Fire Science (FIR) at Virginia Highlands Community College
- FIR 100 - Introduction to Fire Science
- Introduces basic concepts involved in fire suppression including fire behavior, building codes built in protection systems and the life safety code. Discusses the history and philosophy of the fire service at the national, state, and local levels and analyzes the overall fire problem.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 105 - Fire Suppression Operations
- Introduces the fundamentals of fire suppression. Explores fire behavior and basic physical and chemical laws of fire dynamics. Prepares student to understand the need for quick operational decisions made on the fireground including emergency incident management.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 112 - Fundamentals of Hazardous Materials
- Introduces the chemistry of hazardous materials including solids, liquids, gases, and methods used in their identification. Examines the use, handling, trasportation and environmental problems associated with hazardous materials.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 116 - Fire Prevention Fundamentals
- Introduces fire safety through study of fire causes, inspections, investigation procedures and life safety education. Familiarizes students with laws, ordinances and codes which influence the field of fire prevention and related problems.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 135 - Methods of Instruction
- Emphasizes development of teaching methods and aids, including role-playing, small group discussion and development of individual learning methods and materials. Requires students to develop lesson plans and make presentations on appropriate topics. (Based on current requirements of NFPA 1041, Standards for Fire Instructor Professional Qualifications and preapres student for certification as Fire Instructor I and II.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 140 - Fire Officer I
- Presents a basic course to help individuals develop the skills needed to supervise and direct personnel, and manage resources at the company level; and is based on the current requirements of the NFPA 1021, Standards for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications. Prepares student for certification as Fire Officer I.Lecture 4 hours per week.4 credits
- FIR 195 - Topics In
- Provides an opportunity to explore topical areas of interest to or needed by students.May be used also for special honors courses. May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.1-5 credits
- FIR 198 - Seminar and Project
- Requires completion of a project or research report related to the student's occupational objectives and a study of approaches to the selection and pursuit of career opportunities in the field.May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.1-5 credits
- FIR 205 - Fire Hydraulics and Distribution Systems
- Teaches mathematics, laws and formulas as applied to fire service hydraulics, including the development of mental ability to solve fire flow requirements and water supply needs. Emphasizes the principles, techniques, and application of water distribution systems used for fire suppression. Prerequisite: MTH 120 or higher.Lecture 3-4 hours per week.3-4 credits
- FIR 215 - Fire Suppression and Detection Systems
- Introduces fire suppression and detection systems. Includes design of smoke, heat, and flame detectors, as well as the design and operation of basic control and annunciator panels and multiplex command and control systems.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 220 - Building Construction
- Teaches fundamentals of building construction, design and materials as applied to fire resistance and special fire protection features. Considers the effects of fire on structures and inherent dangers of failure due to fire attack as well as ways various types and methods of building construction can influence strategy and tactics of firefighting.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 230 - Investigation Procedures
- Introduces the development and philosophy of fire investigation and detection, including inspection techniques, gathering of evidence and development of a criminal procedure to conform to judicial requirements.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 238 - Emergency Services Administration
- Provides an overview of management and administration methods and procedures in fire service and emergency medical services organizations. Includes ethical and legal considerations, budget preparation, records management, public relations, conflict resolution, intergovernmental relationships, cultural diversity, and personnel management issues. Discusses managerial attitudes and decisions, general and strategic organizational planning and career development.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 250 - Fire Officer II
- Presents an intermediate-level course to help individuals further develop the skills needed to supervise and direct personnel, manage resources at the company level; and is based on the current requirements of the NFPA 1021, Standards for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications. Prepares student for certification as Fire Officer II.Lecture 3 hours per week.3 credits
- FIR 255 - Fire Officer III
- Presents the material and testing required for certification as a Fire Officer III under the national Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, NFPA 1021. Includes instruction for those serving in or preparing for middle and upper ranks of large fire departments. Topics include community awareness and public relations, human resource development, budget information management, public education, emergency service delivery and firefighter safety. Prerequisite FIR 250 or certification as Fire Officer II.Lecture 3-4 hours per week.3-4 credits