NUCLEAR FORENSICS EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

This paper discusses a student-originated assessment of nuclear forensics needs against our own curriculum and proposes a set of model curricular content that would be appropriate for broader use. The responsibility of forensic science education falls largely to the University system to address an aging technical workforce and too few graduates to fill anticipated vacancies. Existing best practices are reviewed. Findings include that curricular offerings must recognize nuclear forensics as an interdisciplinary undertaking, and hence coursework across multiple departments will be needed. Furthermore, courses should cover both pre- and post-detonation forensics pertaining to techniques for analyzing material used in weapons of significant yield and also low-yield radiological dispersal devices (RDD). High-level management and decision-making requires an understanding of public policy, international treaties, the importance of coordination among government agencies, and an insight into local and federal law enforcement practices to encourage collaboration. Successful implementation of curricular goals will require actions from universities as well as a network of support from governmental and research institutions.