AI, Biotech Nat Security

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

This course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and national security through technical and policy lenses. The course is designed to ensure that students develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills to evaluate emerging technologies, particularly those developed through convergence of scientific disciplines; consider policy options for both leveraging technological advances and guarding against national security risks; and analyze trusted technical, security, and policy sources as part of technology evaluations. Though these objectives are generalizable, the course will focus on a contemporary issue, specifically use of artificial intelligence models with biological data and knowledge to design biological molecules and systems, predict the design of biological pathways of interest, and generate new insights informing biological function and engineering. The course also will cover the transition from computational analyses to physical experimentation and development of biological molecules and systems as national security implications (both positive and negative) are considered. This course is designed for non-scientists and non-technologist, but will challenge those with technical backgrounds to look at the interface between AI, biotechnology, and national security in different ways.