3 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
This course focuses on the basic elements of nuclear and radiological source security. It examines methods for planning and evaluating nuclear security activities at the State and facility level, establishing nuclear security culture in different types of nuclear and radiological installations, and examines nuclear cyber and information security measures. Issues and approaches for nuclear security concerns, both state-level (e.g., nonproliferation and deterrence) and asymmetric concerns (e.g., nuclear smuggling and nuclear terrorism) will be addressed. The integration of safety and security and the use of alternative technologies will also be covered. Group exercises and simulations in applied nuclear security scenarios will complement lectures given by a number of national and international experts. This course is designed for both "technical" (engineering and science) and "non-technical" (policy) students and the interaction between students of different backgrounds is encouraged.
Learning Outcomes1To introduce students to the basic concept of nuclear security.
2To introduce students to the basics of nuclear security planning at the facility and state level.
3Introduce students to proliferation efforts, framing them within the historical and security-related context.
4Create a foundational understanding of relevant security, safeguards and nonproliferation treaties and agreements.
5Leverage existing technical knowledge in coming to policy conclusions.
6Develop both a regime and state specific knowledge base.
7Illustrate understanding through technical and policy oriented exercises.
8Expand relevant technical knowledge base as well as introduce students to new instrumentation and concepts.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.