Biodefense preparedness, including chemical response, is an ongoing processin the United States. This course will provide an introduction to the history of biodefense programs as well as a look forward to where these programs are headed. The range of biological threats from premeditated to naturally occurring events will be examined along with the surveillance systems in place that are designed to help detect and deter a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) event. We will review countermeasures in place to help protect the country, including the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), as well as consequence management under the National Response Framework.
Upon completion of this course, students will have an increased understanding of the continuum of CBRNE and natural biological threats that we face as a society today, be able to evaluate local, state, and federal level abilities to respond to a CBRNE event, summarize the evolution of Biodefense capabilities within Department of Homeland Security (DHS), assess the current level of US biodefense preparedness, and have an understanding of basic military support to civilian authorities for biodefense. Part of the MPPA Public Security and Health Policy specializations. The fall 09 course will be held on four Saturdays: 9-26-09, 10-17-09, 10-24-09, and 11-21-09.
