SYST 442 / 542 / 692 Collaborative Case Study:  CBNAIR


During the spring semester of 2002, the SYST 442 / 542 / 692 class collaboratively developed an operational concept and high-level design for a sytem we call CBNAIR:  Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Agent Identification and Response System.  CBNAIR is intended to be used by first responders to an emergency that might involve chemical, biological or nuclear agents.  The system includes a handheld computer carried by first responders, which runs an expert system that diagnoses the type of agent and suggests a response strategy.  The handheld computers carried by first responders communicate with a command center which can tap into data sources and communicate with Federal and State emergency response agencies, as well as experts who can assist in diagnosis and treatment procedures.

The class developed:

The discussions occurred by asynchronous interaction via email and a threaded discussion group.  Each week a student facilitated in-class discussion of the week's topic.  The discussions served to reinforce the concepts introduced in lectures, to provide experience applying the concepts, and to provide feedback to students that would be useful for the course project. On the basis of the online and interactive discussion, each student submitted a response to the discussion question.  Exemplary responses that reflected the class consensus are posted here.