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Aims Community College Fire Science students extinguishing a vehicle fire

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Degree at a Glance

Degree Type

Associate of Applied Science

Location

Windsor Campus
Public Safety Institute

Credits

67

Tuition*

Est. Lab/Course Fees
$250
Other Fees
$1,800
In-District
$7,054
In-State
$11,005
WUE
$16,110
Out-of-State
$35,378

*Check Cashier's Office for current tuition rates

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Fire Science

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Fire Science

Fire ScienceRequirements

Build a strong foundation in fire science skills with a fire science associate degree at Aims. If you have completed Aims Fire Academy, you have already earned 13 credit hours toward this degree. Completion of this degree qualifies you to earn a national firefighter certification.

The fire science degree covers several applications for EMT training, including medical and trauma emergencies. You’ll learn the skills tested for Firefighter I and II certification as well as hazardous materials (hazmat) training. These three certificates/certifications qualify you to work as a firefighter. After that, you’ll learn additional skills to make you a more versatile and valuable team member: driving, hydraulics, health and instructional methodology. Core associate degree requirements help you communicate with workplace teams, which is valuable to any career path.

Major Requirements:

  • Provides an overview to fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection/service; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature; specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Explores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides the components of building construction that relate to fire and life safety. The focus of this course is on firefighter safety. The elements of consideration and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationships of fire prevention with built-in fire protection systems, fire investigation, and fire and life-safety education. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces the basic concepts of occupational health and safety as it relates to emergency service organizations. Topics include risk evaluation and control procedures for fire stations, training sites, emergency vehicles, and emergency situations involving fire, EMS, hazardous materials, and technical rescue. This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral change throughout emergency services. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides an in-depth analysis of the principles of fire control through utilization of personnel, equipment, and extinguishing agents on the fire ground. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    FST 1002, FST 1003, and FST 1005 with grades of "C" or better.
    3
  • Provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    FST 1005 with a grade of "C" or better
    3
  • Introduces the Federal, State, and local laws that regulate emergency services, national standards influencing emergency service, standard of care, tort, liability, and a review of relevant court cases. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Serves as the basic management course for present and potential members of the fire and emergency service professions. The course introduces the student to current fire service management practices, challenges, and real-world applications from the fire officer's point of view. The course addresses decision-making, problem solving, necessary communication skills, conflict resolution, effective leadership skills, as well as the role of the fire service manager in supervising personnel and programs. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    FST 1002 with a grade of "C" or better.
    3
Total Major Credits 27

General Education Requirements:

  • Combines the basic theories of communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3

  • OR

  • Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social, and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Covers material designed for career and technical students who need to study particular mathematical topics. Topics include measurement, algebra, geometry, statistics, and graphs. These are presented at an introductory level and the emphasis is on applications. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3 or any higher level Math course

  • OR

  • Introduces descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and statistical literacy. Topics include methods of data collection, presentation and summarization, introduction to probability concepts and distributions, and statistical inference of one and two populations. This course uses real world data to illustrate applications of a practical nature. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3

  • OR

  • Develops skills one can apply to a variety of technical documents. Focuses on principles for organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for industry, business, and government. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Emphasizes the structure and function of state, county, and municipal governments including their relations with each other and with national government. Includes a study of Colorado government and politics. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Explores differences based on race, ethnicity, social class, gender, age, ability status, and sexual identity. Critically examines the dynamics of intergroup relations and how social construction of these differences can lead to patterns of prejudice, discrimination, and inequality nationally and globally. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
Total General Education Credits 15-16

Recommended Electives:

(Choose minimum of 25 credits from the following course options)

