Building Construction for the Fire Service Syllabus

1 Building Construction for the fire Service Syllabus Professor: Brian Carlson, Adjunct Professor College of Engineering & Applied Science Course Description: The student is introduced to the principles, methods, techniques and terminology used in Building Construction and how Building Construction relates to fire protection and fire safety. The elements of Construction and engineering design of structures relating to fire protection is emphasized. Structural components and structural collapse are studied as well as case studies in fire and life safety.

2 The different classifications of buildings and how Building Construction and codes affect fire and life safety are discussed. Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: Describe the principles and methods of Construction and how they relate to life and fire safety. Explain engineering and Construction principles and the different loads and stresses exerted on a Building in their relation to life and fire safety. Compare the characteristics and types of materials used in the Construction of buildings and how they react in fire conditions.

3 Recognize the different structural components of buildings and their reactions under fire conditions. Compare the different classifications and types of buildings using the various Building and fire codes. Analyze how Building and fire codes interact with Building Construction and fire protection. Differentiate the different types of Construction and how each responds to fire conditions. Distinguish between the advantages and disadvantages of Building Construction principles, methods and types and how they relate to fire safety and firefighting tactics. Textbooks: Brannigan, F.

4 L. & Corbett, G. P. (2008). Brannigan s Building Construction for the fire Service . Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Numerous standards, articles, and internet sources that can be found in the course Virtual Office: The Blackboard Virtual Office discussion forum is used to post questions to the instructor and other students about the course materials. Posting them here will allow others who might have similar questions to see responses. Your instructor will be checking the Virtual Office frequently to answer any questions that may have been posted.

5 In many cases your classmates may be able to provide assistance. Nothing in the Virtual Office will be graded. E-mails: When sending e-mails use only your UC e-mail address. Each e-mail shall identify the name and the number of the course. UC Blackboard Help Desk: If need technical advice, call 513-556-1602. Module Assignments: The course is broken into five modules. Each module is three weeks in length. The tasks for each module are posted in corresponding links found in the module assignments tab. Module Discussion Board Assignment Paper I x x II x x III x x IV x x x V x x x a.

6 Discussion Board 150 available points Response to initial questions is due on 10:00 PM the first Sunday of the module. Reply to 2 responses per thread is due on 10:00 PM the second Sunday of the module. Each thread is worth 10 points (30 points per week). See the discussion board rubric in course documents for further instructions. b. Assignments 250 available points One assignment is due each module. c. Papers 200 available points A Building Construction paper is due in Module IV and an Incident Report is due in Module V.

7 See the rubrics under course documents for further instructions. Late Assignments: Assignments submitted by the due date may receive up to 100 percent of the value of the assignment. Assignments submitted one day late will lose 10%; two days late 20%; three days late 30%; etc. Only acceptable formal written excuses (medical doctor, jury duty, military assignments, and a few others) may enable the instructor to waive the deductions. Advance notice by the student to the instructor of possible upcoming late submittals will help facilitate such a waiver. Plagiarism: Plagiarism is considered cheating and I have included a link to the college s policy on plagiarism and cheating below.

8 Plagiarism will result in an automatic failure. Assignments will be submitted to SafeAssign to see if there has been any plagiarism. Grading: Grades will be based on maximum of 600 points. A 540-600 B 480-539 C 420-479 D 360-419 F 359 and below