2016–2017 2016–2017

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BSBD 641 Biosecurity and Bioterrorism (3)
A review of bioterrorism, biosecurity, and government biodefense
strategy, including the history and science of biological
agents in agriculture and society. Discussion covers surveillance;
public health preparedness; response; and recovery at
the community, state, and federal government levels. Various
aspects of the law, including the Posse Comitatus Act and federal
and state quarantine powers, are introduced. The mental
health consequences of bioterrorism are also discussed. A case
study of a hypothetical biological attack is analyzed in detail.
BSBD 642 Advanced Biosecurity and Bioterrorism (3)
Prerequisite: BIOT 681 or BSBD 641. A thorough examination
of special and advanced topics in bioterroism and biosecurity
issues. Topics include the hidden biological warfare programs
of the 20th century; advances in biotechnology and molecular
microbiology and the dilemma of dual use research; domestic
and foreign terrorist groups, including rogue states; state-ofthe-art
microbial forensics; ethics and civil rights; and current
trends in policy development, consequence management, and
public health responses to new threats to homeland security.
Discussion also addresses special topics of the students’ choice.
Future challenges in biosecurity are also discussed as part of a
comprehensive bioterrorism exercise and the analysis of case
studies of hypothetical threats.
BSBD 643 Strategies for Interagency Cooperation, Verification,
and Global Countermeasures in Biodefense (6)
An in-depth study of the verification procedures used in global
countermeasures and strategies. Global biosecurity and
oversight are examined using real-world examples. Discussion
covers the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases as they
relate to defense against threats from nonconventional sources.
Topics also include the evolution and current status of the
Biological Weapons Convention; the integration of responses
from local, state, and multiple federal agencies; and other challenges
facing public health departments, including the potential
economic, political, and social impacts of bioterrorism.
BTMN (Biotechnology Management)
BTMN 632 Commercializing Biotechnology in Early-Stage
Ventures (3)
(Formerly BIOT 641.) An overview of the methods for planning
and organizing biotechnology ventures. The elements of a business
plan are considered, as are methods for assessing various
needs, such as capital, personnel, technology, and marketing.
Emphasis is on approaches to marketing technology and
developing joint ventures. The advantages and disadvantages
of forming international ventures are weighed. Discussion also
covers the importance of maintaining relations with external
constituents and the need for managing public awareness.
BTMN 634 Selection and Evaluation of Biotechnology
Projects (3)
A study of the applications of methodologies of technology
forecasting, technology assessment, project management, and
data auditing to the selection and evaluation of biotechnology
projects. The underlying rationale, principles, procedures, and
cost effectiveness of data auditing are examined. A systems
approach to performance evaluation is presented.
BTMN 636 Biotechnology and the Regulatory Environment (3)
A comprehensive review of the role of regulation in biotechnology
products and services development and commercialization.
Emphasis is on the roles of the federal government, state
government agencies, international bodies, and professional
groups, especially the regulatory roles of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, and Food
and Drug Administration. Discussion covers human subject
protection, good laboratory practices, and good manufacturing
practices.
BTMN 670 Capstone in Biotechnology (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits, including all other
program core courses. The application of knowledge gained
from previous study to real-world business, technical, and ethical
issues. Topics include entrepreneurship and new venture
creation, progress in biotechnology and prediction of future
trends, and ethical development and management. Discussion
also covers professional goals and an action plan to put knowledge
and experience gained in the program to use. Focus is on
demonstrating analytical, communication, and leadership skills
through case analysis of promising technologies and teamwork
via group development of a strategic product development plan
for a start-up biotechnology venture.
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GRADUATE CATALOG | 2016–2017