Fire Science Course Descriptions

Explanation of Course Description Items

FSC 100
Introduction to Fire Science
3 credits
Offered upon request
The primary intent of this course is to acquaint new firefighters with history, traditions, terminology, organization and operation of the service.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 101
Fire Department Operations I
6 credits
Offered upon request
This course is the introductory Fire Science course, primarily designed for new fire department recruits. The course covers all aspects of fire department operations, including equipment and personnel policies.  Preparation for State Fire Marshall’s Fire Fighter certification.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 102
Fire Department Operations II
5 credits
Offered upon request
Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in FSC 101 required
This is the advanced firefighting course, primarily designed for new fire department recruits.  Emphasis is on the chemistry of fire, building construction, administrative policies, and techniques of firefighting. Preparation for State Fire Marshall’s Fire Fighter certification.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 105
Firefighter Safety and Survival
2 credits
Offered upon request
To improve firefighter safety on the fireground and emergency medical scenes.

FSC 106
Hazardous Materials First Responder
2 credits
Offered upon request
The purpose of this course is to address the behavior and dangers of hazardous materials.  Emphasis will be commonly encountered chemicals and factors which impact a responder’s decisions at the scene.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 110
Fire Hydraulics
2 credits
Offered upon request
Fireground operations covering basic formulas for determining fire pump discharge pressures, the laws of pressure and hydraulics associated with fire systems.

FSC 115
Rescue Practices for Fire Service
3 credits
Offered upon request
Introduction to skills necessary to assess, extricate, and care for victims in emergency situations. This course also includes an overview of fire service-based rescue, rescue operations and incident management, and civilian versus firefighter rescue. Also includes an overview of technical rescues.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 120
Fire Apparatus and Equipment
3 credits
Offered upon request
This course will familiarize the student with automotive apparatus (pumpers, aerial ladders, lift platforms, hose wagons, transports and utility vehicles), water towers, heavy auxiliary mechanical equipment and appliances, generators, compressors, rescue and forcible entry tools and cutting torches.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 125
Driver Operator for Fire Equipment
3 credits
Offered upon request
This course will teach the techniques for driving and handling fire vehicles.  Includes safe operating procedures, defensive driving, apparatus inspection, training in emergency maneuvers, and the key components of the driving system.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 130
Fundamentals of Fire Prevention
3 credits
Offered upon request
Introduction to the principles of fire prevention.  Includes authority, responsibility and organization of fire prevention, inspection procedures and reports, fire hazard recognition, building construction, and occupancy classifications.  Also includes site access and means of egress, water-based fire protection and water supply systems, portable extinguishers, special agent, extinguishing systems, and fire detection and alarm systems, plans review, hazardous materials and flammable and combustible liquids, and storage, handling, and use of other hazardous materials.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 135
Strength and Fitness for Fire Service
2 credits
Offered upon request
The course offers the students the aspects of fitness for fire fighting. Students will learn how to develop strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility in a participatory learning environment. Course sessions will address aerobic and strength training, proper lifting, warm-up and flexibility techniques, training principles and elements of wellness. Proper handling of fire service equipment will be introduced.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 140
Fire Protection Systems
3 credits
Offered upon request
In this course the student will learn the principles of fire protection systems.  Includes portable and fixed fire extinguishing equipment, automatic sprinkler and deluge systems, rate of temperature rise and smoke detecting devices and alarm systems.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 145
Arson Detection and Investigation
3 credits
Offered upon request
Basic principles of arson investigation.  Includes an introduction to fire investigation, laws, fire causes, determining point of origin, evidence, fire setters, case investigation and preparation, and courtroom demeanor and testimony.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 150
Basic Wildland Firefighting
3 credits
Offered upon request
The course is presented through a series of lectures, field and sand table exercises. Includes the factors that affect wildland fire behavior, the start and spread of fires, how topography, slope and weather elements affect fire behavior and how to recognize dangerous situations on the fireline.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 155
Advanced Wildland Firefighting
3 credits
Offered upon request
Prerequisite:  FSC 150
This course is designed to instruct prospective fireline supervisors in wildland fire behavior for effective and safe fire management operations.  After completion of the course, students will be able to determine basic input data of terrain, fuels, and weather required for understanding fire behavior for various times of the day or night.  They will also be able to describe the causes of extreme fire behavior conditions (spotting, crowning, fire whirl) due to weather, fuels, and/or topography.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 160
Enhanced Fitness Activities for Fire Science
3 credits
Offered upon request
Progress in this course is assessed using baseline physical fitness measurements and comparing them to post-physical fitness measurements at the end of the semester. The same tests are used for baseline and post-physical fitness testing: 3-minute step test, sit-ups, push-ups and sit-and-reach flexibility test. Each student is required to show improvements in all physical fitness test performances after a semester of regular aerobic, strength-training and flexibility workouts. There is no threshold level that students need to reach in order to “pass” their tests. Attendance is required for regularly scheduled workouts.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 170
Firefighting Tactics and Strategy
3 credits
Offered upon request
Methods of coordinating personnel, equipment, and apparatus on the fireground.  Practical methods of controlling and extinguishing structural, and other types of fires.  Includes simulation exercises.  Recommend completion of FSC 101 and FSC 102 or be a current member of a Fire Department.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 175
Building Construction for Firefighters
3 credits
Offered upon request
This course is designed to improve firefighter safety on the fire ground.  This course will demonstrate the effects that fire and heat may have on various types of building construction and the resulting loss of structural integrity.  It also includes information on the signs and symptoms of structural damage.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 201
Patient Stabilization
2 credits
Offered upon request
Training the EMT, First Responder and firefighter in the specialized skills and procedures necessary when stabilizing a patient during and after a vehicular extrication emergency.

FSC 202
Supervisory Training for Firefighters
3 credits
Offered upon request
Offered in Gila County only
This course offers the professional firefighter the opportunity to transition to the role of company officer and addresses supervisory skills and practices in the fire protection field.  Topics include the supervisor's duties and responsibilities.  Topics also include the supervisor's role, supervision skills, the changing work environment, managing change, organizing for results, discipline, grievances, and safety.  Upon completion of this course, students will have developed an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the effective fire service supervisor while meeting the requirements of NFPA 1021.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format

FSC 210
Instructor I
2 credits
Offered upon request
This course provides theoretical and practical training in developing and instructing fire and emergency services training programs.  Includes an exploration of safety and legal issues, adult learning psychology, developing, planning and presenting effective instruction, evaluating student learning, teaching diverse learners, and use of instructional media.
Course Outline in Adobe Acrobat Format