In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the University of Cincinnati will offer a new course on chemical and biological terrorism next term.

        The class, which will be offered through UC's College of Applied Science, is designed to improve the nation's preparedness for covert and overt bioterrorist attacks.

        “Too many cities are claiming to be ready,” said Dr. Karan Singh, the UC professor who created the course. “How can we claim we are ready if we don't know what the problem is?”

        The course is the first of its kind designed to provide an explanation to both the public and emergency medical personnel of chemical and biological agents, starting from the scene of a possible incident through decontamination and medical treatment.

        Dr. Singh worked with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, military consultants and the American Hospital Association to develop the curriculum.

        “I tried to develop a course that will cover every aspect of it,” Dr. Singh said. “This is designed to be taught in a fashion in which everyone can understand it.”

        Dr. Singh will teach the three-credit course, which will be offered on Thursday nights.

        In a one-credit course offered nationally by video-conferencing, Dr. Singh will be joined by retired U.S. Marine Corps officer Patrick Goodale, who specializes in intelligence and counterterrorism, and Rodger Crauder, retired director of the Greater Cincinnati Hazardous Materials Unit.

        “There's a lot of fear out there unnecessarily,” Mr. Crauder said. “If people think there is something they can do at their home, at their workplace or wherever they may be, they're going to feel more confident going about business.”

        The first video-conference class will be offered Jan. 18.

        Dr. Singh and his colleagues will present the history of biological and chemical terrorism, characteristics of the 50 agents of most concern to the CDC — such as nerve gas and smallpox — and other issues, such as signs of exposure and how emergency responders can protect themselves.

        “The idea is not to scare people,” Dr. Singh said. “They're already scared. It is to help them have the correct information.”

        For registration information, call (888) 707-8819 or go online at www.uc.edu/news/warfa.htm.
       

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