FSCI 4040U – Fire Investigation

This course explores the dynamics and theory of fire behavior during fire, arson and explosion investigations. Topics include origin and cause determination, evidence sampling, accelerant detection and analysis, major case management, as well as scene documentation and diagramming. Emphasis will be placed on the various collection methods such as solvent extraction, headspace extraction and adsorption extraction used to analyze fire accelerants and ignitable liquid residues. Chromatographic techniques used for the detection of accelerants will be studied in detail. Students will also learn the importance and practice of trial preparation and expert witness testimony. Curriculum will be taught through a combination of lectures, case studies, videos and practical laboratories.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Laboratory hours: 3 (biweekly)
Prerequisite(s): FSCI 3040U and enrolment in fourth year of the Forensic Science program
Experiential learning: Yes