Fire Protection Engineering Technician (FPN)

Starts in January, September

Campus

Newnham

Delivery

Hybrid

Duration

4 Semesters (2 Years)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

School

School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology

Courses

Delivery: At Seneca, courses are delivered in four formats: online, in-person, hybrid (an online, in-person combination) or flexible (offered in-person and online at the same time).

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to choose your preferred options when you select classes to build your course schedule. Selection for preferred course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

International students: The impact of studying from outside of Canada and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
ALG191	Fire Analytics I	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	This is a general technical mathematics course for fire protection. It is designed to prepare students for further mathematics in technical programs as well as to prepare them in mathematical concepts used in other professional courses. This course emphasizes on the fundamentals of algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
COM101 or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts or Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person
	COM101: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111 is six hours per week in order to offer students extra language and reading support.
FPF190	Fire Protection Fundamentals	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	This course will provide an overview of the fire protection industry and the Seneca fire protection program. The history of fire protection, the fire problem in North America, and fire behaviour will be studied. Students will research the many private and governmental organizations that have an impact on fire protection and life safety. Focus will be on governing and certifying organizations that provide standards, codes, or certifications. Lastly, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields will be examined and basic terms and knowledge related to these careers will be provided.
FSS190	Fire Sprinkler Systems - Applied I	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	This course will provide the fire protection engineering technology student with a basic understanding of the requirements which apply to the design, installation, and approval of automatic sprinkler systems. The course will include the use and interpretation of the relevant codes and standards for fire sprinkler systems. Special emphasis will be placed on the effective use of NFPA 13, along with related industry best practices.
OBC190	Building Construction and The Effects of Fire	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	This course introduces students to building construction materials, assemblies and the Ontario Building Code. The various construction materials and assemblies are reviewed relative to their fire performance and how they relate to the fire protection requirements of the Ontario Building Code. Construction materials and assemblies, in addition to building fire and life safety components, are reviewed for identification on architectural drawings.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FAS290	Electricity and Electronics for Fire Systems	Flexible	Flexible	Not offered
	This subject covers the fundamental elements of electricity in both a lecture and lab setting. Students acquire an understanding of electrical principles and the purpose of resistance, conductors and power supplies found in a circuit, as well as the functionality of electrical components as they relate to fire alarm systems. Students will obtain practical experience working with a digital multi-meter as they are used extensively in the labs. Students are required to follow all safety rules and regulations when working in the labs.
FDY293	Fire Dynamics and Ignition Sources	Flexible	Flexible	Not offered
	This course covers the fundamentals of combustion chemistry. This will include the combustion process, combustion categories, heat release rate, ignition sources, fire spread, and how to stop the combustion process. Lastly, the fire characteristics of gaseous, liquid, and solid combustibles will be examined in detail.
OFC395	Ontario Fire Code - General	Flexible	Flexible	Not offered
	This course introduces students to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA) and the Ontario Fire Code (OFC). Students will review the 7 principles of fire and life safety, as well as learn the practical applications of Parts 1, 2, 6, and 9 of the Ontario Fire Code, and interpret the meaning behind the language of the Code.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
AFS390	Alternative Fire Suppression Systems	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	This course will address special extinguishing systems and agents. An important course ingredient for the student is to gain an understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the various fire suppression agents and systems. Based on this understanding the student should be able to put forth alternative strategies that may be used to provide a reasonable level of protection in a particular hazard. While plain water and automatic sprinkler systems are recognized as the most common and basic system protection, and is an extremely effective extinguishing agent, there are times when additional protection is desired, or when water is not available or is not suitable. Non-suitability arises in cases when it is necessary to minimize water damage, the material may react with water, or because of clean-up problems after the fire. When problems such as the above arise there are a number of chemical agents in fire protection technology that may be chosen, either singularly or in combination, to ensure that fire suppression may be achieved in the most efficient manner. Even when the protection of a special hazard may justify the installation of a special suppression system, it should be noted that automatic sprinkler protection is still generally needed for life safety and exposure protection.
FAS390	Fire Alarm Systems - Design	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	This course will address applications of fire alarm systems and the operation, testing and inspection requirements of fire alarm systems as outlined by the various Codes and Standards. The student will learn the basics of field wiring circuits, field devices, emergency voice communication systems and addressable fire alarm systems. Also covered are principles and technology of fire detection devices, signal appliances, control equipment and ancillary devices. Students will obtain practical experience working with a digital multi-meter as it is used extensively in the labs. Students are required to follow all safety rules and regulations when working in the labs.
OBC395	Ontario Building Code - Fire Protection I	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	This course navigates through the applicable fire protection requirements of the Ontario Building Code. Strategies are developed to examine building plans for key areas of compliance with the fire and life safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code, and related Standards. Students develop confidence and time management skills by reviewing a variety of building construction scenarios relative to the Ontario Building Code.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FFI693	Fundamentals of Fire Investigation	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	This course provides students with the principles of performing a fire investigation based on requirements found in NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033. Students will learn their role and responsibilities as a fire investigator. They will also learn how to identify burn patterns, to determine possible ignition sources, and how to collect evidence so that it is preserved for testing. They will also learn the importance of health and safety while on scene. Due to the hands-on fire investigation practical of this course, a $250 lab fee is required.
FSP490	Fire Safety Plans and Emergency Planning	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	This course will continue the discussion of fire safety planning that began in OFC395. Students will learn the importance of a fire safety plan, components that should be included, how to create one and the maintenance process to ensure it continues to represent the life safety requirements in the future. Students will also learn about fire drills and confirming that a fire safety plan is adequate for the expectations for a given occupancy.
HOM390	NFPA 1072 Operations - Hazardous Materials	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	In the community and in industry there are many hazards associated with the transportation, use and disposal of chemicals. Although chemical spills, leaks etc. may not involve fire it is usually the same people who are responsible for dealing with the response to and consequences of both fire and chemical hazards. This course is a follow-up to CHM 293 in that it provides an introduction to the nature and handling of hazardous materials. This curriculum is based on the current NFPA 472: Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, 2013 Edition. Successful students may challenge the Provincial OFMEM NFPA 472 Awareness written exams which will include IFSAC and Pro Board Certification. Students have the option of pursuing the NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness certification, which includes a $200 fee for the OFM written examination.
TEC400	Technical Communications	Flexible Online	Flexible Online	Flexible Online
	Using a variety of technical writing techniques and placing emphasis on brevity, clarity, conciseness, unity and coherence, this subject introduces the application of technical writing through a series of writing assignments. Basic research, effective oral communications and/or collaborative skills are also covered.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Firefighter Specialization

