 4. Hazards of Flammable Solids 5. Hazards of Oxidizing Agents 6. Hazards of Poisons 7. Hazards of Radioactive Substances 8. Hazards of Corrosives (Page 5 of 7)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS/EVALUATION: (Page 6 of 7) COURSE OBJECTIVES/ASSESSMENT MEASURES COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. Identify physical properties of the three states of matter. Categorize the components of fire. ASSESSMENT MEASURES 1. score 2. Define and Describe the states of matter, measurements, vapor density, specific gravity, physical and chemical properties of fire. 2. score 3. Describe and apply the process of burning. 4. Explain the physical and chemical properties of fire. 3. score 5. Define and use basic terms and concepts associated with the chemistry and dynamics of fire. 4. Discuss various materials and their relationship to fire as fuel. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of water as a fire suppression agent. Compare other methods and techniques of fire extinguishments. 4. score, research papers and group projects Comprehemsive Final Exam
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