General Information
This subject examines causes of fire, the spread of fire, fire and smoke development, the behaviour of materials in fires, the effects of fire on structural integrity; fire testing and compartmentalisation. Fire separation; statutory requirements for horizontal and vertical fire exits, fire resistance ratings and the maintenance of resistance by means of fire stopping materials, fire protection systems are also examined.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: SDCM71-315 Subject title: Fire Engineering Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Intensive Workload items: - Workshop: x2 (Total hours: 12) - Workshop 1
- Workshop: x2 (Total hours: 12) - Workshop 2
- Workshop: x2 (Total hours: 12) - Workshop 3
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: As successful completion of this subject is heavily dependent on participation during all scheduled sessions, attendance will be monitored. Most sessions build on the content of the previous one. It is difficult for a student to recover if a session is missed. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any content missed and to complete set work outside class. It is also necessary for students to engage proactively and contribute positively in discussions, analyses and case studies. The assessments are an important part of developing the knowledge and understanding required to fulfil the minimum requirements of this subject. In addition to face-to-face contact time, students should plan to spend a minimum of 84 hours undertaking preparation/out of class work/personal study for this subject. This is intended as a general guide only for workload planning. More time may be required depending on the student's comprehension of the content delivered in class and aptitude for the subject. Please note that subsequent subjects assume the student has a full understanding of this subject - this content will not be repeated. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: No Prescribed resources.
After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List.iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | SDCM71-315 |
| Subject title: | Fire Engineering |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Intensive |
| Workload items: |
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| Attendance and learning activities: | As successful completion of this subject is heavily dependent on participation during all scheduled sessions, attendance will be monitored. Most sessions build on the content of the previous one. It is difficult for a student to recover if a session is missed. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any content missed and to complete set work outside class. It is also necessary for students to engage proactively and contribute positively in discussions, analyses and case studies. The assessments are an important part of developing the knowledge and understanding required to fulfil the minimum requirements of this subject. In addition to face-to-face contact time, students should plan to spend a minimum of 84 hours undertaking preparation/out of class work/personal study for this subject. This is intended as a general guide only for workload planning. More time may be required depending on the student's comprehension of the content delivered in class and aptitude for the subject. Please note that subsequent subjects assume the student has a full understanding of this subject - this content will not be repeated. |
| Prescribed resources: | No Prescribed resources. After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List. |
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
|
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe how 'deemed to satisfy' and 'performance-based' solutions to meet the NCC are developed and compare outcomes from both approaches;
- Associate the role of a fire engineer with their impact on the fire engineering process;
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Analyse and predict human behaviour during a fire event and their interaction with fire safety systems;
- Evaluate the impact fire testing has on the built environment, and
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Paper-based Examination (Closed) Final exam 50.00% Final Examination Period 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Assignment Scenario analysis 20.00% Week 7 1,2,3,4 Written Report Preparation of Fire Engineering report 30.00% Week 11 1,2,4,5 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Pass requirement
Students must achieve a minimum 50% cumulative across all assessment items to be eligible to pass this subject.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-based Examination (Closed) | Final exam | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
| Assignment | Scenario analysis | 20.00% | Week 7 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Written Report | Preparation of Fire Engineering report | 30.00% | Week 11 | 1,2,4,5 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Pass requirement
Students must achieve a minimum 50% cumulative across all assessment items to be eligible to pass this subject.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
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Introduction to Fire Engineering
A broad overview and introduction of fire engineering is presented.
SLOs included
- Associate the role of a fire engineer with their impact on the fire engineering process;
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The history of fire engineering
Review of historical events and developments that have resulted in the current codes and requirements that a fire engineer must now meet.
SLOs included
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Fire engineering and the national construction code
The structure of the National Construction Code is discussed with a focus on how it influences the design of structures when considering fire design.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe how 'deemed to satisfy' and 'performance-based' solutions to meet the NCC are developed and compare outcomes from both approaches;
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Achieving and verifying performance
Methods to achieve and verify performance solutions are introduced with a detailed investigation of comparative and absolute assessments. An example assessment for a structure is presented as a case study.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe how 'deemed to satisfy' and 'performance-based' solutions to meet the NCC are developed and compare outcomes from both approaches;
- Associate the role of a fire engineer with their impact on the fire engineering process;
- Analyse and predict human behaviour during a fire event and their interaction with fire safety systems;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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The science of fire
Introduction to fire science through considerations of fire chemistry, flammability, and heat transfer.
SLOs included
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Fire dynamics
Investigation of fire dynamics through general fire profiles looking at various phases of fire development (incipient, growth, flashover, fully developed and decay).
SLOs included
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Principles of fire design
Design fire principles are introduced through the definition of fire characteristics.
SLOs included
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Fire behaviour and characteristics
Fuel-controlled fire behaviour is described, and calculations based on the flame characteristics are performed.
SLOs included
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Ventilation controlled fire
Ventilation-controlled fires behaviour is described.
SLOs included
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Flashover and burnout
The concepts of flashover and burnout is discussed and its prediction through empirical formulations is given.
SLOs included
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Fire resistance and compartmentation
Discussion and comparative assessments of fire severity, fire resistance, and compartmentation.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Horizontal and vertical fire spread
The mechanisms of fire spread are investigated with a focus on vertical spread between floors and horizontally between buildings or allotments.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Material testing and test reports
Review of material testing and the test reports are used within the built environment.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe how 'deemed to satisfy' and 'performance-based' solutions to meet the NCC are developed and compare outcomes from both approaches;
- Evaluate the impact fire testing has on the built environment, and
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Protection of openings
The protection of openings are investigated with deemed to satisfy and performance solutions presented.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Fire detection and suppression
Methods to detect (e.g. ionisation, optical, flame etc.) and suppress (e.g. sprinklers, hydrants, fire extinguishers etc.) fires are investigated and design of such systems are introduced.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Smoke control
The concept of smoke control is considered through Smoke Hazard Management systems (ventilation, pressurisation and/or compartmentation). The choice of system is discussed and considered through flame and plume characteristics, and the requirements set out by the National Construction Code.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Evacuation and warning systems
Evacuation principles of visibility, exit signs and warning systems are presented with an initial discussion on occupant characteristics and behaviour during a fire event.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Analyse and predict human behaviour during a fire event and their interaction with fire safety systems;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Modelling fire, smoke, and evacuation
Methods for modelling of fire and smoke and evacuation are introduced. The application and limitations of such modelling are discussed.
SLOs included
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Analyse and predict human behaviour during a fire event and their interaction with fire safety systems;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.
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Fire engineering case studies
Case study - to bring all concepts of the course together a fire engineering assessment is performed on a realistic structure.
SLOs included
- Identify and apply key fire safety clauses from the National Construction Code;
- Describe how 'deemed to satisfy' and 'performance-based' solutions to meet the NCC are developed and compare outcomes from both approaches;
- Describe fire science fundamentals and fire dynamics and link these to design techniques and methodologies commonly used in the fire engineering discipline;
- Analyse and predict human behaviour during a fire event and their interaction with fire safety systems;
- Explain the constraints and limitations of fire engineering.