Course Syllabus

FES 4825: Disaster Planning and Control

Course Description

Course: Disaster Planning and Control

Section: FES 4825

Credit Hours: 3

Session: Summer 2023 Online

Course Format: Web-based Distance Learning 

Instructor: Dennis Mitterer

Email: dmitterer@ufl.edu

Phone: 352-273-1084

OFFICE HOURS:    I can be contacted during normal business hours. I check emails daily and should respond to any requests within 24 hours.

Required Textbook: Disaster Planning and Control  by William Kramer ISBN 13: 978-1-59370-189-5  Additional Resources: Use resources on the course site under the Resource tab

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2010.

COURSE WEBSITE:          http://elearning.ufl.edu

 ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Mitterer has worked in EMS for over 30 years as an EMT and Paramedic, Operations Chief, and educator. He has earned a Master’s Degree in Management from Penn State University’s Smeal Business College, a nursing degree from Excelsior University, a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Penn State University and has earned the designation as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Associate in Risk Management (ARM). He earned his Ph.D. in Leadership and Organizational change from Walden University.

As a member of the faculty for Western Governor's University he guides adult students through their course of study in Finance, Research and Statistics, Technology Application, and Risk Management. Dr. Mitterer previously taught for the Pa College of Health Sciences and was a Faculty Advisor for EMS at Franklin & Marshall College. He taught as an Adjunct Professor for Lebanon Valley College’ master’s program, Immaculata College where he taught; Management, Strategic Planning, Human Resources and Research, and Harrisburg Area Community College where he instructed in the Paramedic program. As a nationally recognized speaker and writer, Dr. Mitterer challenges audiences to think creatively about EMS topics.

Professional affiliations include; American Society of Safety Engineers, American College of Healthcare Executives, National Association of EMS Educators, National Association of EMTs and the Institute for Behavioral and Applied Management.

This course examines concepts and principles of community risk assessment, planning, and response to fires, natural and human-caused disasters, including National Incident Management System, Incident Command Systems (NIMS/ICS), mutual aid and automatic response, training and preparedness, communications, civil disturbances, terrorist threats/incidents, hazardous materials planning, mass casualty incidents, earthquake preparedness, and disaster mitigation and recovery.

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills: None

Learning Objectives

The student will be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of disaster planning, preparation, and mitigation.
  • Evaluate the hazard assessment processes and the role of the firefighter in community disaster planning and recovery.
  •  Assess hazard response and planning procedures.
  •  Define the impact of hazard occurrence on community response.
  •  Define the parameters and effectiveness of an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and its components.
  •  Differentiate the multilevel agency responsibilities in disaster mitigation.
  • Define the relationships between disaster planning, mitigation, and recovery.

Course Goals

  1. The student will interpret and apply the terminology, concepts, methodologies and theories used within systems management.
  2. The student expresses ideas in a convincing, organized, clear, coherent manner that is nearly error free and uses a style and language appropriate to the emergency services and the analytic profession.
  3. Submitted written assignments should include such elements as well-crafted paragraphs, a persuasive organizational structure (e.g., introduction, body, conclusion; or introduction, methods, results, discussion), well-supported claims, and appropriate and effective stylistic elements adhering to APA style 7th edition.
  4. The student considers the issues from multiple perspectives, logically analyzes evidence from credible, relevant sources, and develops reasoned conclusions.
  • Teaching Philosophy: I am looking for students to demonstrate a working knowledge of the subject. You need to be creative when you complete your assignments but maintain a professional appearance of your work. Your work should be completed in such a manner that someone can pick up your document and understand what you are trying to convey. Your work should be supported with research and cited in APA format. 

  • Instructional Methods:The course is designed for individual and group interactivity. It is important to post and respond to discussion questions in the course within the time frame allotted. This provides a learning environment by networking with other students in the course. The assignments are individual base to give you the opportunity to do a variety of activities, in many cases, similar to what you will be doing in role as a leader in the emergency services profession.g

Course Policies

Attendance Policy: The course is designed in module format. You should check the site at least once a week. You are required to complete the assignments including discussion questions within the time period designated on the module. There will be meetings set up throughout the course. Requirements for class attendance and make-up exams, assignments, and other work in this course are consistent with university policies that can be found in the online catalog at: https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx.

