Program Overview

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Science

Overview

The CBRN Defence Science course provides background technical knowledge to support staff in a wide range of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) appointments. This two-week course offers a mix of theoretical lectures, laboratory practicals, demonstrations, and activities, as well as site visits to the Defence CBRN Centre and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to study current development and research.

At a Glance

• Dates: 11 - 22 May 2026
• Duration: 10 days
• Location: Cranfield University at Shrivenham
• Cost: £4,500 (Concessions available)

What You Will Learn

The aim of this 2-week course is to provide practising scientists, engineers, weapon staff officers, and unit officers with an understanding of the science and technology underpinning CBRN Defence to enhance their effectiveness. For scientists, the course widens the appreciation of the areas of science applied to CBRN Defence beyond their key specialism and provides an understanding of the military context in which scientific developments will find practical application.

Learning Outcomes

• CBRN 1: Describe the chemical and physical properties of Chemical and Biological Agents and explain how and why they affect personnel and equipment.
• CBRN 2: Recognise and explain the physiological effects of Chemical and Biological Agents and identify how and why they affect personnel (including psychological impact).
• CBRN 3: Explain the science of radiation and radiation release mechanisms, the Nuclear Fuel cycle, radiation dispersal, measurement techniques, and the effects on personnel, equipment, and structures.
• CBRN 4: Relate the principles behind Chemical and Biological protection technologies, including Individual and collective CBRN protection and detection techniques for military and civil environments. Compare methods of decontamination and chemical hardening.
• CBRN 5: Summarise how CBRN weaponisation is achieved, with considerations for dispersion and air movement. Identify the spread of disease in the population and the threat in a military and civil context and the civil and military defensive capabilities.

Core Content

• Chemical Agents
• Biological Agents
• Radiological Hazards
• Nuclear Hazards
• Physical Protection (individual and collective)
• Detection
• Decontamination
• Demilitarisation
• International and national controls of CBRN
• Chemical Hardening
• Current science and future developments
• CBRN Practitioners and their roles
• Security Briefing
• Historical Weapons and Atmospheric Dispersion

Who Should Attend

The course is designed for students with some knowledge of the practical side of the subject matter and those who study one aspect of the area in greater detail. There are MOD funded places on each course for qualifying MOD staff. The course content is classed to OFFICIAL - SENSITIVE, with two sessions classed to SECRET - "Five Eyes". Therefore, students will require clearance to a minimum of Security Check (SC) level to attend the course. Students who are citizens of countries other than the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia will not be able to attend sessions classed to SECRET-"Five Eyes" level.

Accreditation

The course is monitored under the MOD Defence Systems Approach to Training (DSAT) process.

Speakers

The course features a range of speakers, including:

• Dr Colleen Williams
• Dr Matthew Healy
• Dr Susan Waring
• Dr Mike Williams
• Dr Ranko Vrcelj
• Prof. David Crouch
• Dr Melissa Ladyman
• Dr Guillaume Kister
• Mr Gavin Dunhill External speakers include members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, former UN Weapons Inspectors, and members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), among others.

Concessions

A limited number of MOD-sponsored places are available.

Location and Travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders. Shrivenham lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway, which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain's motorway network. Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol, and Oxford are all within an hour's drive, and London is less than two hours away by car.