Undergraduate Certificate in Explosive Ordnance Disposal

This course offers explosive handlers, bomb disposal technicians and responders an introduction to the chemical make-up and associated hazards of explosive substances. The combination of challenging reference sources and instructional interchange immerses the student in the world of explosive compounds including the research and development behind many explosive compounds widely used throughout the world today. This combination of reference materials, website research and group-related projects, allows the new explosive handler to learn the scientific basis for the long lists of safety precautions involved when handling explosives. Topics include, but are not limited to, history of explosives; basic chemical composition of explosives; and, safety precautions and guidelines when approaching or handling explosives. It will also cover researching information sites and references for material ranging from basic safety precautions of explosives to the resources available for emergency handlers and responders. The course helps students understand the hazards associated with common explosive materials.

This course is a dynamic and information packed introduction to the history of incendiaries and explosives. Included is a short study of the origins of modern-day Bomb Disposal and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Teams and their evolving techniques. The course examines areas and ideas from the ancient mystique of “Greek Fire” and the inventions of gunpowder and high explosives, up to modern-day nuclear reactions and weapons of mass destruction. The course provides an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the history and background of the science and mechanics applied to explosive technologies, and provides for a better understanding of those who work to render safe unexploded hazards.

This course is designed for Explosive handling technicians, police or military, or others who respond to incidents involving hazardous devices containing electrical and/or electronic components. Concepts covered include the important differences between electricity and electronics (E&E) from the scientific and technical perspective and the practical situational aspects of threats posed to any handler of suspicious E&E devices. Specific areas are covered in a logical and easy to digest manner and include the fundamental principles of Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) including series, parallel, and series parallel circuits; hazardous device circuit component operations and capabilities; and, safety precautions and guidelines when dealing with circuits contained in hazardous devices. The course focuses on how to conduct research on information sites and references for basic circuitry and helps students recognize the technical aspects of circuit theory, components and capabilities required to effectively perform diagnostic procedures.

This course is an overview of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). It provides a framework in which to evaluate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) utilized by military and civilian Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and Hazardous Devices teams in the field. The extremely hazardous nature of these operations lends itself to a detailed evaluation of the methods; practices and protocols used during live ordnance and emergency response calls. Formal EOD guidance contained in military instructions and regulations, and Federal Codes of Regulation (CFRs) are examined as references and for operational compliance. They are evaluated for efficacy in meeting the often conflicting and demanding needs of EOD operators. Procedures covered include the full spectrum of military EOD Required Operational Capabilities. Included are high risk evolutions such as diving and demolition operations, parachuting and rappelling operations, and, response to weapons of mass destruction, and small arms employment under hostile and time constrained conditions. The vulnerability and risk of specific EOD procedures to terrorists’ actions is defined, and proposed countermeasures are weighted for effectiveness. The application of industry “Best Practice” risk management processes is examined for application to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal field.

This course provides an overview of the many different federal, military, state, local, and specialized explosive ordnance disposal organizations, units, and teams; their associated authority in public law; their different jurisdictional boundaries; and their different doctrinal and organizational approaches to similar and different issues in the field.

This course offers an introduction to classical physics for non-scientists. Students will learn to apply Newtonian principles to the fundamental topics of motion, gravitation, momentum, work and energy, heat, wave behavior, sound and light, electricity and magnetism. Basic algebra is used to demonstrate how mathematics can describe and predict the real-world behavior of objects, from electrons to planets. Students will be expected to relate physics principles to their daily lives. The Physics lab teaches students how to take measurements and make observations about physical phenomena, make calculations, and test out their own reasoning. Topics covered in this lab course range from motion to magnetism. This course also involves study through interactive simulation laboratories designed to help reinforce and build upon the concepts presented in the lecture portion of the course.