Introduction to the theories, principles, and organized approaches to emergency management at local, county, state, and federal levels. Topics include the history of human vulnerability to natural, human-caused, and technological hazards; the advent of emergency management professions; and an examination of current emergency response systems. Fall Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Analysis of the history and evolution of emergency management in the United States. Topics trace events that have impacted and motivated change in approach to EM with analysis of the situations within its governing body. Spring Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Exploration of the complexities of healthcare system preparedness, which is the ability of a healthcare system to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate incidents that have a public health and medical impact in the short and long term. (Formerly BEM320)
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Introduction to the roles, designs, and functions of incident command operations integral to emergency management services at the local, state, and federal levels. Exploration of multi-agency coordination related to various types and severity of disasters/incidents. Spring Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
BEM101
Overview of emergencies, disasters, and catastrophes from a social, political, historical, policy, environmental, international, and cross-cultural perspective. Focus on the differences in these events in terms of scale and cause as well as the diverse approaches of managing these events. Spring Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Comprehensive introduction to the principles, theories, and approaches to emergency response planning at the local, state, and federal levels. Includes analysis of the tasks, roles and responsibilities of designing and implementing emergency response plans in various communities. Fall Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
BEM101
Introduction to the theories, principles, and hands-on best practices associated with crisis communication with an emphasis on planning and conveying public communication before, during, and after natural and manmade crises. Topics include identifying and messaging effectively to targeted audiences, including vulnerable and diverse audiences; complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act; engaging community partners in message-making; understanding and using multimedia tools, including social media; addressing misinformation and audience emotion; understanding human behaviors during crises; and understanding the function of a Joint Information Center and Public Information Office in the emergency management construct. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
ENL111
Study of the basic concepts, operational procedures, and authorities involved in recovering from major disasters. Addresses federal, state, and local government roles and responsibilities in major disaster recovery work, with an emphasis on government coordination and the problems frequently arising in recovery operations. An overview of preliminary damage assessment, disaster recovery centers, and special needs of victims and disaster workers is included. Spring Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Study of techniques that enhance data contained in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Theory and application of hazard mapping, risk and vulnerability analysis, and evacuation analysis. Hands-on experience in spatial analytical techniques using GIS and spatial analytical software to address research questions. Exploration covers essential methodological and practical issues that are involved in carrying out sophisticated spatial
analyses to help emergency management agencies make policy decisions. Fall Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Exploration of the complexities and interdependencies of the nation's critical infrastructure sectors, to include strategies and techniques to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impact of hazards across these areas. Spring Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Exploration of the nature and causes of viruses and pandemics, as well as the complexities and interdependencies regarding the preparedness for and coordinated response to these incidents across all levels of government and the private industry. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
ENL111
Study of the role of the technological elements related to effective emergency management. Topics cover a wide variety of current and emerging technologies related to the management of actual and potential incidents. Emphasis placed on the development of writing proficiency through research papers, reports, and other written projects. Fall Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Exploration of the complexities of healthcare system preparedness, which is the ability of a healthcare system to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate incidents that have a public health and medical impact. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
ENL111
Introduction to American Homeland Security including inception, development over time, and historical context. Key concepts include terrorism and counterterrorism, interagency bureaucracy, national security, and legal aspects of Homeland Security. Fall Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Exploration of bioterrorism, including the history and science of biological agents and toxins that may be used as weapons. Overview of the types of organisms (bacteria, virus, etc.) and the mechanisms by which they are harmful. Emphasis on how the United States can prevent, respond to, mitigate, and recover from the impacts of a potential biological attack in the nation. Discussion of the role of the Department of Homeland Security and other stakeholders in bioterrorism prevention, response, and recovery. Fall Only.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Examination of current issues in emergency management and their impact on individuals, groups, and communities within the context of modern emergency management practices. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
BEM101
Practical work experience in emergency management/public safety through placement in a governmental agency or program, non-governmental provider, or private sector organization whose mission is emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Course requires a minimum of 300 hours at the field placement. Permission of program faculty required. As needed.
3 Credits: 0 Lecture, 15 Internship
Individualized learning experience that consolidates knowledge of public safety and emergency management concepts and best practices, with a focus on analyzing and developing solutions to emergency management issues or problems. Development of an emergency management field program for implementation or a major emergency management research paper involving original data collection will be undertaken. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture