Fire Science

JWCC’s fire science AAS degree is intended to prepare students for entry-level employment in the field of fire science. Students are trained to react correctly to emergency situations, including fire suppression, protection, and prevention techniques. For those already employed in the fire services field, online courses are available in conjunction with required hands-on certified fire and EMS training courses.

Career Opportunities

  • Firefighter
  • Emergency Response Team
  • Hazardous Materials Response Team
  • Fire Prevention, Disaster Assistance
  • Search and Rescue
  • Emergency Medical Service
Fireman pulling heavy gear
Suggested Degree Plan for Fire Science (AAS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
EMS 150 Emergency Medical Technician Details 6
The development of student skills in recognizing symptoms of illnesses and injuries and proper procedures of emergency care; includes demonstration and practice.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 132 Basic Firefighter - Module A Details 3
This course begins to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the first of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 174 Hazardous Materials Operations Details 3
Study of chemical characteristics and reactions related to storage, transportation, handling hazardous materials (i.e., flammable liquids, combustible solids, oxidizing and corrosive materials, and radioactive compounds). Emphasis on emergency situations and fire fighting and control.
Prerequisites: (none)
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Written Communication Requirement Details 3
Courses that fall under Written Communication.
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required.
Prerequisites: completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
ENG 191 Business Communication Details 3
This course instructs students in the techniques of composing effective business letters, memoranda, electronic communication, resumes and cover letters, and reports. It covers introductory business communication principles including intercultural communication, teamwork strategies, business etiquette, meeting strategies, business presentations, and employment communication.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score.
Second Semester Details
CSC 100 Computer Literacy Details 1
An introductory course in the history, characteristics, and significance of computers, including basic hardware and software components and a survey of applications. For persons with little or no background in computers who desire a general knowledge of computers or a foundations course on which to build a strong background in computing. Some "hand-on" experience.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 134 Basic Firefighter - Module B Details 3
This course continues to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the second of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of the tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 270 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy I Details 3
Explores the company officer's role on the fire ground. Areas of study include fire behavior, truck company functions, engine company functions, safety, prefire planning and hazardous materials response. This program is part of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Fire Officer I certification program and meets the tactics and strategy requirements of that program.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Hum / Soc / Behav Science Requirement Details 3
Courses from the Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences will satisfy this requirement.
Various Details
(no description available)
Various Social/Behavioral Science Details 3
AA degree-seeking students choose 9 credits (three courses) from at least two different subject areas. AS degree-seeking students choose 6 credits (two courses) from two different subject areas. AAS degree-seeking students desiring a social and behavioral science course may choose any course from this list. AFA degree-seeking students in music performance select from the general education core list.
Various MAT Gen. Ed. Requirements (AAS) Details 3
AAS degree-seeking students must select at least one course from the listed Classes.
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 113 College Algebra Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. Topics include advanced factoring of higher order polynomials; solving quadratic inequalities; advanced topics in relations, functions and their graphs; zeroes and graphs of polynomial and rational functions; and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 114 Trigonometry Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. It is the study and analysis of the sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent function; show these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving the sides and angles of triangles; and how these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving cyclic patterns, some that vary with time. Topics include definitions, properties and manipulation of trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometric functions; analytic trigonometry; trigonometric form of complex numbers; and polar coordinates, equations and graphs.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Details 4
A course designed to introduce the concepts of derivative and integral to the student interested in pursuing degrees related to engineering, science or mathematics. Specific topics include functions and graphs; slopes and rates of change; limit theory and continuous functions; formal differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; and applications of integration.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 and MAT 114 with grades of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 234 Calculus for Social Scientists Details 4
A course designed to introduce the business and social science student to the concepts of derivative and integral. Applications of these concepts stress the use of calculus to solve business and social science problems. Specific topics include relations and functions; algebraic functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; derivatives; applications of derivatives; advanced derivative techniques; integrals; advanced integration techniques.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 with a grade of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
Various Electives Details 2
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
Third Semester Details
Various CMN 101 / CMN 104 Details 3
Choose CMN 101 or CMN 104.
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery.
Prerequisites: (none)
CMN 104 Interpersonal Communication Details 3
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial and professional relationships.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 136 Basic Firefighter - Module C Details 3
This course continues to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the third of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various FSC Electives Details 3
All FSC classes that students can choose.
FSC 122 Fire Apparatus Engineer Details 3
Study of basic design, operating characteristics, testing, and maintenance of motorized fire apparatus. Includes purchasing contracts and specification writing. (Designed to meet certification requirement for Fire Apparatus Engineer.)