Semester 4

Course Code Course Name Winter Summer Fall

CFI693 NFPA 1031 - Level I Fire Inspector Flexible Not offered Not offered

The NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Level I course provides candidates with the fundamental knowledge and essential skills required to conduct fire safety inspections for new and existing structures. The curriculum focuses on four primary domains: Administration, Fire Protection Systems and Equipment, Hazard Management, and Occupancy Requirements. Students are trained to identify occupancy classifications, compute occupant loads, evaluate the operational readiness of fire suppression systems, and participate professionally in legal proceedings. Students have the option of pursuing the NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Level I certification, which includes a $200 fee for the OFM written examination.

OFC690 Ontario Fire Code - FPPA Inspections, Legal and Courtroom Procedures Flexible Not offered Not offered

Conducting effective regular and specialized fire inspections is an integral part of the job of a fire prevention professional. This course focuses on the legal framework of fire safety inspections and real-life application of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and the Ontario Fire Code. Students examine fire safety inspection cases from start to finish including legal actions taken under the Provincial Offences Act.

Firefighting Specialization

Semester 2

Course Code Course Name Winter Summer Fall

IFF290 Introduction to Firefighter Wellness and Fitness Flexible Flexible Not offered

IIF290 (Intro to Firefighter Wellness and Fitness) is a fitness course designed to be both theoretical and practical, combining traditional classroom activity and practical application of health, fitness and wellness activities. It provides students with knowledge about the physical, psychological, and overall health aspects of being a firefighter. Students will be taught how to safely exercise and will work towards successfully completing the firefighter physical exams. Students who achieve a passing grade in IFF290 and pass the OFAI encapsulated treadmill test at the end of the semester will receive equivalency towards FFF101. Note: OFAI test is a separate cost.

IFS490 Introduction to the Fire Service In-person In-person Not offered

This course provides and overview to the various divisions within the Fire Service. Students are provided with an introduction to firefighting equipment, tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) and fireground operations. The lessons are delivered through lecture and hands on learning activities with practical scenarios.

