CHEM-479 Countering Chemical Weapons (3)

Chemical weapons, which harm or kill by exploiting the toxicity of chemicals, are still used by state and non-state actors in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Countering chemical weapons requires a comprehensive approach that combines technical and political solutions based on sound scientific evidence. This course provides a survey of chemical weapons focused on history, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, security aspects, and international disarmament and nonproliferation mechanisms. The course critically examines and discusses a range of countermeasures against chemical weapons, including pharmacological and analytical chemistry measures, as well as international policy measures. Students discuss actions that could be taken to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of these countermeasures in the twenty-first century. Crosslist: CHEM-679. Usually Offered: spring.