JST415 Foundations of Fire Investigation (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Justice Studies (JUSTU)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject will discuss the nature of investigations to be carried out at fire scenes in order to determine the cause and origin of the fire. It is specifically designed for the practitioner in the field of fire investigation and aims at developing an informed and disciplined approach to fire scene investigation. Emphasis is placed on fire scene preservation, examination and the early identification of fraud indicators as well as exhibit handling. Students will examine the behaviour of fire and the effects that fire has on materials and structures. Occupational health and safety issues associated with fire scene investigation will also be canvassed. This subject concentrates on the investigation of structural and vehicular fires.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Manly |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: JST415
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Students must be enrolled in the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters of Fire Investigation or demonstrate to the course coordinator a workplace connection in which to complete assessment tasks.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate their understanding of basic fire suppression techniques
- be able to demonstrate their appreciation of the importance of scene preservation
- be able to apply appropriate fire scene investigation techniques
- be able to evaluate fire scene physical evidence
- be able to discuss combustion and fire dynamics
- be able to describe indicators for the point of origin of fire
- be able to determine the cause of fire
- be able to identify and discuss arson and fraud indicators
- be able to evaluate evidential and expert sources of information available to fire investigators
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- The causes of fire and sources of ignition
- Fire behaviour and combustion
- Fire scene management
- Fire scene investigation
- Physical evidence aspects of fire investigation
- Occupational health and safety issues associated with fire scene investigation
- Arson and fraud indicators at fire scenes
- Fire suppression techniques
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.