Semester 3

Course Code Course Name Winter Summer Fall

ITR490 Introduction to Technical Rescue Not offered Not offered In-person

This course introduces students to basic Firefighter Technical Rescue Operations and Techniques. Technical rescue response types will include rope, water, auto extrication, man-in-machine, confined space, trench rescue and structural collapse. Through various lectures, videos, demonstrations and hands on labs, students will learn to identify a technical rescue as prescribed by NFPA 1006, OSHA Section 21. Basic skills and techniques unique to technical rescues will be taught. Each prescribed technical rescue type will be presented in their basic components of response, equipment, technique and skill set requirements.

WFS490 Wildland Fire Suppression Not offered Not offered In-person

This course will introduce the student to the terminology, tools and methods commonly used in wildland fire suppression. In addition to in class theory, students will participate in hands on practical sessions using wildland fire suppression equipment and various suppression techniques. Content will focus on Firefighter Safety, Wildland Fire Behavior, Fire Prevention and Suppression Techniques. Due to the hands-on practical labs of this course, a $70 lab fee is required.

Technician Specialization

Semester 2

Course Code Course Name Winter Summer Fall

CAD290 Computer Aided Design I Flexible Flexible Not offered

This is an introductory subject in drafting for Fire Protection disciplines using the latest release of Autodesk software to produce 2-dimensional drawings in accordance with industry standards. The course will cover principles of creating orthographic views and sections. This course also covers manual sketching, and reading and interpreting drawing sets.

FSS290 Fire Sprinkler Systems - Applied II Flexible Flexible Not offered

This course will provide the fire protection engineering technology student with continued learning from FSS190. A strong focus will be on the requirements which apply to the design, installation, and approval of automatic sprinkler systems within storage and residential occupancies. Additionally, Standpipe systems (NFPA 14) will be introduced. The course will include the use and interpretation of the relevant codes and standards for fire sprinkler systems. Special emphasis will be placed on the effective use of NFPA 13, 13R/D and 14, along with related industry best practices.

Semester 3

Course Code Course Name Winter Summer Fall

CAD390 Computer-Aided Design II Not offered Not offered Flexible

CAD390 is the direct continuation of CAD290. At this level, the student should be able to correctly insert the appropriate border at the correct scale and apply the appropriate text style and dimension style as created and discussed during the semester. The student will be introduced to paper space, viewports and xref. The student will draw a section through a steel constructed building, and clean up actual architectural drawings in preparation for the sprinkler design part of the program. An isometric piping diagram will be drawn in preparation for HDS490. Time as allocated for the completion of assignments in other subjects, such as BDC390, CXS390 and ALS390

FLS590 NFPA 1035 Level I - Fire and Life Safety Educator Not offered Not offered Flexible

Conducting effective public fire and life safety education is an integral part of the job of a fire safety professional. This course focuses on the management and delivery of public fire and life safety education programs both in the public and private sectors. Topics include basic learning theories, community-based program development cycle, train-the-trainer, public relations, partnerships and high risk groups. Students have the option of pursuing the NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator Level I certification, which includes a $200 fee for the OFM written examination.

Semester 4

Course Code Course Name Winter Summer Fall

FAS490 Fire Alarm Systems - Troubleshooting In-person Not offered Not offered

This course will review the effects of a circuit wiring fault on the fire alarm control panel, and address the differences based on where the fault is located or the specific type of fault. Students will learn how to use the panel or their multimeter to troubleshoot the system, find the location of the fault, and recommend remedial solutions. Students will obtain practical experience working with a digital multi-meter as it is used extensively in the labs. Students are required to follow all safety rules and regulations when working in the labs.

PRM693 Project Management Online Not offered Not offered

Introductory course providing an overview of the Construction industry and the role the Project Manager plays in the feasible and successful completion of the project. In particular, the course deals with project scheduling, contract documents, surety issued bonds, construction practices, legislation and other pertinent project management duties. Focus is also given to proper change notice pricing (stocklisting), job costing and close out documentation and obtaining substantial completion for a particular project. A term long case study group project is used to further aid students in grasping an in depth understanding and appreciation of the key aspects of a construction project, as well as the importance of team work and organization.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn more about program learning outcomes for this program.

Archived Program & Course Information

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