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 123 Pumpers and Tankers Details 1
This course is designed to teach the student the basics of water supply, through hydrants, drafting and water shuttles. It is important for fire companies to be able to obtain water from sources other than hydrants at the fireground, and operate a tanker shuttle to provide adequate water supply for firefighting operations. This skill is not limited to rural applications, and may be necessary to supplement hydranted areas where there is inadequate water supply.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 132 Basic Firefighter - Module A Details 3
This course begins to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the first of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 134 Basic Firefighter - Module B Details 3
This course continues to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the second of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of the tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 136 Basic Firefighter - Module C Details 3
This course continues to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the third of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 141 Skills in SCBA's Details 1
This course is designed for the beginning student firefighter to become familiar with the self contained breathing apparatus, which they will be using during firefighting operations. The course will educate the firefighter with the background, anatomy, operations and maintenance requirements of this tool. Being proficient with this tool could be the difference between life and death of the firefighter.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 150 Building Construction for the Fire Service Details 3
Analysis of various methods of building construction, various types of construction materials and basic principles of construction design. Also covered are the fire resistant features of materials, life safety methods of construction and an introduction to the fire codes and laws.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 160 Vehicle and Machinery Operations Details 3
Development of skills in the use and care of equipment needed to perform rescue, extrication, and hazardous control functions. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be qualified for state certification as ERT.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 162 Technical Rescue Awareness Details 1
Developed by fire fighters within the state of Illinois in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal following the guidelines of the OSFM and NFPA 1670. This course provides students a means to identify and properly react to uncommon, dangerous and difficult rescue situations in the following topics: structural collapse, rope rescue, confined space, vehicle and machinery, water, wilderness search and rescue, trench and excavation. Further training is required for actual rescue operations and practices.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 165 Confined Space Rescue Specialist Details 3
Throughout this class the firefighter will learn to perform rescues in confined spaces which consists of vertical and horizontal vessels and tanks in facilities with vertical and horizontal manways and a variety of obstacles commonly found in an industrial environment.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 166 Vehicle and Machinery Technician Details 3
This course is designed to give fire service personnel the basic knowledge and skills to safely perform vehicle and machinery rescues as defined by NFPA 1670 (2004), Operations and Training for Technical Rescue Incidents. The course teaches the skills set forth by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 167 Rope Operations Details 3
This rope operations course has been developed by firefighters within the State of Illinois in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The members of the steering committee followed the guidelines of the OSFM and NFPA 1670, NFPA 1006 and NFPA 1983. This course is meant to provide the student a means in which to identify and properly react to uncommon, dangerous and difficult rescue situations in the area of rope operations.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 170 Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter Details 3
This course concentrates on the information and skills required by the fire fighter in conducting duties related to aircraft fires and aircraft rescue.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 173 Hazardous Materials Awareness Details 1
This course educates emergency responders about the basic safeguard in responding to hazardous materials emergencies. Teaches skills necessary for detection of hazardous materials, consulting references for additional information, and implementation of the proper notification process. Meets the requirements of 29CFR1910120HAZWOPER, and NFPA 472.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 174 Hazardous Materials Operations Details 3
Study of chemical characteristics and reactions related to storage, transportation, handling hazardous materials (i.e., flammable liquids, combustible solids, oxidizing and corrosive materials, and radioactive compounds). Emphasis on emergency situations and fire fighting and control.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 175 Hazardous Materials Technician Details 3
The purpose of this course is to study the chemical characteristics and reactions related to storage, transportation, and handling of hazardous materials (i.e. flammable liquids, combustible solids, oxidizing and corrosive materials, and radioactive compounds). Emphasis on emergency situations, fire fighting and control, including information on the relevant NFPA standards impacting the program (such as NFPA 471, 471 & 473) and the OSHA regulation governing our response to hazardous materials incidents (29 CFR 1910.120).
Prerequisites: FSC 173, FSC 174
FSC 180 Fire Service and the Law Details 3
An introduction to laws influencing the fire service. General areas include civil action; criminal actions; the judicial system; organization, authority and responsibility of fire service organizations; city liability for acts of the fire department personnel; municipal liability to members of the fire department; fire prevention bureau; laws and rules governing employment of fire fighters; duty owed to the public by members of the fire service; and liabilities of fire fighters.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 184 Fire Department Safety Officer Details 3
This course reviews the various components of an inclusive safety program for the modern fire department and review procedures which impact personnel safety.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 195 Special Topics in Fire Science Details 1-4 (Varies)
Deals with current topics in fire science not covered in other courses. Topics will vary at discretion of the instructor. No topic will be offered more than twice within three years. May be repeated three times with different topics. Topic to be listed on student's permanent academic record.
