Course Introduction

 

(Print this document now!)

 

Course Title:                FIRE-2 --- Fire Prevention Technology

                                                       

Instructor:                   Don Ramos

                                    Retired Fire Chief

 

About Don Ramos     

I retired from the San Jose Fire Department at the rank of Battalion Chief. I have been the Fire Chief in the Felton and Branciforte Fire Protection Districts in Santa Cruz County.  I have an A.A. in Fire Science, a B.A. in Human Performance, and Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Public Administration.  I have been teaching in the California Community College system for decades.

 

I live part-time in Aptos and part-time in the Sierra foothills where I have installed a vineyard.  My wife Marilyn and I enjoy time with our 5 children and 13 grandchildren.

 

Contacting Your Instructor

We will be using the course Message Board on a very limited basis. My main tool for interacting with you will be through e-mail.  If you need to communicate with me ------ E-MAIL ME!       If needed, I will talk to you by phone or face-to-face.  My e-mail address is:  ramosd@yosemite.edu

 

Unit Credits:               3 Semester Units

 

Transfer Credit:           CSU

 

Description:                 Fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationship of fire prevention with fire safety education and detection and suppression systems.

 

Distance Learning --- WHY?

            Because:

·         You work 5 days a week and have child care issues to contend with…..

·         You do not have reliable transportation to class…..

·         You are disabled and cannot leave home…..

·         You prefer the flexibility of independent study.

 

Distance Learning --- Will you be successful?

            Yes, if…..

·         You are self-motivated and good at follow through…

·         You have a strong reason to complete your education…..

·         You understand that distance learning is just as difficult and time-consuming as classroom classes…..

·         You have basic computer skills…..

·         You prefer the flexibility of independent study.

 

How do we make it successful for you?

            The faculty care about you…..

·         The Public Safety faculty is experienced in what it takes to make your distance learning experience successful…..

·         Your instructor tracks your work and encourages you to complete assignments, just as if you were in a classroom…..

·         Your instructor gives quizzes and tests via the internet…..

·         You have direct access to your instructor to communicate, question, and respond…..

·         Your instructor is available via e-mail, telephone and face-to-face.

 

The “Ideal” On-Line Student

The “ideal” on-line student will have the following skill set:

1.      Access to the internet.

2.      Have a compatible browser (More on this later).

3.      Ability to navigate the internet using average or above average computer skills.

4.      Ability to work independently.

5.      You prefer the flexibility of independent study.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Evaluate and apply various codes within the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Fire Code, and California Administrative Code Title 19.
  2. Compare and contrast codes that involve occupancy classes, potential life and fire hazards, and corrections.
  3. Determine what codes apply to building construction, enforcement procedures, and alternatives.

 

Course Objectives:

  1. Define laws responsible for effective fire prevention.
  2. Describe reasons for classifying occupancies by degree of fire and life safety hazards as well as common and special fire hazards.
  3. Explain the operation of detection, signaling, and suppression systems.
  4. Describe the significance of public education as an aid to fire prevention.
  5. Summarize the basic procedures of fire prevention employed by the fire service.

 

 

 

Methods of Instruction:

Every week:

    1. Read Session Directions
    2. Read appropriate Chapter in textbook.
    3. Review Instructor notes.
    4. Review appropriate Power Point slides.
    5. Take a quiz based on last week’s information.

 

Evaluation

  1. Substantial writing requirements are not appropriate for this course.
  2. A student's grade may be based on objective exams, including:   
    1. Quizzes
    2. Midterm
    3. Final Examination

 

Text:   

            Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement

            IFSTA

6th Edition

ISBN: 0-87939-150-2

 

Hardware and Software Requirements:

You will need regular access to a computer with a CD drive and an appropriate browser .

 

Getting to the Class and your Course Syllabus:

  1. Well now, you should be ready to start.
  2. Go to the Columbia College Web Page:     www.columbia.yosemite.cc.ca.us
  3. On the left you will see a line that says “Blackboard” --- click it.
  4. You are now at the Entry Page.  On the Entry Page you will enter your User  ID and Password.
  5. You will then reach the Course List for me --- click FT-2.
  6. You have arrived at the class.
  7. Homework before the first class:
    1. First thing --- go to the Introduction Documents Folder and PRINT the 3 documents.  You will be using them throughout the semester.
    2. E-mail me your e-mail address.  (Now!)  (ASAP!)  (Pronto!)
    3. Remember, my e-mail address is:  ramosd@yosemite.edu  
    4. You e-mailing me lets me know that you are attending the class.  It would be like me taking roll the first day of class.  If you do not show-up, you are dropped from the class.  If you do not e-mail me, YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE CLASS!
  8. OK … lets have fun and learn a lot!!!!!!