Fire science in a nutshell

Fire Science in a Nutshell gives a practical understanding of fire science, which is important for ensuring the safety and integrity of buildings and their occupants. This course is designed to demystify the complex phenomena of fire behavior by covering topics from the sources of fires in buildings to the design of fire-safe structures. It provides a broad yet detailed exploration of the scientific, engineering, and human factors that contribute to fire safety. Importantly, the course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, including basic experiments that illustrate key concepts. This approach not only enhances learning but also equips participants with the skills to apply fire science principles in real-world scenarios. By understanding the "why" and "how" of fire science, learners can contribute to the creation of safer living and working environments.

Target audience:
Firefighters, fire consultants, architects, and safety officers who want to have a basic understanding of the scientific principles behind fire behavior. Students studying fire protection engineering, architecture, and public safety seeking insights into fire dynamics. Homeowners, real estate developers, property managers, and insurance professionals looking to understand basic fire safety principles in buildings.

Course content:
You will: Understand the fundamental principles of fire science. Investigate the ignition of materials used in buildings. Analyse different fire phenomena such as flashover, localized fires, etc. Understand human behaviour in the event of fires and apply fire science principles to the design and construction of buildings.

How the course will be conducted:
You need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or similar device to take part in the course. During the course, you will be able to take part in recorded lectures, videos, texts to read, interactive exercises and discussions.At the end of the course, there will be a test consisting of a number of questions that are connected to what you learned during the course. When you have gone through all parts of the course and passed the test, there is a certificate to print. You will find the certificate under completed courses. A description of how to find your certificate can be found at the end of the course. The course is divided into 4 modules. The total study time is estimated at 8 hours. We recommend 2 hours per week.

Presentation of the teachers:

Rhoda Afriyie Mensah, Teacher and researcher on combustibility and material behavior in fire at LTU

Joakim Sandström, Senior lecturer in the Fire Engineering program at LTU. His main area of expertise is structural fire safety design but is a jack of all trades when it comes to fire science.