Prerequisites: Consent of department
FSC 270 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy I Details 3
Explores the company officer's role on the fire ground. Areas of study include fire behavior, truck company functions, engine company functions, safety, prefire planning and hazardous materials response. This program is part of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Fire Officer I certification program and meets the tactics and strategy requirements of that program.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 280 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy II Details 3
This course reviews the fundamentals and advanced techniques in fire suppression tactics and strategy. Topics include relevant standards for fire tactics, scene safety, multi-company operations, scene management, response to mixed occupancies and disaster response. Students should have a firm understanding of basic fire ground operations, fire terminology and fire behavior prior to enrolling in this course.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 282 Essentials for the First Responder Details 3
The intent of this course is to introduce you to the basic and advanced concepts inherent to the First Responder Safety, Basics of Hazardous Materials Response, Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Unified Command. This is not a tactics course. Its focus is not on how to manage a particular incident but rather on the usage of a command structure at any incident. Within this course, the student will participate in the "Courage to be Safe" program from the National Fallen Firefighters; Hazardous Materials Awareness from the University of Missouri's Fire and Rescue Institute, following NFPA 472 and OSHA's 29CFR1910.120; as well as the ICS and NIMS via the FEMA Independent Study online IS-100.b, IS-200.b, IS-700.a and IS-800.b courses. The student will have to give registration information to NFFF, MU and FEMA to access these sites. These certifications are becoming required for more of us working at some level in emergency services.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 290 Basic Fire Service Instructor Details 3
Teaches the fire officer how to be more proficient in his or her work and how to use available resources. Also covers how to develop outlines, prepare classes, evaluate students and prepare tests. The student will participate in practice teaching. This course meets the guidelines of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to qualify personnel to conduct training and education courses for fire service personnel.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 292 Fire Service Management I Details 3
Introduces the fire officer to elementary concepts of leadership and basic management styles. Topics include human resource management, organization structure, and public relations and budget management.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 293 Fire Service Management II Details 3
This course covers the study of management principles, theories and techniques for leadership in a fire department. Topics include oral and written communications, group dynamics and safety practices relating to the fire service.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 294 Fire Prevention Principles Details 3
This course concentrates on the information and skills required of a fire service officer in conducting duties related to fire prevention. The bulk of the course concentrates on fire inspection techniques and pre-fire planning exercises.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 295 Advanced Fire Service Instructor Details 3
Introduces the fire officer to concepts and skills required in the process of course development and presentation. Emphasis is placed on identifying the curriculum, developing learning objectives and creating teaching outlines. Course is part of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Fire Officer II certification program and meets requirements for Illinois state certification as an Instructor II.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 296 Fire Service Management III Details 3
Course is designed to introduce students to some of the essential skills necessary to function effectively as a senior staff officer in the modern fire service. Topics covered include reports and documentation, policy and procedure promulgation, discipline, personnel evaluation, hiring practices, public relations and information management.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 297 Fire Service Management IV Details 3
Focus of this course allows students to consider and apply management principles in the context of the functions of senior staff within a fire department. Topics include personnel management, labor relations, health and safety and information management.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Electives Details 3
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
Various Electives Details 3
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
Fourth Semester Details
FSC 180 Fire Service and the Law Details 3
An introduction to laws influencing the fire service. General areas include civil action; criminal actions; the judicial system; organization, authority and responsibility of fire service organizations; city liability for acts of the fire department personnel; municipal liability to members of the fire department; fire prevention bureau; laws and rules governing employment of fire fighters; duty owed to the public by members of the fire service; and liabilities of fire fighters.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various FSC Electives Details 3
All FSC classes that students can choose.
FSC 122 Fire Apparatus Engineer Details 3
Study of basic design, operating characteristics, testing, and maintenance of motorized fire apparatus. Includes purchasing contracts and specification writing. (Designed to meet certification requirement for Fire Apparatus Engineer.)
