Module Details

CBRNE EVENTS AND CHEMISTRY APPLIED TO EMERGENCIES

ST0085

Course
CBRNE EVENTS AND CHEMISTRY APPLIED TO EMERGENCIES
Code
ST0085
Academic Year
2025/2026
Curriculum Year
2024/2025
Degree Programme
DISASTER AND HEALTH CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Curriculum
000 - CORSO GENERICO
Course coordinator
Credits
3
Lecture Hours
24
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
CHIM/02 - Physical Chemistry
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
2
Teaching period
Secondo Semestre
Campus
VERCELLI
Teaching language
English
Course Contents
Chemical Threats: Diagnosis and early management in chemical incidents; Biological threats Biological agents: syndromes and differential diagnosis; Radiation threats; mass casualties guidelines.Description of the main methods of detection, protection and decontamination from CBRNE agents.
Reference Texts
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Practical Guide for Medical, Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties (2019) https://www.opcw.org/resources/assistance-and-protection/practical-guide-medical-management-chemical-warfare-casualties Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Practical Guide for Medical, Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties (2019) https://www.opcw.org/resources/assistance-and-protection/practical-guide-medical-management-chemical-warfare-casualties
Learning Outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide participants with a thorough understanding of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) events, and the crucial role of detection, protection and decontamination methods in the event of CBRNE events.
Prerequisites
no specific prerequisites
Teaching Methods
Video-recorded lesson pills, in-depth material, and practical exercises
Additional Information
tudents with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.
Assessment Methods
The exam is written and in-person, and consists of a quiz with multiple-choice questions. The final grade is expressed in thirtieths, and to pass the exam, a student must achieve at least 18/30. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the fundamental concepts of the subject. To achieve a passing grade, students must be familiar with the context of CBRNE eventis and be able to demonstrate acquisition of the relevant basic notions of detection, protection and decontamination processes. To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate complete mastery of the topics covered.
Detailed Syllabus
Understand the Fundamentals of CBRNE Threats: Identify and categorize different types of CBRNE agents and their potential impact. Describe the characteristics, dispersion mechanisms, and immediate effects of common chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive hazards. Recognize the various pathways of exposure to CBRNE agents and their physiological consequences. Apply Chemical Principles to Emergency Scenarios: Explain fundamental chemical concepts relevant to CBRNE events, including properties of matter, chemical reactions, and toxicology. Interpret Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and other chemical information resources to assess risks and guide response actions. Understand the principles behind decontamination procedures and the chemistry involved in neutralizing hazardous substances. Assess and Mitigate CBRNE Risks: Evaluate the potential risks associated with different CBRNE scenarios and understand the factors influencing their severity. Identify appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the specific CBRNE threat and apply principles of hazardous materials handling. Develop strategies for initial scene assessment, hazard identification, and risk mitigation in a CBRNE incident. Understand Response and Recovery Strategies: Describe the phases of emergency response to CBRNE events, including detection, identification, containment, and recovery. Understand the role of interagency cooperation and communication in effective CBRNE incident management. Explore post-incident considerations, including environmental remediation and long-term health monitoring. Enhance Decision-Making in Crisis Situations: Integrate knowledge of CBRNE threats and applied chemistry to make informed decisions under pressure. Develop critical thinking skills to analyze complex emergency situations and formulate appropriate response plans.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the definition of CBRNE events, and detection, protection, and decontamination methods. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to apply the methodologies covered in the theoretical course to practical problems; ability to recognize and apply detection, protection, and decontamination methodologies to complex processes. Independent judgment: Ability to critically analyze the elements that characterize a CBRNE event, identifying any inconsistencies and proposing appropriate solutions. This aspect is primarily assessed through a written exam involving the solution of appropriate problems. Communication skills: Ability to communicate on topics related to the detection, decontamination, and protection of CBRNE events in a precise, concise, and clear manner. This is assessed during the exam by analyzing the language used by students in responding to oral questions. Learning skills: Ability to use the course material for critical and reasoned study, including for subsequent independent acquisition of advanced knowledge and for ongoing professional development.
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31