SubjectsSubjects(version: 982)
Course, academic year 2026/2027
  
   
Bioterrorism - B320018
Title: Bioterorismus
Guaranteed by: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (320)
Faculty: Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Actual: from 2026 to 2026
Semester: summer
Points: summer s.:2
E-Credits: summer s.:2
Examination process: summer s.:
Hours per week, examination: summer s.:1/0, Ex [HT]
Capacity: unknown / unknown (unknown)Schedule is not published yet, this information might be misleading.
Min. number of students: unlimited
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech
Teaching methods: full-time
Level:  
Guarantor: Častorálová Markéta Ing. Ph.D.
Interchangeability : N320084
Examination dates   Schedule   
This subject contains the following additional online materials
Annotation -
The Bioterrorism course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of pathogenic microorganisms and toxins that can potentially be abused as biological weapons. Students will be introduced to the most important pathogens, their characteristics, modes of spread and the consequences of their use in the context of bioterrorism. The course will also include an introduction to defence and protection against these threats, including legal aspects and legislation in the field of bioterrorism.
Last update: Častorálová Markéta (16.04.2025)
Course completion requirements -

Lecture attendance is recommended but not mandatory.

Last update: Častorálová Markéta (16.04.2025)
Literature -

Obligatory:

  • Bronze, Michael S., Greenfield, Ronald A.. Biodefense, principles and pathogens. Wymondham: Horizon Bioscience, 2005, 838 s. s. ISBN 1-904933-12-2.

Last update: Častorálová Markéta (16.04.2025)
Teaching methods -

Lectures, discussions on real cases.

Last update: Častorálová Markéta (16.04.2025)
Requirements to the exam -

The exam is a written test.

Maximum score 100 points. Score: 100-90 points - A, 89-80 points - B, 79-70 points - C, 69-60 points - D, 59-50 points - E, 49-0 points - F

Last update: Častorálová Markéta (16.04.2025)
Syllabus -

1. Definition, terminology and classification of biological weapons. Legislation - international treaties. Pathogenicity and virulence.

2. Host defence, specific and non-specific immunity. Antimicrobial agents.

3. Vaccines and vaccination. Research and development of vaccines and antimicrobials.

4. History of the use of biological weapons.

5. Bacillus anthracis - anthrax. Yersinia pestis - plague.

6. Francisella tularensis - tularemia. Brucella - brucellosis. Burkholderia

7. Rickettsia prowazekii - spotted fever. Chlamydia, Staphylococcus

8. Food and drinking water - Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia, Vibrio.

9. Viral hemorrhagic fevers. Poxviruses - smallpox virus.

10. Paramyxoviridae, Bunyaviridae, Flaviviridae. Coronaviridae - SARS.

11. Other microorganisms potentially usable in bioterrorism.

12. Clostridium perfringens - epsilon toxin. Clostridium botulinum - botulism. Ricin and other toxins.

13. Strategies and procedures for the development of new biological weapons.

14. Personal protection and defence against bioterrorism. Information sources - threat monitoring, attack detection.

Last update: Častorálová Markéta (16.04.2025)
Learning outcomes -

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Characterize in detail pathogens that can be misused as biological weapons.
  • Recognize the differences between pathogens with potential for bioterrorism and other pathogens.
  • Evaluate the risks associated with the use of specific pathogens in bioterrorism.
  • Analyse strategies aimed at mitigating the risks arising from the use of biological weapons and propose effective methods of defence against these threats.
Last update: Častorálová Markéta (16.04.2025)
Registration requirements -

Course of microbiology, biology, biochemistry.

Last update: Častorálová Markéta (16.04.2025)
Teaching methods
Activity Credits Hours
Účast na přednáškách 0.5 14
Příprava na přednášky, semináře, laboratoře, exkurzi nebo praxi 0.5 14
Příprava na zkoušku a její absolvování 1 28
2 / 2 56 / 56
 
VŠCHT Praha