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 123 Pumpers and Tankers Details 1
This course is designed to teach the student the basics of water supply, through hydrants, drafting and water shuttles. It is important for fire companies to be able to obtain water from sources other than hydrants at the fireground, and operate a tanker shuttle to provide adequate water supply for firefighting operations. This skill is not limited to rural applications, and may be necessary to supplement hydranted areas where there is inadequate water supply.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 132 Basic Firefighter - Module A Details 3
This course begins to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the first of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 134 Basic Firefighter - Module B Details 3
This course continues to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the second of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of the tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 136 Basic Firefighter - Module C Details 3
This course continues to cover the development of the knowledge needed by the firefighter on the fireground with the third of three modules. It will augment and expand upon training received from the fire department at drill sessions. It is also designed to give the fundamental training necessary to the new firefighter and the student just entering fire science who has no knowledge of tools, equipment, and strategies that are essential to the profession.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 141 Skills in SCBA's Details 1
This course is designed for the beginning student firefighter to become familiar with the self contained breathing apparatus, which they will be using during firefighting operations. The course will educate the firefighter with the background, anatomy, operations and maintenance requirements of this tool. Being proficient with this tool could be the difference between life and death of the firefighter.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 150 Building Construction for the Fire Service Details 3
Analysis of various methods of building construction, various types of construction materials and basic principles of construction design. Also covered are the fire resistant features of materials, life safety methods of construction and an introduction to the fire codes and laws.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 160 Vehicle and Machinery Operations Details 3
Development of skills in the use and care of equipment needed to perform rescue, extrication, and hazardous control functions. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be qualified for state certification as ERT.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 162 Technical Rescue Awareness Details 1
Developed by fire fighters within the state of Illinois in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal following the guidelines of the OSFM and NFPA 1670. This course provides students a means to identify and properly react to uncommon, dangerous and difficult rescue situations in the following topics: structural collapse, rope rescue, confined space, vehicle and machinery, water, wilderness search and rescue, trench and excavation. Further training is required for actual rescue operations and practices.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 165 Confined Space Rescue Specialist Details 3
Throughout this class the firefighter will learn to perform rescues in confined spaces which consists of vertical and horizontal vessels and tanks in facilities with vertical and horizontal manways and a variety of obstacles commonly found in an industrial environment.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 166 Vehicle and Machinery Technician Details 3
This course is designed to give fire service personnel the basic knowledge and skills to safely perform vehicle and machinery rescues as defined by NFPA 1670 (2004), Operations and Training for Technical Rescue Incidents. The course teaches the skills set forth by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 167 Rope Operations Details 3
This rope operations course has been developed by firefighters within the State of Illinois in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The members of the steering committee followed the guidelines of the OSFM and NFPA 1670, NFPA 1006 and NFPA 1983. This course is meant to provide the student a means in which to identify and properly react to uncommon, dangerous and difficult rescue situations in the area of rope operations.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 170 Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter Details 3
This course concentrates on the information and skills required by the fire fighter in conducting duties related to aircraft fires and aircraft rescue.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 173 Hazardous Materials Awareness Details 1
This course educates emergency responders about the basic safeguard in responding to hazardous materials emergencies. Teaches skills necessary for detection of hazardous materials, consulting references for additional information, and implementation of the proper notification process. Meets the requirements of 29CFR1910120HAZWOPER, and NFPA 472.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 174 Hazardous Materials Operations Details 3
Study of chemical characteristics and reactions related to storage, transportation, handling hazardous materials (i.e., flammable liquids, combustible solids, oxidizing and corrosive materials, and radioactive compounds). Emphasis on emergency situations and fire fighting and control.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 175 Hazardous Materials Technician Details 3
The purpose of this course is to study the chemical characteristics and reactions related to storage, transportation, and handling of hazardous materials (i.e. flammable liquids, combustible solids, oxidizing and corrosive materials, and radioactive compounds). Emphasis on emergency situations, fire fighting and control, including information on the relevant NFPA standards impacting the program (such as NFPA 471, 471 & 473) and the OSHA regulation governing our response to hazardous materials incidents (29 CFR 1910.120).
Prerequisites: FSC 173, FSC 174
FSC 180 Fire Service and the Law Details 3
An introduction to laws influencing the fire service. General areas include civil action; criminal actions; the judicial system; organization, authority and responsibility of fire service organizations; city liability for acts of the fire department personnel; municipal liability to members of the fire department; fire prevention bureau; laws and rules governing employment of fire fighters; duty owed to the public by members of the fire service; and liabilities of fire fighters.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 184 Fire Department Safety Officer Details 3
This course reviews the various components of an inclusive safety program for the modern fire department and review procedures which impact personnel safety.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 195 Special Topics in Fire Science Details 1-4 (Varies)
Deals with current topics in fire science not covered in other courses. Topics will vary at discretion of the instructor. No topic will be offered more than twice within three years. May be repeated three times with different topics. Topic to be listed on student's permanent academic record.
