Course Title: Fire Scene Reconstruction: CSI (3088) Course Number: FST - 3088 Course Credit Hours: (3) Three Semester Hours Instructor Information: Bernard W. Becker, III, MS (937-751-7371) ccfdchiefbecker@yahoo.com Textbook: Forensic Fire Scene Reconstruction, David Icove, John De Haan, ISBN-13: 978-0132228572 Course Material: Forensic Fire Scene Reconstruction text & a local fire investigator / fire marshal for interviews Course Description: This course is intended to provide the student with the fundamentals and technical knowledge needed in understanding reconstruction principles, fire pattern analysis, fire modeling, fire deaths and injury analysis. Examines fire scene reconstruction within the context of fire investigations, and fire dynamics. Outcomes / Objective: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Analyze and understand smoke plumes and fire patterns. 2. Understand the various methods of fire death. 3. Understand the benefits of fire modeling. Assignment Format: Course assignments/exercises must be submitted following the APA format (6 th edition) Class Participation: Weekly assignment and discussion question postings must be completed each week. Interaction between students is highly encouraged. Academic Dishonesty: The work you submit for a grade must be your own. I will not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty, especially plagiarism. Simply put, plagiarism is taking credit for someone else's work; taking credit includes receiving some form of favorable compensation for the submitted work. Please review the University of Cincinnati s statement on academic honesty and follow this accordingly.
Grading Rubric: Because punctuality and following instructions is a key requirement for a Fire Service Professional, I encourage this quality in you by requiring that you complete your assignment on time, just as if you were in class each week. All assignments are due on their posted due date Assignment Percentage Assignment Percentage Week 1 5 Week 8 5 Week 2 5 Week 9 5 Week 3 5 Week 10 5 Week 4 5 Week 11 5 Week 5 5 Week 12 5 Week 6 5 Week 13 15 Week 7 5 Week 14 25 Total 100% WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS Week 1: Principles of Reconstruction Need for science in fire scene reconstruction Fire investigation as a science Scientific method Foundations of expert testimony Meet with your local fire investigator and discuss the scientific method, as outlines in the text. Be sure to discuss all seven steps. Apply these seven steps to a recent fire by your jurisdiction. Do not forget to list the fire investigators name and department. Submit a 1250-1400 word paper in APA format of your findings. Week 2: Principles of Reconstruction (Continued) Forensic fire scene reconstruction Benefits of fire engineering analysis Case Study: Daubert and the Fire Marshal Discussion Assignment: Review the Daubert case and write a synopsys of this landmark case. Be sure to cite the jurisdiction, events leading to the fire, events after the fire and how this issue was reviewed in a court of law. Post this information in the DISCUSSION BOARD THREAD. Reply to two other students on their interpretation on the Daubert decision.
Week 3: Fire Dynamics The science of fire Rate of heat release Fire development For this assignment, submit a 1250-1400 word paper in APA format. Your assignment is to research and explain the concepts of Rate of Heat Release and the importance this concept is to the incident commander. Please use standard essay format including an introduction with a clear thesis statement; body paragraphs that include a topic sentence, supporting details, and transition sentences; and a conclusion that summarizes your paper. This paper will be graded on how well you present your analysis, the inclusion of specific terms from your reading, evidence of cogent analysis, and an error-free presentation. Week 4: Fire Pattern Analysis Fire Plumes Types of fire plumes Explain the four major types of fire plumes of interest regarding fire investigations and scene reconstruction. For this assignment, submit a 1250-1400 word paper in APA format. Week 5: Fire Pattern Analysis (Continued) Fire Patterns Interpreting fire plume behavior For this assignment, submit a 1250-1400 word paper in APA format. Your assignment is to research and explain the Typology of Fire Patterns illustrated in the text. Please use standard essay format including an introduction with a clear thesis statement; body paragraphs that include a topic sentence, supporting details, and transition sentences; and a conclusion that summarizes your paper. This paper will be graded on how well you present your analysis, the inclusion of specific terms from your reading, evidence of cogent analysis, and an error-free presentation.
Week 6: Fire Scene Documentation Systemic documentation National protocols Meet with your local fire investigator and discuss your department s method(s) for documenting a fire scene. Do not forget to list the fire investigators name and department. Submit a 1250-1400 word paper in APA format of your findings. Week 7: Fire Scene Documentation (Continued) Application of criminalistics at fire scenes Review this chapter in the text and explain / discuss the Application of criminalistics at fire scenes. Be sure to address all of the components from the text. Submit a 1000 to 1250 word paper in APA format addressing your findings. Week 8: Arson Crime Scene Analysis Arson as a crime Classification of motive Other motive-related considerations Review this chapter in the text and explain / discuss the Incendiary Fire Working Hypothesis. Be sure to address all of the components from the text. Submit a 1000 to 1250 word paper in APA format addressing your findings. Week 9: Fire Modeling History of fire modeling Fire Zones Discussion Assignment: Review the internet various web site which address FIRE MODELING. Identify some of the characteristics this process allows the fire investigator to perform in determining the fire scenario. Post this information in the DISCUSSION BOARD THREAD. Reply to two other students on their findings.
Week 10: Fire Modeling (Continued) Fire Models Meet with your local fire investigator and discuss your department s method(s) for fire modeling. Identify the pros and cons and how this information relates to your communities fire and life safety efforts. Do not forget to list the fire investigators name and department. Submit a 1250-1400 word paper in APA format of your findings. Week 11: Fire Deaths and Injuries Problems and pitfalls Heat & toxic gases Meet with your local fire investigator and discuss your department s procedure for reconstructing a fire scene involving a death. Do not forget to list the fire investigators name and department. Submit a 1250-1400 word paper in APA format of your findings. Week 12: Fire Deaths and Injuries (Continued) Tenability -- What kills people in fire Define Anoxia (or hypoxia). Explain how this condition can affect someone who is caught in a free-burning fire, the affects of someone caught in a smoldering fire, and the affects of someone caught in a free-burning bedroom fire under the influence of alcohol. (Refer and consult the various web sites and place them in your reference section.) Submit a 1000 to 1250 word paper in APA format addressing your findings. Week 13 Research Project Your assignment is to research and present the major components of this course, and how firefighters can use this information to their benefit. Submit a 1500-2000 word paper in APA format. This paper will be graded on how well you present your analysis, the inclusion of specific terms from your reading, evidence of cogent analysis, and an error-free presentation.
Week 14 Final Examination The final exam will automatically open on the scheduled date. The student(s) will have a five day window which to take the exam. Only one attempt will be provided to take the final examination.