  • Covers the regulations pertaining to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations including airspace, weather, and flight parameter limitations. This course covers UAS components and systems, maintenance, autonomy, ground stations, and telemetry in preparation for the UAS Operator written test. Differential tuition rates apply. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces the regulations pertaining to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), operations including airspace, weather, and flight parameter limitations. This course also covers UAS components and systems, maintenance, autonomy, ground stations, and telemetry. The topics covered are included in the UAS Operator written test. Differential tuition rates apply. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    2
  • Focuses on the wide variety of commercial applications of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and operating procedures to ensure a safe outcome for executing such applications including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), aerial imaging and survey techniques, multispectral and Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging systems (LIDAR) agriculture, and other UAS mission types. Differential tuition rates apply. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    UAS 1055 and UAS 2055 with grades of "C" or better
    3
  • Introduces the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student to prehospital emergency care. The topics included in this course are Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, well-being of the EMT, communications, documentation, anatomy, airway management, and patient assessment. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at ems@aims.edu . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.
    3
  • Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills to effectively provide emergency care and transportation to a patient experiencing a medical emergency. This course focuses on the integration of the physical exam, medical history, and pathophysiology when assessing and treating the medical patient. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at ems@aims.edu . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.
    4
  • Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate emergency care and transportation of a patient who has suffered a traumatic injury. The concepts of kinematics and the biomechanics of trauma, along with pathophysiology and injury patterns will provide the student with the ability to assess and manage the trauma patient. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at ems@aims.edu . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.  Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.
    2
  • Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills required to modify the assessment, treatment, and transportation of special patient populations and patients in special circumstances. This course also provides an overview of incident command, mass casualty incidents, vehicle extrication, air medical support, hazardous materials, and terrorism. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at ems@aims.edu . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.  Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.
    2
  • Provides the EMT student with the clinical experience required for initial certification and some renewal processes. Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at ems@aims.edu . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course.
    1
  • Addresses the requirements necessary to perform at the first level of progression as identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001, Firefighter Professional Qualifications. This is a lecture and lab course for meeting the NFPA 1001, level I, standard. Differential tuition rates apply. Students are required to have professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the fire program coordinator for more information at fire.science@aims.edu. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Professional level CPR certification
    9
  • Addresses the requirements necessary to perform at the second level of progression as identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001, Firefighter Professional Qualifications. This is a lecture and lab course for meeting the NFPA 1001, level II, standard. Differential tuition rates apply. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the fire program coordinator for more information at fire.science@aims.edu. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    FST 1000, FST 1007, and FST 1070 with grades of "C" or better
    3
  • Introduces hazardous materials incidents, recognizing and identifying hazardous materials, planning response, implementing response procedures, decision making, and continued evaluation at the awareness and operation level. Differential tuition rates apply. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the fire program coordinator for more information at fire.science@aims.edu. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides the student with entry level knowledge and skills to safely operate at the scene of a vehicle/machinery extrication. Training in this course represents the minimum level of training needed to respond to a vehicle extrication incident. Differential tuition rates apply . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    1
  • Expands and refines the objectives of FST 126. Students shall be capable of hazard recognition, equipment use, and techniques necessary to operate safely and effectively at incidents involving persons injured or entrapped in a vehicle or machinery. Differential tuition rates apply . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    FST 1026 with a grade of "C" or better
    2
  • Expands and refines the objectives learned in FST 127. Training in this course represents the highest level of operation at the rescue scene involving vehicle extrication. Students shall be capable of hazard recognition, equipment use, and techniques necessary to operate and effectively supervise at incidents involving persons injured or entrapped in a vehicle or machinery. Differential tuition rates apply. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    FST 1027 with a grade of "C" or better
    3
  • Provides the student with the basic knowledge and skills to safely operate fire apparatus according to the NFPA professional standard. Enables the student to display and demonstrate knowledge of fire apparatus, operation of apparatus, pumps and pumping, hydraulics calculations, maintenance and testing. Differential tuition rates apply . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Prepares students for the CPAT test and other related fitness testing for entry level firefighters. The course will focus on aerobics and strength training to assist students in passing a CPAT test or any related fitness entry level test. Students will also be trained on how to use various firefighting tools as they pertain to how the tools will be used in the CPAT or other related entry level fitness test. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Offers the clinical practicum to apply the related fire science technology. Differential tuition rates apply. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the fire program coordinator for more information at fire.science@aims.edu. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    0 to 12

  • Student may use maximum of 1 credit in FST 1070 toward this degree.

  • Identifies the roles and responsibilities of the fire service instructor. Includes oral communication skills, concepts of learning, planning and development of lesson plans and instructional materials and delivery methods, testing and evaluations, records and reports, and demonstration of instructional abilities. Fire Instructor I State Certification is possible. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the fire program coordinator for more information at fire.science@aims.edu. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides a foundation of theoretical knowledge in order to understand the principles of the use of water in fire protection and to apply hydraulic principles to analyze and to solve water supply problems. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Addresses the requisite knowledge and skills required to perform at level 1 as identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021, Fire Officer Professional Qualifications. Areas of focus include: fire department organization, company officer traits, roles and responsibilities, communications practices, administrative functions, safety, health and wellness, training, fire prevention, human resources management, and incident management and operations. The course prepares the learner for the Colorado Fire Officer I State Exams and JPR evaluations. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the fire program coordinator for more information at fire.science@aims.edu. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides students with the opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the fire program coordinator for more information at fire.science@aims.edu. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    0 to 12
  • Explores the six components of wellness: physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and occupational. Topics include health risks, wellness behaviors, and personal behavior change in the areas of nutrition; exercise; substance abuse; stress management; cardiovascular and cancer risk factors; the aging process; and violence, death, and dying in our society. Provides tools to complete self-assessments and develop a wellness program for a healthier lifestyle across a lifespan. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
Total Elective Credits 25
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree 67-68

Students requesting credit for prior learning can contact the department advisors for details.