Fire Science (FIR)

Provides an understanding of where the fire service has come from to better help steer fire service into the future. Instructional units are facilitated through a guided self-study format. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Examines structural reactions to fire. Studies building codes and their relationship to the architectural strength of various designs. Covers how construction and design are key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations and functioning at emergencies. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Studies how the chemical and physical aspects of fuels, the combustion process and the products of combustion affect how fire is caused, spread and extinguished. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Covers the techniques, procedures, regulations and enforcement of codes (fire, building, life safety) in various occupancies. Communication with the property owner on changes to meet code requirements are presented. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Studies methods of coordinating personnel, equipment and deploying apparatus on the fire ground. Practical methods of controlling and extinguishing structural and other types of fires are discussed. Includes simulation exercises. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Covers the identification of system elements, the proper type for the occupancy as per code, fire department operations at premises, and inspection practices to ensure the system is operating and installed as required. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take FIR-124. Take FIR-127.

Covers properties of chemistry in fire service. Discusses types of chemicals, processes, and legal requirements as they pertain to use, storage, and transportation of chemicals. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take MAT-772.

Prepares for the state administered Hazardous Materials Operations and Awareness certification exam. Discusses the properties of chemically active substances related to hazardous materials. Identifies and demonstrates techniques, methods and strategies to mitigate haz-mat incidents. Covers state and federal laws as they relate to management of hazardous materials. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prepares students for the state administered Firefighter I certification exam. Includes basic firefighting tactics, fire behavior, safety, forcible entry, hose handling, ladders, protective clothing, SCBA rescue, ventilation, PPE and additional topics. Requires passing the Firefighter I exam through the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau to become certified. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take FIR-150.

Continues as the second level of standards-based certification. Focuses on the basic principles of firefighting as they relate to Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. Covers topics included in the Firefighter I program, and offers certification testing to obtain Firefighter II certification based on NFPA 1001, 2002 edition. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take FIR-199.

Studies fire service nomenclature, career opportunities in fire protection, organization and function of fire protection services, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, and fire departments as part of local government. Includes job shadowing with career firefighters. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prepares for certification as an Apparatus Driver Operator-Pumper. Covers the requirements of the NFPA 1002, for driving and maneuvering a fire apparatus in a confined space, restricted/diminished clearance, serpentine and non-emergency and emergency vehicle operations. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take FIR-199. Take FIR-201.

Covers concepts and techniques for conducting periodic company-level or small-unit training. Emphasizes teaching principles applicable to in-service fire and rescue service skills training. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Studies the company officer's role in the fire department. Examines topics including effective communications, organization and management, resource management, leadership, safety, fire prevention and investigation, and pre-planning. Meets NFPA 1021, Fire Officer I, 2003 edition. Includes lecture with activities and exercises designed to reinforce the topic. Requires completion of written assignments that are designed to meet the requirements of Fire Officer I. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take FIR-199.

Introduces the basic principles and history related to national firefighter life safety initiatives. Focuses on the need for cultural and behavioral change across the emergency services. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Allows a qualified honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires completion of an honors project contract. May be taken more than once. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B; Comments: Requires approval of supervising professor and dean

Provides readings, papers and basic research or other projects under the individual guidance of a staff member. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B; Comments: Permission of instructor, dean