CRN XXXXX F SC 50 Introduction to Fire Science

Three firefighters standing in front of a fire engine

Course Information

Introductory course to fire science that examines fire technology, department organizational structures, Incident Command System, fire protection systems and equipment, and provides an overview of careers in fire investigation, fire prevention, and fire suppression. The class meets the Fire Fighter I and II certification of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Standard 1001.

Add/Drop Policy

For adding the Class Before the Start Date:

Use Web4 to enroll in the class if space is available.
If no space is available, you can use Web4 to add yourself to a waitlist..
If you are on the waitlist and no space becomes available, you will need to use the next set of steps (For adding the class After the Start Date):

For Adding the Class After the Start Date:

CCSF has removed add codes as of Spring 2020
You must use the Class Request option on the class schedule using the CRN to request an add.
Requests are not guaranteed! I always prioritize the waitlist first and then the request list.
How many students do I add over the cap?

I try to add up to 10 students over my cap.

Dropping the Class:

Students are encouraged to drop the class on their own ASAP to allow other students to add.
If you do not engage in the first week of class and complete the first module by the due dates, or subsequently if you have not completed/submitted any work for more than one week, without communicating in advance with me, you may be dropped from the course. The last thing I want to do is drop a student who may be unsure about requirements for the course especially during the first week. If this happens don’t hesitate to contact me so we can work out a plan for your success. No show students who have no contact with me or activity on Canvas will be dropped at the end of the first week of class.
The instructor reserves the right to drop students at any point in the semester if they do not login and contribute academic work at least once every seven days.
Students are required to be aware of drop dates throughout the semester. CCSF Academic Calendar will include the last dates to drop with and without a W as well as last day to drop for a full refund. Students are responsible to drop the class on their own in these circumstances.

Required Software

You will need the following software for this course.

Important Dates

This will be an entirely online course with no required class meetings. School starts on August for 16 weeks.

Class schedule.

Course Syllabus

F SC 50 Introduction to Fire Science Fall 2023

Course Syllabus

Course Description

Introductory course to fire science that examines fire technology, department organizational structures, Incident Command System, fire protection systems and equipment, and provides an overview of careers in fire investigation, fire prevention, and fire suppression. The class meets the Fire Fighter I and II certification of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Standard 1001.

Prerequisites/corequisites/advisories

Recommended Preparation, ENGL 88 or ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English

Student Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Identify and explain the use of fire service equipment and apparatuses and how they are used in fire suppression operations.
Describe fire service organizational structures, Incident Command Systems (ICS), and communication systems that support the fire service organization.
Evaluate operational and training safety practices that focus on firefighter health and safety.
Explain fire dynamics and their effects in fire incidents as related to firefighting operations.
Compare fire prevention, fire investigation, medical services and other specialty fire service programs designed to protect the public.

Class Meetings

This will be an entirely online course with no required class meetings

Communication Policy

My number one priority is your success in this course. So, I want to reinforce the many ways I will be available to you. The best way to contact me for non-emergencies is through the Canvas inbox, but you can always email me at jskinner@ccsf.edu, I check this email from my phone frequently throughout the day. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me along the way. I am here to help you in your journey to learn more about the Fire Service.

We will also be connecting through weekly Announcements, discussions, and assignment feedback. I will be an active participant in the discussions, reading all your posts and responding to several students each week to further discussion and clarify comments. The discussions will be one way for you to communicate and connect with other students in this class. This is very important because it gives us the ability to build long lasting relationships with fellow students who have the same interests in this subject. I still have contact with other students and instructors who I took Fire Science classes with many years ago.

Remember questions can also be posted in the Q&A Discussion section in Canvas. This is a great place to ask general questions to the group, but if you have a personal question for me or one you don’t want to share with the entire group just send me a message through the Canvas Inbox.

Instructor Announcements and Q&A Forum

I will post announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences as soon as the instructor creates an Announcement.

A “Q&A Forum” is also on Canvas to ask for assistance of your classmates or the instructor.

James F Skinner

Email: jskinner@ccsf.edu

CCSF Phone: (415) 452-7183

Cell (650) 743-5610

Office Hours: By appointment

The instructor will respond to all course email within 24-48 hours Monday-Friday, exclusive of school holidays. Utilize Text messaging only if absolutely necessary.

Course Web Site

Students will use the Canvas Learning Management system [for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, viewing classmates' work, sharing resources, and viewing grades].

