Integrating chemical security into chemistry degree Programs in Argentina through an Interactive one-day course addressing ilicit or harmful applications of chemistry knowledge

Abstract

The commitment and responsibility of new chemists is key for a world free of chemical weapons and illicit drugs, and for the development of ecofriendly technologies and a healthy environment. However, with a tight academic schedule for undergraduate and postgraduate students, it is difficult to find room for an appropriate discussion and debate about the dual use of the chemical sciences. Encouraged by the initiatives of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on education about the prevention of illicit purposes of chemistry, we have developed a one-day workshop, called the Itinerant Lecture, that covers theoretical aspects combined with activities to promote critical thinking among students. The main topics are presented in an engaging way that is open to discussion and includes activities such as fictional case analyses and role-playing, which allow students to consider the problematic aspects of their roles as scientists. This workshop has been running for the last 5 years, with apparently very high acceptance by students and teachers in the chemistry field. The use of videos, role-playing, and an active-learning strategy for the topics becomes an excellent approach to introduce chemistry students and teachers to concepts such as professional responsibility and dual use of knowledge in the sciences and their implications in the production of chemical weapons and other illegal uses.