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HLSS230 - Chemistry of Explosives
Course Details
Course Code: HLSS230 Course ID: 3686 Credit Hours: 3 Level: Undergraduate
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.
Course Schedule
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06/24/19 - 11/29/19 | 12/02/19 - 01/26/20 | Fall 2019 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 08/26/19 - 01/31/20 | 02/03/20 - 03/29/20 | Winter 2020 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 10/28/19 - 04/03/20 | 04/06/20 - 05/31/20 | Spring 2020 Session B | 8 Week session |
Current Syllabi
Course Objectives:
CO-1 Explain the history & development of explosive use
CO-2 Recognize the importance of chemical composition data related to explosive materials
CO-3. Define and differentiate between combustion, deflagration & detonation related to explosive chemicals
CO-4 Discuss thermal decomposition, ignition, & initiation of explosive chemicals
CO-5 Differentiate between the various uses of explosive chemicals in relation to inherent hazards
CO-6 Explain the important role of safer nitroglycerin development
CO-7 Determine the proper course of action given the response atmosphere and explosive material/s encountered.
CO-8 Identify environmental concerns, and, the local, state, and federal regulations regarding the handling, use and transportation of explosive chemical materials.
CO-9 Discuss the importance of oxidation in explosive molecules
CO-10 Delineate the hazards between explosive chemicals in their normal ‘states’ and uses versus abnormal/unbalanced states and incorrect or criminal uses.
CO-11 Describe and define activation energy and the ‘heats of formation
CO-12 Identify the protective equipment associated with handling explosive chemicals
Co-13 Explain the need for DOT regulations regarding the handling. Transportation and use of explosive chemicals
Grades for this course will be based upon four grading instruments. There are weekly discussion questions that are provided in the Forum Section. The student – when directed by the instructor -- will respond to the posting of other students. The mid-term and final exams will be a composite of multiple choice questions and short essays.
The grade scale and due dates for each of the evaluation are provided below:
| Name | Grade % |
|---|---|
| Forums | 10.00 % |
| Week 1 | 2.00 % |
| Week 2 | 2.00 % |
| Week 3 | 2.00 % |
| Week 4 | 2.00 % |
| Week 5 | 2.00 % |
| Homework Assignments | 10.00 % |
| Homework Week 1 | 1.43 % |
| Homework Week 2 | 1.43 % |
| Homework Week 3 | 1.43 % |
| Homework Week 4 | 1.43 % |
| Homework Week 5 | 1.43 % |
| Homework Week 6 | 1.43 % |
| Homework Week 7 | 1.43 % |
| Abstract Article | 10.00 % |
| Abstract Article | 10.00 % |
| Essay Paper | 30.00 % |
| Research Paper | 30.00 % |
| Mid-Term Exam | 10.00 % |
| Midterm Exam | 10.00 % |
| Final Exam | 30.00 % |
| Final Exam | 30.00 % |
- Akhaven, J. The Chemistry of Explosives (2nd ed.). RSC. NOTE: You have an electronic version of this text book provided in the Resources section of the LMS; also an electronic version of the Tenny Davis book previously used as a text book for this course.
- Guest Website Assigned Readings include:
DoD Directive 5160.62. Single Manager Responsibility for Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology and Training (EOD T&T) at: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/
Articles and topics available from The Domestic Preparedness Office from sources such as Ask.com http://www.answers.com/topic/domestic-preparedness-office-ndpo-united-states-national
Various search engines: Google, Bing or Ask (.com)
- Weekly Notes in the Course Materials Section.
| Book Title: | The Chemistry of Explosives, 3rd ed. - the VitalSource e-book is provided inside the classroom |
| ISBN: | 9781849733304 |
| Publication Info: | VS-NBN International |
| Author: | Jacqueline Akhavan |
| Unit Cost: | $39.87 |
| Electronic ISBN: | 9781782626299 |
| Electronic Unit Cost: | $36.00 |
Previous Syllabi
Not current for future courses.