This course is not about the memorization of fire effects details, it is about understanding concepts, thinking logically, pursuing knowledge, identifying resources and communicating. In addition I hope this class makes the study of fire effects interesting and maybe just exciting enough that you will continue to pursue knowledge about this for the remainder of your life.

To better emphasize these objectives this course is taught as a combination of traditional lecture based methods and problem based learning. About half of the time in this class will be mini-lectures and the other half will be taught using a problem-based format where you will work individually or as a group on complex real world problems.

This course will require you to look at the available information on fire effects and burn severity, analyze that information and solve real world problems. We will focus on the principles, processes of understanding, evaluating and collecting information about fire effects. The goal of this class is to make you a better fire manager by improving your ability to manage fire effects. This class should provide you with a deeper understanding of the basic mechanisms of fire effects such that you will be able to:

1. Describe the basic mechanisms governing fire effects
2. Evaluate and interpret fire effects information
3. Think critically and be able to analyze and solve complex, real world fire effects problems
4. Find, evaluate, and use appropriate learning resources
5. Work cooperatively in teams and small groups

Course Structure

As you can see from the Lesson Schedule, this course is divided into 4 general topics.  Each Lesson is divided into several modules. You will spend from one to two weeks on each of these modules. In each module you will find the following information:

1. A list of learning objectives for the module to let you know where you should be headed.
2. Reading assignments.
3. In most cases, a PowerPoint presentation with Audio.
4. Homework assignments covering material from the readings and/or the PowerPoint presentation.
5. Occasional discussion sessions, which you must participate in.