  • Assignments & Discussions:  All assignments and discussions have a due date. Please be sure to check the dates and times they are due in each module. All due dates are set in order to provide consistency with the discussions and assignment submission. Each module will be opened early so you have time to read the material, formulate and answer discussions and finish and submit the assignment. Each discussion and assignment will be closed one week after the due date.
  • Final Project:  There is a final project for this course. There are no exams or quizzes. The final project will cover all material learned and discussed throughout the course.
  • Make-up Policy:  You must contact me, prior to the assignment deadline if you are going to be late on any discussion or assignment to receive credit. In the event of an unforeseen inability to complete an assignment, due to technology, notify me as soon as possible.
  • Course Technology: Class meetings will require a web camera and mic/audio. If you are not able to use a web camera you will need to at least provide audio/mic, you can call in on a phone also. 

 

Canvas Information & Technology

Class meetings may require a web camera and mic/audio. If you are not able to use a web camera you will need to at least provide audio/mic, you can call in on a phone also. Otherwise, discussions and assignments will be web based and submissions will occur electronically. If technology help is required, please contact the UF Help Desk at:

Any requests for make-ups due to technical issues MUST be accompanied by the ticket number received from LSS when the problem was reported to them. The ticket number will document the time and date of the problem. You MUST e-mail your instructor within 24 hours of the technical difficulty if you wish to request a make-up.

Other resources are available athttp://www.distance.ufl.edu/getting-help for:

  • Counseling and Wellness resources
  • Disability resources
  • Resources for handling student concerns and complaints
  • Library Help Desk support

Should you have any complaints with your experience in this course please visit http://www.distance.ufl.edu/student-complaints to submit a complaint.

UF online/internet privacy statement: http://privacy.ufl.edu/privacy-policies-and-procedures/onlineinternet-privacy-statement/

UF Honor Code

UF students are bound by The Honor Pledge which states, “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honor and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code.  On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.”

UF students are bound by The Honor Pledge which states, “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code. On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: "On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment." 

The Honor Code (http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/process/student-conduct-honor-code/) specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and the possible sanctions. Furthermore, you are obligated to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor or TAs in this class.

From Regulations of the University of Florida, 4.041 Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code: Scope and Violations:

Plagiarism. Presenting as one's own the ideas, words, or products of another. Plagiarism includes the use of any sources to complete academic assignments without proper acknowledgment of the source. A student shall not represent as the student's own work all or any portion of the work of another. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

  1. Quoting oral or written materials including but not limited to those found on the internet, whether published or unpublished, without proper attribution.
  2. Submitting a document or assignment which in whole or in part is identical or substantially identical to a document or assignment not authored by the student."

From Regulations of the University of Florida, 6C1-4.047 Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code: Sanctions:

For a violation or violations of the Honor Code, a student may receive any of the sanctions that can be imposed for Student Conduct Code violations, including but not limited to conduct probation, suspension and expulsion as well as any educational sanctions. In addition, students may receive the following:

  1. Assignment grade penalty. The student is assigned a grade penalty on an assignment including but not limited to a zero.
  2. Course grade penalty. The student is assigned a grade penalty in the entire course including but not limited to an 'E'."

Cheating: is a broad term that includes the following:

    • Giving or receiving help from unauthorized persons or materials during examinations.
    • The unauthorized communication of examination questions prior to, during, or following administration of the examination.
    • Collaboration on examinations or assignments expected to be individual work.
    • Fraud and deceit, that include knowingly furnishing false or misleading information or failing to furnish appropriate information when requested, such as when applying for admission to the University.

CLASS DEMEANOR OR NETIQUETTE: All members of the class are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all email messages, threaded discussions and chats.

When communicating online, you should always:

  • Treat everyone with respect, even in email or in any other online communication.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Remember that all college level communication should have correct spelling and grammar.
  • Avoid slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations such as “u” instead of “you”.
  • Use standard fonts such as Times New Roman and use a size 12 or 14 pt. font.
  • Avoid using the caps lock feature AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETTED AS YELLING.
  • Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm as tone is sometimes lost in an email or discussion post and your message might be taken seriously or offensive.
  • Be careful with personal information (both yours and other’s).

When posting on the Discussion Board in your online class, you should:

  • Make posts that are on topic and within the scope of the course material.
  • Take your posts seriously and review and edit your posts before sending.
  • Be as brief as possible while still making a thorough comment.
  • Always give proper credit when referencing or quoting another source.
  • Be sure to read all messages in a thread before replying.
  • Don’t repeat someone else’s post without adding something of your own to it.
  • Avoid short, generic replies such as, “I agree.” Include why you agree or add to the previous point.
  • Always be respectful of others’ opinions even when they differ from your own.
  • When you disagree with someone, you should express your differing opinion in a respectful, non-critical way.
  • Do not make personal or insulting remarks.
  • Be open-minded.

