FSCI 3720 - Forensic Fire and Explosion Investigation
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 42651,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
Log in to view more
Instructor
Jeff Everly
Professional Qualifications:
Masters, Forensic Psychology, Argosy University
Bachelors, Technology & Management, University of Maryland
Associates, Fire Administration, Northern Virginia Community College
National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator
Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) / National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033 Certified Fire Investigator
Licensed Private Investigator – Delaware, Maryland and Virginia
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Certified Hazardous Devices/Bomb Technician [2001-2022]
Email: gceverly@ysu.edu
Preferred Contact Method: Email
Communication Expectations:
Email is the “official” means of communication for this course. Emails will typically be responded to within twenty-four (24) hours. All email communications between students and the University must be done using your Youngstown State University (YSU) email address. DON’T USE BLACKBOARD MESSAGING AS A COMMUNICATIONS MECHANISM! Messages in Blackboard will not receive responses.
In this course, instructions are provided and/or communications sent via email to promote smooth and effective facilitation of the course throughout the semester, inform students of changes and, where necessary, to take corrective actions. Students are expected to check their YSU email accounts at a minimum every two (2) days.
Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | KIRK’S FIRE INVESTIGATION – 8th Edition, Pearson | DeHaan, John D. | 9780134237923 |
| Required | Tyler v Michigan 436 U.S. 499 (1978) | U.S. Supreme Court | |
| Required | Trial By Fire : New Yorker (2009) | David Grann | |
| Required | Report AL Solutions, Inc, New Cumberland, WV | U.S. Chemical and Hazard Investigation Board | |
| Required | Letters From An Arsonist : Washington City Paper (2007) | Dave Jamieson | |
| Required | Academic Honesty Tips | University of Rochester |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
Log in to view more
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Preface and Chapter 1 topics 1.1 thru 1.6 Chapter 11 topics : 11.1 |
Presentations: Why should I be learning about fire PP, Fire Problem in the US PP, Let’s talk about arson PP, UL Lab 1 – There’s Been A Fire | All due Saturday 29 Aug Academic Honesty Information & Assessment Academic Honesty Form Discussion: Introduce Yourself Scenario A |
| 8/31 | Michigan v Tyler | Presentation: Legal Concepts You Need To Know PP | All due Saturday, 5 Sep Syllabus/Tips for Success Information & Assessment Scenario B |
| 9/7 | Chapter 2 topic(s) 2.1 thru 2.8 | Presentations: Basics of Fire PP, How Fires Start and Move PP, UL Lab 2 – Invest Academy | Due Saturday, 12 Sep Homework 1 |
| 9/14 | Chapter 2 topic(s) 2.10 thru 2.11 | Presentation: What Burns In a Fire PP | All due Saturday, 19 Sep Discussion – Flammable Liquids & Gases Research project topic submission & approval Scenario C |
| 9/21 | Chapter 2 topic(s) 2.9 | Presentations: How Solids Burn PP, Ignition Sources PP, UL Lab 3 – Guided Investigation | Due Saturday 26 Sep Discussion – Combustible Solids |
| 9/28 | Chapter 4 all Chapter 5 topic(s) 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5 Chapter 7 topic(s) 7.6-7.8 |
Presentations: Electrical Fires PP, Vehicle Fires PP | |
| 10/5 | Chapter 6 all Chapter 7 topic(s) 7.1.1 thru 7.1.3, 7.4 |
Presentation: Fire Scene Examination Pt 1 PP | Due Saturday 10 Oct Scenario D Due next Wednesday Mid-Term Exam |
| 10/12 | Mid-Term Exam, Wednesday, Available from 0500 [5:00AM] to 2200 [10:00PM] | Due Wednesday, 14 Oct @ 2200 [10:00PM] | |
| 10/19 | Chapter 11 topic(s) 11.2 thru 11.10 | Presentation: Fire Scene Examination Pt 2 PP | Due Saturday, 24 Oct Homework 2 |
| 10/26 | Presentations: Arsonists PP, Motives for Arson PP, Hunt for the Serial Arsonist video | All due Saturday, 31 Oct Discussion - Arson Cases Scenario E Homework 3 |
|
| 11/2 | New Yorker Article : Trial by Fire | Presentations: Myths in Fire Investigations PP, Case Studies PP |
Due Saturday, 7 Nov Homework 4 |
| 11/9 | Chapter 3 topic(s) 3.1 thru 3.6 AL Solutions, Inc. Report |
Presentations: Explosions PP, Explosives PP, Criminal Use of Explosives PP | All due Saturday, 14 Nov Homework 5 Research Project |
| 11/16 | Chapter 8 - all | Presentations: Bomber Characteristics, Traits & Motives PP, UNABomber Video | Due Saturday, 21 Nov Scenario F |
| 11/23 | Presentations: Faces of Violence PP, Accelerant K9s PP | Due Saturday, 28 Nov Homework 6 |
|
| 11/30 | Presentations: Evidence in the Lab PP, Non-Arson Evidence PP | Due Saturday, 5 Dec Scenario G Due next Wednesday Final Exam |
|
| 12/7 | Final Exam, Wednesday, Available from 0500 [5:00AM] to 2200 [10:00PM] | Due Wednesday, 9 Dec @ 2200 [10:00PM] |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.