JST415 Foundations of Fire Investigation (8)

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 Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Manly Campus

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.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security

Learning Outcomes

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

This 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

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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