HLS 212 - Survey of Weapons of Mass Destruction

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Survey the primary instruments of destruction and death, known as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), that are used or sought by terrorists. Study the definitions, categories, characteristics, capabilities, deployment and impact of nuclear, biological, chemical, radiological, and conventional weapons of mass destruction. Focuses on the fundamentals of first responders and operational level responses to weapons of mass destruction disasters, including planning and training.

Prerequisite(s): HLS 111 or permission of director.

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Identify and explain the key components of CBRNE weapons as ‘Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosives.’
Construct a timeline of WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) terror attacks against America.
List and evaluate various CBRNE related threats to critical infrastructure within America.
Describe the impact of nuclear weapons on a city in terms of loss of life, physical destruction, and emotional injury.
Define the term Nuclear Proliferation and review the nations of the world currently in possession of WMD.
Define a Nuclear Electronmagnetic Pulse Attack and discuss the impact it would have on a nation.
Develop a strategy to prevent a WMD attack from occurring inside America.