ASPECTS OF CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR SECURITY

Degree course: 
Corso di Second cycle degree in PHYSICS
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2022/2023
Year: 
1
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2022/2023
Course type: 
Supplementary compulsory subjects
Credits: 
6
Period: 
Second semester
Standard lectures hours: 
48
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (48 hours)
Requirements: 

None. No specific prerequisites are needed.

Final Examination: 
Orale

Oral exam with presentation of a thesis: for the exam, the student must submit a paper on a topic shared in advance with the teacher who will follow the writing of the paper during the course to integrate it with any additional supports. This paper will be the exam topic together with any questions about the entire course.

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

The course aims to provide a comprehensive public understanding of science, technology, and innovation as well as an introduction to international treaties and regulations on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) technologies and materials and Cyberarms / Cybersecurity. The major areas of concern regarding adverse effects are chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) because they may induce mass casualties and have the potential for damaging long-term effects.
The student will acquire skills related to the critical assessment of the risks associated with the development of old and new CBRN technologies and the conscious management of any associated emergencies:
- Research and identify the documentation related to the regulatory scenario of the containment of chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear risks.
- Identify the rules of management of any associated emergency
- Identify risks associated to CBRN technology

During the course, the students will be able to face all risks, challenges and assessments on CBRN (Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) proliferation by States and terrorists’ group

Analysis of possible scenarios and CBRN risk mitigation solutions

Case study 1: Introduction to DURC (Dual Use Research of Concern). DURC is life sciences research that, based on current understanding, can be reasonably anticipated to provide knowledge, information, products, or technologies that could be directly misapplied to pose a significant threat, with broad potential consequences, to public health and safety, agricultural crops and other plants, animals, the environment, materiel, or national security
Case study 2: Proliferation of sensitive knowledge

Case study 3: Voluntary import-export regimes

Case study 4: Analysis of the risks associated with the production / use of CBRN devices: realities and myths

Case study 5: Cybersecurity, Cyber arms and possible regulations for cyberspace. Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (Control of weapons of mass destruction). Multilateral / regional and bilateral treaties.
Case study 6: Scientific Diplomacy as a tool to solve global problems and the reduction of problems associated with DURC

The lessons will be face-to-face with the involvement when possible of experts in the sector, the use of relevant texts, videos and articles that will be analysed through explanatory slides of the individual topics covered. The dissertations carried out during the course will be an integral part of the exam and will aim to help the student to correctly interpret the course topics.

By appointment only agreed by e-mail
(maurizio.martellini@uninsubria.it)

Professors

MARTELLINI MAURIZIO