Critical Infrastructure: Vulnerability Analysis and Protection – HLSC 720

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course explores the assessment and management of risk. Focuses on analytical techniques that assess risk; the primary application will be threats to critical infrastructure. Students will learn to conduct a risk and vulnerability analysis of a specific target, city, or region using various assessment techniques and to manage that risk by assessing the efficacy of both prevention, mitigation, and response measures. The techniques covered will be both quantitative and qualitative.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to examine the risk analysis process along with accompanying mitigation strategies for critical infrastructures. It is necessary to properly assess the various threats and hazards we face in order that we may properly mitigate against such events.

Course Assignment

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (8)

There will be 8 Discussions throughout this course. Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided topic for each Discussion. Each thread is to be at least 500 to 750 words, cite at least 2 sources in addition to the Bible, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 to 250 words.

Quiz: Risk Assessment: Location Selection

*Provide the professor with your assessment location by the end of week one.

Watch the applicable video and be sure to read the instructions for all three parts of the assessment before you pick your location. The location will have to have at a minimum multiple buildings. Be sure you can find information on the location.

Caution, this three-part assignment will be very different than anything you have likely done. Be sure to read the instructions very carefully. Go by the example given. Ask questions.

Risk Assessment: Part 1 – Vulnerability Analysis Critical Infrastructure Assignment

The student will write a 7-page research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on what risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and critical infrastructure mean. The paper must include at least 7 sources and cover the following topics: the role of the government and the private sector in conducting risk assessments, the best practices used for critical infrastructure identification, the use of GIS data and mapping, and how National Preparedness and Homeland Security directives affect critical infrastructure assessment. 

Risk Assessment: Part 2 – Data Profile, Geographic Information System, and Mapping Assignment

The student will build upon the work completed for the Risk Assessment: Part 1 – Vulnerability Analysis Critical Infrastructure Assignment. The student must provide a detailed overview, an in-depth data profile, and ample GIS data and mapping data of the overall assessment area. The student will use CARVER along with various tables and formulas to complete the assessment. He or she will also identify the top ten critical infrastructures in the area and explain his or her reasoning.

Risk Assessment: Part 3 – Final Assignment

The student will build upon the work completed. The student must provide a single unit/station assessment, a key asset screening assessment, as well as four structural and four non-structural mitigation strategies. He or she must suggest principles of protective security and security countermeasures for this unit. The student must also provide a high-level assessment of the findings that address the potential for resiliency for the agency or business/community, address the level of preparedness, redundancy, etc., and offer best practices that benefit the agency or business/community that he or she conducted the overall assessment for as well as the single unit assessment.