Emergency Management and Business Continuity Course Descriptions

EMERG 102: Intro to Emergency Mgmt and Homeland Security

Provides a foundation and overview of both emergency management and homeland security practices, policies,and technology, including the function and coordination of local, state, and federal agencies and organizations and systems used in planning for and responding to emergencies.

Course Level Objectives

1. Identify the essential elements of an effective emergency management program.
2. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and functions of a professional emergency manager.
3. Identify the different roles and responsibilities of community, local, state, tribal, and federal agencies, citizens, the private sector, and volunteer groups in the emergency management process.
4. Provide an overview of characteristics of disasters and their impact on population, infrastructure, and emergency management systems.
5. Describe the components of an emergency plan and principles that guide the planning process.

EMERG 110: Hazard Analysis and Mitigation

Hazard awareness and analysis, disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies, and creation of an emergency response plan, including awareness and outreach.

Course Level Objectives

1. Differentiate types of hazards, disasters, their physical characteristics and secondary effects: natural, technological and man-made.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the hazard mitigation planning process in preparedness and prevention for individuals and local communities.
3. Identify resources and tools to assist in the identification, research and analysis of hazards and the mitigation processes, local, regional and national.
4. Develop and present a hazards analysis and a mitigation strategy and plan.
5. Describe the role of the hazard analysis in mitigation and disaster preparedness.
6. Describe the foundations of a resilient economy within a community and the private sector.
7. Research grants, programs and other opportunities offered for hazard mitigation by government agencies.
8. Explain different forms of hazard management and mitigation strategies at different levels of government.
9. Conduct a risk and vulnerability assessment.

EMERG 115: Basic Incident Command System

This course describes the history, features, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System (ICS), including the relationship between the ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Course Level Objectives

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the general staffing structure within the ICS.
2. Identify the five major management functions within the ICS.
3. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Incident Commander and Command Staff.
4. Describe the advantages of common communication and information management standards.
5. Describe how the NIMS affects the way resources are managed.

EMERG 125: All Hazards Emergency Planning

This course provides students with the basic knowledge needed to develop, implement, and maintain an effective emergency planning system. Information covered includes fundamentals of the emergency planning process and an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), hazard/risk analysis, team development, Continuity of Operations (COOP), national and state planning, and contingency planning.

Course Level Objectives

1. Describe the components of an emergency operation plan, including resources and national standards that can be used in the planning process.
2. Describe the need and process for a comprehensive emergency plan and Continuity of Operations (COOP).
3. Identify methods for estimating hazard exposure and methods of risk communication.
4. Develop an Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) that complies with state and federal guidelines and regulations.

EMERG 135: Mapping and Data Analysis Tools

Mapping tools provide a series of visual maps including modeling or a simulation of disaster effects on a specific community. Introduces students to mapping tools and desktop applications for mapping to conduct emergency planning, data analysis, and resource management for emergency management.

Course Level Objectives

1. Demonstrate a clear and confident use of the features of a mapping software, Depiction, as an application in planning analysis for emergency management.
2. Use mapping software to identify potential impacts/vulnerabilities and allocate resources under various emergency/disaster scenarios.
3. Collaborate with others to maintain a real-time Common Operating Picture during a simulated incident/emergency exercise or real event.
4. Deliver a Community/Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness visual presentation in the class.
5. Research FEMA HAZUS-MH Geographic Information System (GIS) and specific community hazard vulnerability.
6. Build a library of maps pre-populated with data and elements appropriate for responding to the most likely emergency management scenarios in a community.
7. Use mapping software as a platform for building and executing a table-top exercise.

EMERG 137: Technology in Emergency Management

Provides a detailed overview of the types of technology used in emergency planning, response, recovery, and mitigation situations, as well as the key elements that must be in place for technology to enhance communication in the emergency management process.

Course Level Objectives

1. Describe the role technology plays in the support of emergency planning, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
2. Identify the components of an emergency management information system.
3. Describe the key elements that must be in place for technology to enhance the emergency management process.
4. Identify operational problems that impact the use of technology in an emergency management setting.
5. Discuss potential cultural factors to consider when using technology applications in an emergency management setting.
6. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different types of warning systems.

EMERG 155: Special Topics: Emergency Management

Classes, workshops or seminars of current interest in emergency management. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

1. Present areas of current interest in emergency management as determined by the instructor.

EMERG 157: Public Information Officer

Provides the basic skills and resources to successfully coordinate and disseminate information to the news media and public during an emergency situation.

