Fire Science

FSC103: Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy

This course is concerned with basic fire fighting tactics and strategy; methods of attack; preplanning of fire problems including necessary equipment and manpower. Some fire problems will be presented for analysis and study, consistent with accepted practices from authoritative sources. The concepts of I.C.S. and R.I.C. will be discussed throughout the class.

FSC105: Hazardous Materials

This course reviews the fundamental physical and chemical principles which govern the behavior of Hazardous Materials. Specifically, the course deals with identifying hazardous materials and the hazards of solids, dusts, water reactive materials, liquids, gases, toxic materials, plastics, corrosives, oxidizing agents, explosives, radioactivity, LP gases, cryogenics, general hazards and electricity. Handling, transporting, storage and recommended fire fighting practices within extreme fire hazard areas are discussed. Laboratory demonstrations illustrate and supplement the class work.

FSC107: Hydraulics for the Fire Service

This course is concerned with the fundamentals of hydraulics and fluid mechanics as they relate to the firefighter and individuals involved in Fire Protection. Subjects to be studied include: principles of fluid statics, fluid motion, water supply testing, fire pump operation and fire suppression systems.

FSC108: Fire Investigation and Evidence

This course will cover the methods used in determining the causes and circumstances of fire. The collecting and preserving of evidence will be covered; also, the preparation of evidence for court.

FSC110: Fire Code and Ordinances

This course will review the codes which influence the field of fire prevention including the fire prevention regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (527 CMR). Also included will be Chapters 48, 143 and 148 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth as well as the Massachusetts Building Code, and the codes of the National Fire Protection Association.

FSC114: Fire Company Management

A study of scope and functions of the fire company officer in the fire department. Topics discussed include: the role of the fire service, departmental procedures, administrative and management procedures, training, public relations, tactics and strategy, and fire prevention.

FSC115: Introduction to Technical Rescue

The student will receive instruction in the basic concepts of technical rescue. An explanation of related equipment, regulations and procedures to supervise and conduct technical rescue operations will be explained.

FSC120: Introduction to Incident Management

This course introduces the philosophy of emergency scene management, the National Incident Management System (N.I.M.S.), planning and preparation in anticipation of a likely emergency, and management of specific types of emergency situations including a review of lessons learned from historical incidents. This course is intended to acquaint students with the basic management tools needed to operate as a command officer at the scene of an emergency or disaster.

FSC130: Shipboard Firefighting

This course is designed to give the students an understanding of the maritime industry by providing information on maritime terminology, ship construction, firefighting shipboard fire protection systems, and shipboard firefighting. The course focuses on the necessary tactics and strategies needed to deal with a maritime fire as well as the various agencies that can provide assistance in dealing with a shipboard fire. Students will be given a tour of a ship, during which time the systems will be explained and the shipboard firefighting problems discussed.

FSC150: Principles of Emergency Services

This course provides an overview of fire protection and emergency services; career opportunities in fire protection related fields; culture and history of emergency services; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature; specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems, fire strategy, and tactics; and life safety initiatives.

FSC151: Fire Prevention

This course provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of the fire prevention. Topics include history and philosophy of fire prevention, organizations and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use and application of codes and standards, plan review, fire inspections, fire and life safety education, and fire investigation.

FSC152: Fire Protection Systems

This course provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection, and portable fire extinguishers.

FSC153: Building Construction for the Fire Protection

This course provides the components of building construction related to fire fighters and life safety. The elements of construction design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes