Year
2015
Abstract
At the beginning of each semester, Y-12 subject matter experts (SMEs) meet with course professors to discuss and assist in the development of a semester-long exercise, challenging students to create an all-encompassing physical protection system for a fictitious nuclear or radiological facility. After the semester begins, Y-12 SMEs periodically participate as guest lecturers on selected topics. This allows the introduction of real-world experiences and practical knowledge to abstract and theoretical discussion. Additionally, Y-12 physical security experts meet with students, no less than five times a semester, to provide guidance regarding their end- of-course practical exercise in applied nuclear security. This capstone event consists of a simulated, force-on-force tabletop exercise hosted at Y-12. This exercise affords students the opportunity to evaluate and discuss the effectiveness of their designed physical protection strategy with professionals who consistently analyze and assess these types of systems.