Course Level Objectives

1. List and describe the responsibilities of a public information officer.
2. Describe strategies for developing positive relations with the media and the purpose of a media guide.
3. Distinguish between a news release and a media advisory.
4. Discuss the basic guidelines on managing the media scene.
5. Identify the basic guidelines to follow before and during an interview.
6. List and describe the steps in preparing a news conference.

EMERG 162: Emergency Response Awareness to Terrorism

Provides current and relevant information about terrorism, terrorist behavior, homeland security policies and dilemmas, and how to deal effectively with threats and the consequences of attacks. Student will gain insight into the key players involved in emergency management, local and state issues, particularly as they need to interact and work with FEMA and other federal agencies. Course components include identifying terrorism, causes of terrorism, preventing terrorist attacks, responding to terrorism attacks, and avoidance in communication and leadership collapse. Prerequisite(s): EMERG 102.

Course Level Objectives

1. Examine terrorism and the risks associated with terrorist incidents.
2. Explain the basic terms and concepts associated with terrorism incidents.
3. Compare and contrast different missions of homeland security.
4. Recognize and evaluate the characteristics and most frequent causes of terrorism and terrorist behavior.
5. Examine the evolution of terrorism in the United States and other countries.
6. Compare and contrast the positive and negative features of modern news coverage of terrorism.
7. Assess and analyze the threat of terrorism including ways to increase physical security and prevent terrorist attacks.

EMERG 182: Public Administration

Provides an overview in the structure and issues of public service. Coursewill examine the context of public administration: the political system, the role of federalism, bureaucratic politics and power, and the various theories of administration that guide public managers today. Course components include public administration, personnel, budgeting, decision-making, organizational behavior, leadership, and policy implementation. Prerequisite(s): EMERG 102.

Course Level Objectives

1. Explore historical developments in public administration and relate them to current trends and practices in America.
2. Explain the basic concepts, theories, and principles in the field of public administration.
3. Analyze the political, legal, and social environment of public administration.
4. Identify and apply competing models of public administration to emergency management.
5. Examine policy and the decision making process in public administration.
6. Analyze how the changing global society and multicultural environment impacts the management of the public sector.
7. Examine and apply the budget process and planning.
8. Discuss the function and operation of human resource personnel.
9. Examine the impact and influence of government regulation and administrative law over public affairs.

EMERG 198: Individual Project: Emergency Management

Study of student selected topics or approved experiences in the field of Emergency Management. Courses may be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits. Permit code required. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

EMERG 199: Special Projects: Emergency Management

Credit available with approval. For information contact department faculty. Permit code required. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

1. Develop a focused plan regarding the application of off-campus educational or volunteer experiences to individual career goals in Emergency Management.
2. Participate in activities in the community, including volunteering, attending workshops or seminars, or completing other specific professional development activities including research.
3. Evaluate course experiences and apply them to Emergency Management work in the form of a written report.

EMERG 200: Emergency Operations Center

This course provides the student with skills and knowledge to manage an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), acquire and control resources, and interface with on-scene responders within Incident Management Systems. Topics include EOC design, preparing, staffing and operating, jurisdictional setting, and the critical link between Incident Management Systems and emergency management operations.

Course Level Objectives

1. Describe and analyze the functions of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and general elements of EOC design.
2. Analyze and differentiate the relationship between the incident management systems and emergency management operations.
3. Formulate and assess staffing, operational, and jurisdictional needs when implementing or operating an EOC.

EMERG 210: Exercise Design and Evaluation

Course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to develop, conduct, and evaluate exercises that test a community's operations plan and operational response capability. Participants will learn about topics including exercise program management, design and development, evaluation, and improvement planning.

Course Level Objectives

1. Formulate and and outline the basic components of a comprehensive exercise program based on area risk assessment.
2. Describe and analyze the organization of an exercise design team.
3. Differentiate the purpose, characteristics, and design of a tabletop exercise, a functional exercise, and a full-scale exercise.
4. Analyze the unique physical requirements, participant roles, and site selection considerations when planning an exercise.
5. Formulate and outline the steps and tasks required to design, facilitate, and evaluate an exercise.

EMERG 215: Emergency Business Continuity Fundamentals

Provides a foundation for business continuity management, including topics such as business continuity initiation, risk evaluation and control, business impact analysis, developing business continuity strategies and plans, developing training and exercise programs, coordinating with external agencies, and exposure to current, real-world, case studies.

