Science, Medicine & Policy in Biodefense

4 Credits.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Biodefense. It covers the properties of the Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT); their historical and potential use as biological warfare or bioterrorism weapons, their medical consequences, diagnosis, detection, identification, treatment and prevention. Relevant international and domestic policy issues are explored, along with defense strategies and the nature of existing threats to national security. Prerequisites: 410.603 Advanced Cell Biology or admissions equivalent, 410.613 Microbiological Threats & Emerging Infectious Diseases, or approval of academic advisor.