CHM306 Fire Chemistry (8)

Fire Chemistry is designed to provide skills in examination of the properties of fire; the chemical and physical requirements for combustion; the chemistry of fuels and explosive mixtures; the chemistry of hazardous materials; analysis of the properties of materials affecting fire behaviour; and the study of various methods of stopping combustion. Principals of fire spread and fire behaviour; heat transfer; limits of flammability; flash over; and the production and movement of smoke are explored. Fire scene/arson investigation provides the principals for determining the origin and cause of fires; documentation and reporting on a fire scene; detection, collection and preservation of evidence. Emphasis is placed on the analytical methodologies for trace and residue analyses that enable scientific proof of arson and identification of explosives. Data analysis and reporting are included.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2019.

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

School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Prerequisites

CHM213

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to explain the chemical and physical requirements for combustion; the chemistry of fuels and explosive mixtures; the chemistry of hazardous materials;
  • Be able to account for the properties of materials affecting fire behaviour; and the study of various methods of stopping combustion;
  • Be able to explain the principles of fire spread and fire behaviour, such as heat transfer and limits of flammability, and how these may be applied in determining the origin and cause of fires;
  • Be able to implement a fire scene examination in order to detect, collect in an appropriate order and preserve physical evidence;
  • Be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the requirements, procedures and difficulties involved in trace and ultra trace analysis;
  • Be able to demonstrate competency in using a range of modern analytical techniques essential to trace analysis;
  • Be able to use and explain the statistical significance of scientific data;
  • Be able to prepare a scientific report on the analysis of evidence collected from a fire scene.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

Physics and Chemistry for Fire Investigators; Chemistry of hazardous materials; Combustion Science; Electricity and Fire; Explosives and Explosions; Analytical Methodologies; Fire Scene/Arson Investigation; Fire Scene Documentation and Photography.

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.Laboratory-based activities

Contact

For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:

Current students

Future students

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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