NDU 6010 The New Biological Warfare

Course Description
Historically, use of the words “biology” and “battlefield” in the same sentence has implied biological warfare. Increasingly, however, biology is becoming the source of significant force multipliers that commanders will have available on the battlefield in the near future. This course will examine a variety of topic areas, e.g., human performance enhancement, biologically based sensors, new bio-based materials, and will explore their development and application to warfighting. In addition, evolutionary theory and animal behavior will be examined as metaphors to improve efficiencies in organizing and conducting combat operations.

Course Objectives

• Examine broad economic, political, and military implications of a shift from petroleum-based economy to a biological-based economy.
• Examine current developments in biology – other than biomedical – that may have applicability to joint warfighting.
• Examine societal and governmental responses to the role and purpose of biological research.
• Analyze ways in which biological developments can be incorporated into planning for joint operations.

Methodology
The course will combine readings, lectures, guest speaker presentations, case studies, and strong participation by the students to promote a vigorous dialogue on the issues. Students will need to come well prepared to each session, and be willing to express their own views and add their experiences and insights to the classroom discussion. It is the student’s responsibility to infuse knowledge gained in this elective into the core curriculum seminar discussions and to question guest lecturers about their views on biotechnology. Required readings not available on the Internet will be provided. The Internet is a valuable resource for recent information on biotechnology, especially for use in the student presentations.

Course Requirements
In addition to participation in the classroom and reading the material, students will be expected to prepare a short (3-4 pages) analytical paper on a key aspect of biology as it relates to military operations. Each student will present a 10-minute review of his/her paper during the last class session.

For the analytical paper, students will select ONE of the following:

1. Review and commentary on a nonfiction book-chosen by the student with faculty approval--related to biology's emerging role in the economy.
2. Review and commentary on an emerging biotechnology with military significance.
3. Description of how a past military operation could have been different, had some bio-based technologies been available to the commanders.

Student Evaluation
Evaluation of students will be based on ICAF and NWC regulations. Class participation will compose 75 percent of the final grade, while the paper and presentation will compose 25 percent.

Faculty
Dr. Robert Armstrong

Research Associate
Ms. Mary Beth Hill-Harmon, MSPH

Additional guest speakers will provide presentations on selected areas of biology and its application to military operations.