NDU 6001: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

Course Description
This course will focus on key technologies that will shape national security issues and military forces in the coming decades. Technologies covered will include topics such as information technology, unmanned vehicles, biology, nanotechnology, advanced sensors, nuclear and conventional explosives detection, and directed energy weapons. The topic of the potential impact on DoD of developments in energy technology (e.g. move to renewable energy sources and hydrogen) will also be discussed. The course will begin by examining how some of the major technologies that we now depend upon came to be and what that tells us about S&T innovation. The course will be taught by experienced scientists and engineers working at NDU’s Center for Technology and National Security Policy as well as by external experts. Students will visit sites in the area such as the Naval Research Laboratory. Those enrolled in the course will be asked to prepare a presentation on one area of technology for presentation during the relevant lecture or at the end of the course.

Course Objectives

• Understand the role of DoD policy, war fighting needs, institutions and individuals in the development of militarily significant science and technology.
• Discuss the current trends in science and technology, including globalization, and their likely impact on the U.S. military.
• Discuss the potential for unintended consequences, including social and ethical implications, of the development and deployment of currently foreseen militarily significant technology.
• Examine the strategy for DoD investment in science and technology in light of the above.

Course Requirements
In addition to participating in the classroom and reading the assigned material, students will be expected to prepare a short presentation on a key aspect of Defense science and technology relating to the course objectives. Each student will make a 10-minute presentation during the appropriate lesson or during Lesson 12. These student presentations will become part of the historical archive for the course. You will receive all readings in class or in your mailbox as well.

Student Evaluation
Students will be evaluated by the instructors based on ICAF and NWC regulations. Class participation will compose 50 percent of the final grade, while the paper and presentation will compose 50 percent.

Faculty
Dr. William Berry
Dr. James Kadtke
Dr. Linton Wells, II

Research Associate
Mr. Timothy Lo