Prerequisites: Consent of department
FSC 270 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy I Details 3
Explores the company officer's role on the fire ground. Areas of study include fire behavior, truck company functions, engine company functions, safety, prefire planning and hazardous materials response. This program is part of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Fire Officer I certification program and meets the tactics and strategy requirements of that program.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 280 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy II Details 3
This course reviews the fundamentals and advanced techniques in fire suppression tactics and strategy. Topics include relevant standards for fire tactics, scene safety, multi-company operations, scene management, response to mixed occupancies and disaster response. Students should have a firm understanding of basic fire ground operations, fire terminology and fire behavior prior to enrolling in this course.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 282 Essentials for the First Responder Details 3
The intent of this course is to introduce you to the basic and advanced concepts inherent to the First Responder Safety, Basics of Hazardous Materials Response, Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Unified Command. This is not a tactics course. Its focus is not on how to manage a particular incident but rather on the usage of a command structure at any incident. Within this course, the student will participate in the "Courage to be Safe" program from the National Fallen Firefighters; Hazardous Materials Awareness from the University of Missouri's Fire and Rescue Institute, following NFPA 472 and OSHA's 29CFR1910.120; as well as the ICS and NIMS via the FEMA Independent Study online IS-100.b, IS-200.b, IS-700.a and IS-800.b courses. The student will have to give registration information to NFFF, MU and FEMA to access these sites. These certifications are becoming required for more of us working at some level in emergency services.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 290 Basic Fire Service Instructor Details 3
Teaches the fire officer how to be more proficient in his or her work and how to use available resources. Also covers how to develop outlines, prepare classes, evaluate students and prepare tests. The student will participate in practice teaching. This course meets the guidelines of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to qualify personnel to conduct training and education courses for fire service personnel.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 292 Fire Service Management I Details 3
Introduces the fire officer to elementary concepts of leadership and basic management styles. Topics include human resource management, organization structure, and public relations and budget management.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 293 Fire Service Management II Details 3
This course covers the study of management principles, theories and techniques for leadership in a fire department. Topics include oral and written communications, group dynamics and safety practices relating to the fire service.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 294 Fire Prevention Principles Details 3
This course concentrates on the information and skills required of a fire service officer in conducting duties related to fire prevention. The bulk of the course concentrates on fire inspection techniques and pre-fire planning exercises.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 295 Advanced Fire Service Instructor Details 3
Introduces the fire officer to concepts and skills required in the process of course development and presentation. Emphasis is placed on identifying the curriculum, developing learning objectives and creating teaching outlines. Course is part of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Fire Officer II certification program and meets requirements for Illinois state certification as an Instructor II.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 296 Fire Service Management III Details 3
Course is designed to introduce students to some of the essential skills necessary to function effectively as a senior staff officer in the modern fire service. Topics covered include reports and documentation, policy and procedure promulgation, discipline, personnel evaluation, hiring practices, public relations and information management.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 297 Fire Service Management IV Details 3
Focus of this course allows students to consider and apply management principles in the context of the functions of senior staff within a fire department. Topics include personnel management, labor relations, health and safety and information management.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various General Education Requirement Details 3
Any course that falls under John Wood Community College's list of approved General Education courses for communications, natural science, mathematics, humanities, or social & behavioral science may be taken. Students should always discuss with their advisor which general education course would be best for to them to take to best achieve their particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
Various Electives Details 3
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
Various Technical Rescue Requirement Details 3
All courses that count for the technical rescue requirement.
FSC 160 Vehicle and Machinery Operations Details 3
Development of skills in the use and care of equipment needed to perform rescue, extrication, and hazardous control functions. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be qualified for state certification as ERT.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 162 Technical Rescue Awareness Details 1
Developed by fire fighters within the state of Illinois in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal following the guidelines of the OSFM and NFPA 1670. This course provides students a means to identify and properly react to uncommon, dangerous and difficult rescue situations in the following topics: structural collapse, rope rescue, confined space, vehicle and machinery, water, wilderness search and rescue, trench and excavation. Further training is required for actual rescue operations and practices.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 165 Confined Space Rescue Specialist Details 3
Throughout this class the firefighter will learn to perform rescues in confined spaces which consists of vertical and horizontal vessels and tanks in facilities with vertical and horizontal manways and a variety of obstacles commonly found in an industrial environment.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 166 Vehicle and Machinery Technician Details 3
This course is designed to give fire service personnel the basic knowledge and skills to safely perform vehicle and machinery rescues as defined by NFPA 1670 (2004), Operations and Training for Technical Rescue Incidents. The course teaches the skills set forth by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 167 Rope Operations Details 3
This rope operations course has been developed by firefighters within the State of Illinois in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The members of the steering committee followed the guidelines of the OSFM and NFPA 1670, NFPA 1006 and NFPA 1983. This course is meant to provide the student a means in which to identify and properly react to uncommon, dangerous and difficult rescue situations in the area of rope operations.
Prerequisites: (none)
FSC 170 Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter Details 3
This course concentrates on the information and skills required by the fire fighter in conducting duties related to aircraft fires and aircraft rescue.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete.