Methodology in the Fire and Rescue Services
Räddningstjänstmetodik

VBRN95, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED BI/RH
Date of Decision: 2026-04-09

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: BR4-oh
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The overall aim of the course is that students, after completing the course, will be able to apply concepts and engineering methods from previous courses to make assessments within the operational emergency services area in connection with fires in buildings.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to explain and describe the course and components of a rescue operation during a building fire.
• have an understanding of how fire science theory can be applied in fire service operations.
• demonstrate an understanding of which factors may influence the course of a fire during a fire service operation in a building.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge of fire development in buildings in order to provide a basis for decision-making.
• demonstrate the ability to model, predict, and evaluate the fire development in a building even with limited information.
• demonstrate the ability to work in teams and collaborate in groups.
• be able to assess and evaluate how surrounding factors may influence fire development in a building.
• be able to explain the likely effects of smoke ventilation and firefighting during a building fire.
• be able to assess the plausibility of calculated results from different models.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• demonstrate the ability to assess the suitability of different models for various types of problems.
• demonstrate an understanding of how different decisions made during a rescue operation can affect social, economic, and environmental aspects.

Contents

• The organisation of the rescue service during an emergency operation
• How a building fire can be assessed from an engineering perspective
• Fire science theory and fire development in buildings. Here fire development in buildings is fires in an environment with multiple rooms and/or large fire compartments
• Fires in structural elements, challenges related to cavities and fire spread within structures
• How weather conditions can influence fire development in a building
• Management of smoke and fire gases in buildings
• Firefighting, water, and hydraulics
• The concept "Smart Firefighting" and how data from buildings can be used to support emergency response
• Unique aspects related to fire service operations in more complex environments, such as tunnels, underground facilities, and high-rise buildings
• General aspects related to wildfires

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

The final certificate is based on a written examination (individual work), home assignments (individual work), and laboratory work reports (group work), and requires active participation in compulsory seminars.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0126. Name: Written Examination.
Credits: 4.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Approved written examination. The module includes: The course part is based on lectures and written exercises.
Code: 0226. Name: Laboratory Work and Homework..
Credits: 3.5. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Home assignment and laboratory work reports. The module includes: This part consists of seminars and individual assignments. Students work in groups during laboratory experiments. Further information: Active participation is required in group work. Each group member must be able to individually present and account for the content. If a member does not meet the other members' requirements for active participation, or fails to fulfil their commitments, the examiner may decide to transfer them to another group or give them a failing grade.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• VBRF25 Fire Dynamics

Reading list

• Stefan Svensson: Brandgasventilation. MSB, 2020.
• Stefan Särdqvist: Vatten och andra släckmedel. MSB, 2022.
• Stefan Svensson: Brand i byggnad. MCF, 2026.
• Ytterligare litteratur kan redovisas i samband med kursstart.

Contact

Course coordinator: Nils Johansson, nils.johansson@brand.lth.se
Course administrator: Linnéa Ekman, linnea.ekman@ebd.lth.se
Examinator: Marcus Runefors, marcus.runefors@brand.lth.se
Examinator: Nils Johansson, nils.johansson@brand.lth.se

Further information

The course is mandatory for students specializing in Accident Management.

Some teaching may be in English.

Generative AI may be used in a similar way as other tools used for gathering information. Using the resulting text, figure, code or similar created by a GAI tool is treated as deceptive and is treated as cheating. The use of GAI tools shall be stated in written material for examination. Recommendation on the use of GAI tools is presented on the course area on Canvas.