FT-104 - Building Construction for Fire Protection - Engineer R. Osborne
| Course: | Building Construction for Fire Protection |
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| Professor: | Engineer R. Osborne |
| Email: | randall.osborne@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
My name is Randall Osborne (L.A. Co. F. D. retired) and I am your instructor for this course. I have a video introduction inside the course, but just a few facts about myself: I started with L. A. County in 1986 and worked as wildland firefighter, truckee, paramedic and patrolman while at the firefighter rank. I promoted to engineer and drove a truck, then was on the hazmat team and later again served as an engineer on a wildland crew, then I closed my career as a fire inspector. I have been teaching for over 10 years at College of the Canyons and Oxnard College and now Mt. SAC as well.
Course Description
Provides the components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.
What to Expect in this Course
I will include a more detailed Welcome Letter on the Home Page with instructions how to work your way through this course. It is essential that you read the Welcome Letter and Syllabus.
Every week we will discuss a new chapter from the textbook. There will be both recorded videos and Zoom meetings for discussing the material. Every week there is a short quiz and usually a discussion or short assignment like a 6 slide PowerPoint presentation on that week's subject matter.
I will send an additional welcome letter before the course behind that has additional information. It is essential that you read through that letter. It will explain how to navigate the course and there will be a quiz on the welcome letter and syllabus.
Types of Assessments
Every week there is a short quiz and usually a discussion or short assignment like a 6 slide PowerPoint presentation on that week's subject matter.
Textbook Information
Our Book is Branigan’s Building Construction for the Fire Service 6th Edition
ISBN-13: 978-1284177312
ISBN-10: 1284177319
Do not rent or buy a used book unless you are sure it is the 6th Edition. This is a relatively new edition and in the past the school had the fifth edition. There are significant changes from the fifth to sixth editions.
Other Relevant Course Information
1. It is essential that you log in before or on the first day of the course to orient yourself to the course and see the initial assignments for our first week. You must attend class on the first Zoom day or open my opening announcement and then reply by writing “here.” This is how you check in and show attendance on the first day. Every week will be like this where you open the next module and read the instructions for that module.
This is a Zoom/Online course. ZOOMS are like regular class and require attendance.
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! It will really help you breeze through the course.
2. On the first day watch my introduction and follow the instructions for the assignment for introductions. You should also read through the syllabus and I recommend printing the schedule portion of the syllabus, so you can use it to keep up to date. We will cover approximately a chapter every week, though there are a few subjects that will take longer or be even shorter. Taking this class online will require the students to schedule themselves and be involved in the various discussion groups, assignments and reports associated with the course. Taking an online course, will often require a greater commitment to discipline and scheduling, then taking a face-to-face course. For every unit, students can expect to spend approximately 1-3 hours completing course activities. Therefore, for a full online 3-unit course, students should expect to commit 3-6 hours per chapter completing course-related activities. Please check your course regularly and pay attention to the calendar to make sure you are able to keep up with the pace of this course.
The only requirement is the textbook and the ability to take this course online. Here is some information about taking an online course:
You need to have regular access to a computer with Internet connection. For specific computer requirements, visit the Distance Education support site. Note, should you lose access to your personal computer or internet connection, you are still required to complete your online course work. COC has many computer labs and free Wi-Fi on campus for students. There is also a limited amount of laptop computers that you can borrow. This was a program last Spring and so I am not sure if there will be changes, but you can go to this page in Student Services to check it out. One of the most common problems students have is compatibility issues and it usually has to do with not updating your computer to the most recent browser versions.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 05/31/2022 Sub#: 361