BCF290 - Building Construction and Fire Protection

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:52:33.833
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:11.982

Subject Title
Building Construction and Fire Protection

Subject Description
The student is introduced to the principles, methods, techniques and terminology used in building construction and how building construction relates to fire protection and fire safety. The elements of construction and engineering design of structures relating to fire protection is emphasized. Structural components and structural collapse are studied as well as case studies in fire and life safety. The different classifications of buildings and how building construction and codes affect fire and life safety are discussed.

Credit Status
One college subject credit and is a prerequisite to BDC390. PRV290 is a pre-requisite for this course.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. describe the principles and methods of construction and how they relate to life and fire safety;
2. explain engineering and construction principles and the different loads and stresses exerted on a building in their relation to life and fire safety;
3. compare the characteristics and types of materials used in the construction of buildings and how they react in fire conditions;
4. recognize the different structural components of buildings and their reactions under fire conditions;
5. compare the different classifications and types of buildings using the various building and fire codes;
6. analyze how building and fire codes interact with building construction and fire protection;
7. differentiate the different types of construction and how each responds to fire conditions;
8. perform a building size-up for structural failure or potential for collapse for occupant and firefighter safety;
9. distinguish between the advantages and disadvantages of building construction principles, methods and types and how they relate to fire safety and firefighting tactics.

The course will examine:
1. building construction principles and design;
2. how fire and life safety is affected by building construction and design;
3. the correlation between building codes and fire codes, and building construction;
4. how fire affects building materials, construction, and building integrity;
5. how building collapse is evaluated under fire conditions.

Essential Employability Skills


The student has demonstrated the ability to:

- respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication;
- apply a systematic approach to solve problems;
- use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems;
- analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.