Institute for Bio-Security Newsletter

Summer Program Announced

This summer the Institute will host two one-week summer intensive courses on the campus of Saint Louis University at the Salus Center, home of the School of Public Health. Experts from around the world will join Institute staff in giving attendees the opportunity to examine terrorism, bioterrorism and emerging infections issues from a global perspective, and present unique material in a professional settings.The first intensive course will focus on terrorism in the 21st Century, and will run from July 30– August 3. The second intensive course, running the week of August 6, will address issues associated with bioterrorism and emerging infections. Short course summaries follow below.

Global Terrorism in the 21st Century (July 30- August 3)
This course offers a comprehensive review of the global threat posed by the growth of violent Islamic fundamentalism (VIF). The course will trace the spread of violent Islamic fundamentalism from the Mid East through Asia, the Horn of Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Tri Border Region of South America. It will explore the VIF motivation, recruiting strategies, funding sources, as well as the communication, command and control systems currently being used by the various VIF terrorist groups.. The course will also detail the terrorists’ use of and dependence on the Internet and explore anticipated trends in the evolution of violent Islamic fundamentalism. Faculty will also discuss terrorists’ attempts to develop and use WMD and how those efforts are being financed.

Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases (August 6-August 10)
This course introduces bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases, including the rationale for using biological weapons, genetic engineering, and surveillance. Disease transmission simulation and patient moulage will be used. Emerging infectious diseases (SARS, avian influenza, TB, MRSA, Mumps and Pertussis), anti-infective therapy and vaccine, and pandemic planning will also be covered.

Either or both of these courses may be taken for three graduate credit hours each, either as electives within the MS program in Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness here at Saint Louis University, or at any other accredited graduate program a related field (e.g., the Masters of Science program in Disaster Medicine and Management at Philadelphia University). In addition, the courses have also been structured to accommodate professional development needs of individuals in the field of public health/ preparedness planning, homeland security or intelligence fusion activities. Students who take the courses for credit as part of a degree program will have different grading requirements and assignments than those taking the courses for professional development. Note that those registering for these courses as non-credit (professional development) may NOT shift these credits into graduate credit after the course is completed.

A limited block of on-campus hotel rooms is available for those participating in the Summer Institute and are available on a first come basis. Detailed cost and registration information, as well as a syllabus for each course will be posted to the Institute for Biosecurity website (bioterrorism.slu.edu) in the coming weeks.

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