Catalog - University of Maryland University College

COURSE DESCRIPTIONSBSBD (Biosecurity and Biodefense)BSBD 640 Agents of Bioterrorism (3)An examination of the probable weapons of biowarfare, includingbiological, chemical, and nuclear weapons, from severalperspectives. Topics include their mechanism of action, biologicalimpact, detection and recognition, epidemiology, and treatment.Their potential dangers and effectiveness are evaluated,and strategies for defense against attacks by such weapons areinvestigated. Discussion covers the bioethical challenges of antibioterrorresearch.BSBD 641 Biosecurity and Bioterrorism (3)(Formerly BIOT 681.) A review of bioterrorism, biosecurity,and government biodefense strategy, including the historyand science of biological agents in agriculture and society.Discussion covers surveillance; public health preparedness;response; and recovery at the community, state, and federalgovernment levels. Various aspects of the law, including thePosse Comitatus Act and federal and state quarantine powers,are introduced. The mental health consequences of bioterrorismare also discussed. A case study of a hypothetical biologicalattack is analyzed in detail.BSBD 642 Advanced Biosecurity and Bioterrorism (3)(Formerly BIOT 683.) Prerequisite: BIOT 681 or BSBD 641. Athorough examination of special and advanced topics in bioterroismand biosecurity issues. Topics include the hidden biologicalwarfare programs of the 20th century; advances in biotechnologyand molecular microbiology and the dilemma of dual-useresearch; domestic and foreign terrorist groups, including roguestates; state-of-the-art microbial forensics; ethics and civil rights;and current trends in policy development, consequence management,and public health responses to new threats to homelandsecurity. Discussion also addresses special topics of the students’choice. Future challenges in biosecurity are also discussed as partof a comprehensive bioterrorism exercise and the analysis of casestudies of hypothetical threats.BTMN (Biotechnology Management)BTMN 632 Commercializing Biotechnology inEarly-Stage Ventures (3)(Formerly BIOT 641.) An overview of the methods for planningand organizing biotechnology ventures. The elements of abusiness plan are considered, as are methods for assessing variousneeds, such as capital, personnel, technology, and marketing.Emphasis is on approaches to marketing technology anddeveloping joint ventures. The advantages and disadvantagesof forming international ventures are weighed. Discussion alsocovers the importance of maintaining relations with externalconstituents and the need for managing public awareness.BTMN 634 Selection and Evaluation of BiotechnologyProjects (3)(Formerly BIOT 642.) A study of the applications of technologyforecasting, technology assessment, project management,and data auditing to the selection and evaluation of biotechnologyprojects. The underlying rationale, principles, procedures,and cost effectiveness of data auditing are examined. A systemsapproach to performance evaluation is presented.BTMN 636 Biotechnology and the RegulatoryEnvironment (3)(Formerly BIOT 644.) A comprehensive review of the roleof regulation in the development and commercialization ofbiotechnology products and services. Emphasis is on the roles ofthe federal government, state government agencies, internationalbodies, and professional groups, especially the regulatory rolesof the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department ofAgriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration. Discussioncovers human subject protection, good laboratory practices, andgood manufacturing practices.BTMN 670 Capstone in Biotechnology (3)(Formerly BIOT 671.) Prerequisite: Completion of 27 creditsof program coursework. The application of knowledge gainedfrom previous study to real-world business, technical, and ethicalissues. Topics include entrepreneurship and new venturecreation, progress in biotechnology and prediction of futuretrends, and ethical development and management. Discussionalso covers professional goals and an action plan to put knowledgeand experience gained in the program to use. Focus is ondemonstrating analytical, communication, and leadership skillsthrough case analysis of promising technologies and teamworkthrough group development of a strategic product developmentplan for a start-up biotechnology venture.88G R A D U A T E C A T A L O G | 2 0 1 0 – 2 0 1 1