North Shore Community College Division Of Sciences And Math

North Shore Community Collegedivision Of Sciences And Mathematicsfire

Describe the core content and objectives of the Fundamentals of Fire Prevention course, including the course description, goals, structure, assignments, evaluation methods, and the term paper requirement on the Elliott Chambers Rooming House Fire, as well as communication policies, grading scale, and schedule overview.

Paper For Above instruction

The Fundamentals of Fire Prevention course offered by North Shore Community College's Division of Sciences and Mathematics provides students with foundational knowledge in fire prevention principles, history, organization, and operational strategies. The course is designed to deepen understanding of fire safety, hazard identification, fire code application, and the broader relationship between fire prevention and other fire service functions such as investigation and public education. As a fully online course, it emphasizes active engagement through reading assignments, discussions, exams, and a significant term paper, fostering both theoretical knowledge and practical awareness critical for those aspiring to advance in fire service roles.

The core objectives of the course are to establish a solid understanding of how fire prevention impacts overall fire department operations, and to familiarize students with the historical context of major fire incidents, emphasizing lessons learned to prevent future disasters. The course aims to prepare students for real-world application by exploring fire codes, hazards, safety education, and the organizational structure of fire prevention bureaus. It promotes critical thinking on fire safety issues affecting communities and highlights the importance of continual learning from past fire events and evolving standards.

Structured entirely through Blackboard Learn, the course involves weekly modules, each containing assigned chapters, video presentations, and activities. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions, complete exams covering the course chapters, and submit assignments punctually. Communication is primarily via NSCC email and Blackboard messaging, with regular checking encouraged to stay informed about updates and deadlines. Grading is based on five exams (60%), one term paper (20%), and associated discussion assignments (20%). The grading scale ranges from A (93-100) to F (below 60), with clear expectations for academic performance.

A key component is the term paper focused on the Elliott Chambers Rooming House Fire of July 4, 1984, which resulted in 15 deaths. This paper must be at least three pages long, double-spaced, using 12-point font, with an additional works cited page. It should analyze the fire, lessons learned, and any subsequent changes in fire codes in Massachusetts. The due date is April 15, 2018, by 11:59 PM. Participation in discussions occurs in designated modules, fostering dialogue on textbook chapters and related topics, worth up to 10 points each. Special attention is given to inclusive communication and accommodating students with disabilities, emphasizing early engagement with disability services if needed.

The course schedule spans from mid-January to early May, with weekly modules covering specific chapters and topics. Exams are scheduled periodically, each covering multiple chapters, with availability windows specified in the syllabus. Spring break occurs from March 11 to 17, 2018. The course continuously emphasizes the importance of familiarity with Blackboard, timely submission of coursework, and professional communication throughout the semester to ensure an effective online learning experience.

References

• Diamantes, D. (2016). Principles of Fire Prevention (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2013). Incident Command System (ICS) Fundamentals.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). (2018). NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
• State of Massachusetts. (1985). Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code Amendments Following the Elliott Chambers Fire.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2014). Fire Dynamics and Prevention Technology Overview.
• United States Fire Administration (USFA). (2017). Firefighter Fatality Reports and Data Analysis.
• Fire Prevention & Safety Education. (2016). Best Practices and Community Outreach Strategies.
• International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). (2019). Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement.
• National Fire Chiefs Council. (2020). Leadership and Organizational Strategies in Fire Prevention.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2014). Fire Safety and Public Health Interventions.