Textbook

"Essentials of FirefightingLinks to an external site." 7th edition by IFSTA

ISBN # -13: 9780135575253

You can locate and order textbooks online via the CCSF BookstoreLinks to an external site.. Students who receive financial aid will only receive money for books listed in the CCSF bookstore.

Required Software

You will need the following software for this course.

Important Dates Calendar

Instructional CalendarLinks to an external site.

Attendance and Drop Policy

If you do not engage in the first week of class and complete the first module by the due dates, or subsequently if you have not completed/submitted any work for more than one week, without communicating in advance with me, you may be dropped from the course. The last thing I want to do is drop a student who may be unsure about requirements for the course especially during the first week. If this happens don’t hesitate to contact me so we can work out a plan for your success.

No show students who have no contact with me or activity on Canvas will be dropped at the end of the first week of class.

If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%).

Pass‐NoPass (P/NP)

You may take this class P/NP. You must decide before the deadline, and add the option online with Pass no pass requestLinks to an external site. form with Admissions and Records. With a grade of C or better, you will get P.

You must file for the P/NP option. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If you are taking this course as part of a certificate program, you can probably still take the class P/NP. Check with a counselor to be sure.

Late Policy

Every assignment has a due date, rubric, and a deadline for submissions. Students are expected to submit assignments on or before the assigned due date, which, in turn, allows me time to review your work and provide meaningful feedback. Due dates have been designed in the course to ensure time is provided to allow you to produce your best work. Because time management is challenging, deadlines might not be met. But you’re in luck. Late submissions will be accepted with a penalty. Assignments submitted after the deadline may receive a 10% grade point deduction for each day following the due date and time. If life events interrupt your work in this class, no worries, I will work with you!

Please contact me as soon as possible so I can help you catch up and provide as much support as possible. If you recognize a due date might be a problem, advocate for your success by following these steps:

Identify the problem
Contact me to propose a solution
Let’s negotiate

Life happens….good communication is key to working out reasonable solutions or accommodations.

Methods of Evaluation

Methods of evaluation will be assignments (Discussions etc.), projects, exams, and term papers.

Exams

There will be online midterm and final exams. The material comes from the textbook, class lectures and supplemental materials. If any exam is missed, a zero will be recorded as the score. It is your responsibility to take the online exams by the due date.

Methods of Evaluation

Methods of evaluation will be assignments (Discussions etc.), projects, exams, and term papers.

Exams

There will be online quizzes as well as a midterm and final exams. The material comes from the textbook, class discussions, videos, and supplemental materials. If any exam is missed, a zero will be recorded as the score. It is your responsibility to take the online exams by the due date.

Grading Policy

Visit the “Grades” in Canvas to keep track of your grades. I grade once a week and post grades and comments on the online Canvas gradebook.

Grades will be assigned as follows:

Grading scale
A	90%
B	80%
C	70%
D	60%
F or FW	<60%	SEE NOTES BELOW

If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 70% of the total class points and complete the midterm exam and the final exam to pass the class.

An “F” grade indicates that a student attended, participated and completed the course but failed to master the course curriculum.

An “FW” grade indicates the student stopped attending a course after the “last day to withdraw” deadline and subsequently did not submit any work or participate in any exams. Please check with your counselor and financial aid advisor for possible implications of the FW grade on residency and financial aid status.

Standards of Conduct

Students who register in CCSF classes are required to abide by the CCSF Student Code of Conduct

Violation of the code is basis for referral to the Student Conduct Coordinator or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Office of Student Affairs and WellnessLinks to an external site.

Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:

Encourage Academic Integrity and Prevent Plagiarism

Citing Information Sources

Special Needs

If you need classroom or testing accommodations because of a disability, or have emergency medical information to share with me, or need special arrangements in case the building needs to be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. My office hours are by appointment. Students seeking disability related accommodations are encouraged to also register with Disabled Students Programs and Services located in Room 323 of the Rosenberg Library (415) 452-5481. Please see the DSPS website for more information and alternate locations. Note: DSPS is currently operating on a remote basis and is not conducting in-person meetings at this time. During this period, DSPS counseling is available via phone, email, or zoom. Please contact 415-452-5481 (currently voicemail only) or email dspsacom@ccsf.edu for assistance.

List of assignments

Note to students: Assignments are listed in the Modules. To view all course content, go to Modules.

syllabus: you also have the option to include a link to your syllabus in Canvas if you want to make it publicly available. Here's how to make your syllabus publicly available. Be sure to include your textbook and ISBN information.