Course Level Objectives

1. Formulate the need for a business continuity plan, involving executive management, coordination and implementation, as well as ongoing management and documentation requirements of the plan process.
2. Analyze loss potential, determining exposure through risk evaluation, and identifying controls and safeguards to prevent or mitigate the effects of loss potential.
3. Demonstrate the necessity for business impact analysis, including assessing effects of disruptions, loss exposure, and business impact.
4. Explain the critical nature of business functions and records, how to prioritize business processes, and determine replacement times.
5. Describe the business continuity strategies based on results of business impact analysis, preparing cost/benefit analysis, including alternate sites and off-site storage, and understanding contractual agreements for business continuity services.
6. Develop and implement a business continuity plan, define continuity and control requirements, identify proper format and structure of the plan components, and implement the plan.
7. Define awareness and training objectives for business continuity.
8. Demonstrate an understanding for need for exercises and the importance of exercising and maintaining business continuity plans.
9. Explain the different aspects of a crisis communication program, including importance of crisis communication plans and coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders, and the media.

EMERG 222: Managing Volunteer Resources

Course will focus on methods and procedures for involving private-sector organizations, nongovernmental organization (NGOs), and volunteers in emergency management programs in ways which benefit all parties. The focus of the course is on maximizing the effectiveness of volunteer resources by implementing a people-oriented system that addresses defining volunteer roles, designing a plan of action, recruiting volunteers, training individuals who volunteer, and motivation and maintenance of a successful program. Participants will acquire skills and knowledge to make appropriate volunteer assignments that enhance the effectiveness of an integrated emergency management system. Prerequisite(s): EMERG 102.

Course Level Objectives

1. Define volunteer and voluntary agency (VOLAG) and draw distinctions between the two.
2. Determine whether your community's needs are best met by developing a volunteer program or whether you should coordinate with VOLAGs or both.
3. Correlate the skills and knowledge required of volunteers in emergency management programs.
4. Determine how volunteers can be used most beneficially in your program to meet your agency's needs.
5. Analyze the steps in developing a volunteer program.
6. Outline strategies for recruiting, retaining, assigning, training, supervising, and evaluating volunteers.
7. Recognize the key responsibilities of a VOLAG/CBO Coordinator.
8. Analyze the role of VOAD in providing emergency assistance.
9. Examine strategies for working with VOLAGs, CBOs, businesses, and other groups.

EMERG 225: Emergency Business Continuity Advanced

Provides a more in-depth analysis of the business continuity management planning process, including topics such as crisis management and leadership, crisis teams, incident management planning and management sequencing, plan implementation, and risk mitigation through contingency planning.

Course Level Objectives

1. Demonstrate an understanding of crisis management, incident management, risk management, and key concepts of business continuity management planning.
2. Analyze and explain the structure of the business continuity management plan, including the layers and levels, the risk management process, resourcing, policy-making, reporting and recordkeeping, and how to implement a plan.
3. Identify and differentiate the components of emergency response procedures and guidelines within the incident management plan, including establishing response trigger points, defining when a problem becomes a crisis, and knowing when to activate the communications plan.
4. Identify and analyze command and control requirements of the incident management plan including incident management sequencing from initial incident response to full recovery.
5. Explain business continuity and crisis management procedures, including crisis leadership, composition of crisis response teams, and incident management structure.
6. Design a proactive crisis communications program that manages crisis events through a crisis control center, and develop and facilitate exercises for crisis communications plans.
7. Evaluate how the nature, scope, and probability of a variety of risks can impact businesses and other organizations, including how to avoid or mitigate those risks through contingency planning.
8. Analyze applicable laws and regulations governing emergency management, and the agencies that support business continuity aims.

EMERG 230: Disaster Psychology/Sociology Issues

Provides the basic knowledge to recognize and respond to the emotional and psychological effects brought on by an emergency situation, including shock, general stress management, post traumatic stress disorders, and reactive behaviors.

Course Level Objectives

1. Demonstrate understanding of the sociological and psychological effects of disasters and critical incidents including the different reactions of first responders, victim/survivors, emergency management team members, community, family members, children and the elderly.
2. Identify symptoms and behavioral patterns of critical incident and disaster caused stress, both rapid onset and cumulative in individuals, groups and communities to refer to mental health specialist professionals and other services.
3. Communicate effectively with persons experiencing a stress induced reaction.
4. Provide coaching opportunities for responders on how to provide effective emotional first aid to victims in the field.
5. Coordinate with available training programs to prepare for high stress situations such as evacuations, emergency response, providing death notices and dealing with public information forums support.
6. Maintain a resource inventory of Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Public and Mental Health professionals' directory for appropriate requests for assistance.
7. Assist in debriefing facilitation and coordination.
8. Design a personnel stress management plan to mitigate effects of job related stress for staff.

EMERG 240: Disaster Recovery and Response

Provides basic knowledge on the theories, principles, and practices of disaster response and recovery including, impacts on life, property and the environment, roles of organizations and agencies, disaster assistance, and issues faced by special populations.

Course Level Objectives

1. Examine and describe what occurs during a disaster and the impact it has on life, property, and the environment.
2. Analyze and identify the role of organizations and stakeholders involved in an emergency recovery plan, such as business and industry, military, government, nonprofit, faith based organizations, and voluntary agencies as well as other volunteer groups.
3. Differentiate between the responsibilities of the local government after a disaster versus those of the state and federal government.
4. Explain the process through which individual disaster assistance may be obtained.
5. Analyze and describe special issues that may occur during recovery including damage to the environment from hazards and sheltering animal populations.
6. Apply principles and practice of disaster response and recovery utilizing case study disaster events.

EMERG 250: Emergency Management of Medical Operations

Explore the roles of public health, hospitals, emergency medical services and healthcare professionals in disasters. Focus is on the National Response Framework and Emergency Support Function (ESF) led by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Course Level Objectives

1. Explain the principles of emergency management for healthcare in a disaster setting.
2. Define austere standards of care in disasters and public health emergencies.
3. Describe relevant legal issues and regulatory compliance.
4. Identify elements of the Emergency Support Function #8 Public Health and Medical Services Annex of the National Response Framework.
5. Identify workforce issues and functional roles of workers in disasters.
6. Coordinate credentialing and managing volunteer health professionals.
7. Integrate strategies for DMAT, DMORT, VMAT National Disaster Medical Services with local and community resources.
8. Describe response that would comply within the National Response Framework.
9. Apply National Incident Management and Incident Command Systems in medical response operations.
10. Collaborate with local, state and federal agencies on public health, medical information, pandemic, vaccine or prophylactic administration and other health issues in disasters.

EMERG 252: Homeland Security Law and Ethics

This course is designed to give the student an overview of various statutes, regulations, constitutional law, and common law associated with Homeland Security. This course examines emergency response, weapons of mass destruction, local government powers, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, civil rights, international anti-terrorism efforts, Homeland Security Act of 2002, and the Patriot Act. Students will be introduced to the legalities and ethics relevant to organizing for counterterrorism, investigating terrorism and other national security threats, crisis, and consequence management. Prerequisite(s): HSEM 102.

Course Level Objectives

1. Develop a working understanding of key legal and policy principles related to emergency management.
2. Analyze FEMA's role in policy, law, and management.
3. Examine local, state, and federal relationships when it comes to introducing and implementing new laws and regulations.
4. Recognize the critical role of court decisions in clarifying the practical application of legislation and executive directives.
5. Analyze privacy concerns and constitutional protections regarding governmental information-gathering related to emergency management.
6. Examine important statutes and policies enacted post 9/11 and their impact on emergency management.
7. Differentiate between crisis management and consequence management policy and its evolution in response to events.

EMERG 255: Special Topics: Emergency Management

Classes, workshops or seminars of current interest in emergency management. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

1. Present areas of current interest in emergency management as determined by the supervising instructor.

EMERG 291: Emergency Management Internship

Workplace experience to practice and demonstrate the skills relevant to performing the job(s) of an emergency management or business continuity professional. Permit code required. S/U Grade. Registration permitted first seven weeks (six in summer) as space is available. Prerequisite(s): Students must have completed 80 percent of EMERG courses.

Course Level Objectives

1. Apply skills obtained in EMERG course work to real workplace settings and incidents.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of emergency management regulations and apply them at the placement site.
3. Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills while working in a real workplace setting.
4. Practice critical thinking skills by applying them to real time situations in the emergency management and/or business continuity field.
5. Interact appropriately and professionally with employees and supervisor at the placement site.
6. Create and/or evaluate current emergency management operations material that is culturally sensitive and relevant.
7. Practice positive work habits, including working as a team member at the placement site.

EMERG 298: Individual Project: Emergency Management

Advanced study of student selected topics of approved experiences in the field of Emergency Management. Courses may be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits. Permit code required. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

1. Develop specific concepts or materials relevant to the future Emergency Management professional.
2. Create a comprehensive activity which meets the course requirements of an existing Emergency Management course.
3. Assemble a completed project for submission.
4. Measure their success on stated outcomes for this course.

EMERG 299: Special Projects: Emergency Management

Credit available with approval. For information contact department faculty. Permit code required. S/U grade option.

Course Level Objectives

1. Develop a focused plan regarding the application of off-campus educational or volunteer experiences to individual career goals in Emergency Management.
2. Participate in activities in the community, including volunteering, attending workshops or seminars, or completing other specific professional development activities including research.
3. Evaluate course experiences and apply them to Emergency Management work in the form of a written report.