Should you have any complaints with your experience in this course please visit http://www.distance.ufl.edu/student-complaints to submit a complaint.

 

UF Policies for Disabilities

University Policy on Accommodating Students with Disabilities: Students requesting accommodation for disabilities must first register with the Dean of Students Office. Here is the link

The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor when requesting accommodation. You must submit this documentation prior to submitting assignments or taking the quizzes or exams. Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore, students should contact the office as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations.

 

Grading Scale

GRADING SCALE

A   = 93.0 to 100  (372 - 400 points)      C   = 73.0 to 76.9 (292 - 307 points)
A-  = 90.0 to 92.9 (360 - 371 points)      C-  = 70.0 to 72.9 (280 - 291 points)
B+ = 87.0 to 89.9 (348 - 359 points)      D+ = 67.0 to 69.9 (268 - 279 points)
B   = 83.0 to 86.9 (332 - 347 points)      D   = 63.0 to 66.9 (252 - 267 points)
B-  = 80.0 to 82.9 (320 - 331 points)      D-  = 60.0 to 62.9 (240 - 251 points)
C+ = 77.0 to 79.9 (308 - 319 points)      F   = below 60 (<240 points) 

Course Grades

Assignment Point or Percentage
Grading Discussion Participation –  20 points each discussion 160 points
Homework Assignments –  20 points each assignment 140 points
Final Project - comprehensive and applied 100 points
Total Grade 400 points

LATE ASSIGNMENTS & DISCUSSIONS POLICY: 

  • Assignments up to 48 hours late will receive a 10% deduction in their grade.
  • Assignments more than 48 hours but less than 30 days late will receive a 20% deduction in their grade.
  • Assignments more than 30 days late but submitted during the semester will receive a 50% deduction in their grade.
  • Discussions up to 48 hours late will receive a 25% deduction in their grade.
  • Discussions more than 48 hours later will receive a 50% deduction in their grade.

Please note: Any student have less than 75% of their work complete for the semester cannot earn an “I” contract. If you have 75% of the work complete, you can propose an I contract to the instructor. It is your responsibility to keep your instructor informed at all times. The instructor does have the right under extenuating circumstances with proper notification to assist the student by extending the above time requirements.*Points will be deducted for all late assignments.

It is your responsibility to keep your instructor informed at all times. The instructor does have the right under extenuating circumstances with proper notification to assist the student by extending the above time requirements.

Grading Scale: https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/grades.aspx (Links to an external site.)

Information on current UF grading policies for assigning grade points:

To convert the final grade to credit hours please refer to by using the link to the web page:  https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/grades.aspx

Course Schedule

Module Coursework
Module 0: Orientation
  • Course Introductions
  • Syllabus Quiz
Module 1: Disaster Anticipation and Preparation
  • Module 1 Overview
  • Module Videos
  • Discussion 1
  • Writing Assignment 1
Module 2: Historical Lessons, Training and Preparation
  • Module 2 Overviews
  • Module Videos
  • Discussion 2
  • Writing Assignment 2
Module 3: Organizational Structure and Incident Management, Resource Management and Augmentation
  • Module 3 Overviews
  • Module Videos
  • Discussion 3
  • Writing Assignment 3
Module 4: Communications and Information Management, Catastrophic Fires
  • Module 4 Overviews
  • Module Videos
  • Discussion 4
  • Writing Assignment 4
  • Mid-Course Survey
Module 5: Transportation Disaster, Hazardous Materials Disasters
  • Module 5 Overviews
  • Module Videos
  • Discussion 5
  • Writing Assignment 5
Module 6: Homeland Security and Civil Disorder, Terrorism
  • Module 6 Overviews
  • Module Videos
  • Discussion 6
  • Writing Assignment 6
Module 7: Mass Casualties and Mass Evacuation, Weather-Related & Terrain-Based Natural Disasters
  • Module Overviews
  • Module Videos
  • Discussion 7
  • Writing Assignment 7
Module 8: Final Project
  • Module Overview
  • End-of-Course Survey
  • Final Project

Evaluation Process

ONLINE COURSE EVALUATION:  Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on how to provide feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available at https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/students/. Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens, and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu un GatorEvals, or via https://ufl.bluera.com/ufl/. Summaries of the course evaluation results are available to students at https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/public-results/.

Disclaimer:  This syllabus represents my current plans and objectives. As we go through the semester, those plans may need to change to enhance the class learning opportunity. Such changes, communicated clearly, are not unusual and should be expected.

 

Last update:  5//2023