Academic Courses at UC Berkeley

The Berkeley Risk and Security Lab (BRSL) supports academic courses at UC Berkeley at the intersection of technology, politics, and security. Courses are hosted by the Goldman School of Public Policy, administered by BRSL, and taught by Professor Andrew W. Reddie (BRSL Faculty Director) and other BRSL affiliated faculty. We offer both undergraduate and graduate courses. Courses offered by faculty often shift and are not available every semester and/or academic year. 

• PUB POL C285: Nuclear Security (Spring, 4 units) *cross-listed with Nuclear Engineering
• PUB POL C151: Space and Security Policy (Fall, 4 units) *cross-listed with Aerospace Engineering
• PUB POL 145/ 245: War? Politics, Security, and Emerging Technology (Fall, 4 units)
• PUB POL 138: AI and Public Policy (Spring, 4 units)
• PUB POL 147/247: Progress? An Introduction to Technology Policy (Spring, 4 units)
• PUB POL 290: Technology and Risk Colloquium (1 unit)

Graduate Certificate in Technology and Public Policy

The Graduate Certificate in Technology and Public Policy (GCTP) introduces students to interdisciplinary perspectives on emerging technology and public policy issues, exposes students to the policy-making process, and provides training for how to become effective leaders in technology policy fields working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, and the public sector. The certificate is designed to meet the need for greater understanding and practice in technology policy among master’s and doctoral students in STEM, Social Sciences, and the Arts & Humanities across the University. Students who pursue the GCTP will develop analytical and professional skills that will enable them to effectively understand and evaluate emerging technology policy issues, communicate complex technology and public policy issues with relevant stakeholders, and support the development of evidence-based policymaking.

Undergraduate Research Programming

Undergraduate students can apply to be undergraduate researchers at BRSL at the start of each academic year through the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) or through the Institute for International Studies Undergraduate Fellowship. URAP offers undergraduate students research opportunities in exchange for college credit. BRSL works with between 6-10 URAP students each academic year. Undergraduate researchers typically work with the BRSL for one academic year, but some continue with the Lab for multiple years during their undergraduate career. Undergraduate researchers work with a BRSL research scholar or fellow and commit to working at least 4 hours per week. Research areas are determined by BRSL and supervising research scholars in collaboration with the students based on their interests.

Student Groups

BRSL is proud to support the following student groups and initiatives at UC Berkeley: 

Nuclear Policy Working Group

The Nuclear Policy Working Group (NPWG) is a research-based educational program that provides opportunities for Berkeley students from a variety of fields to conduct multidisciplinary research and engage with senior policy experts on topics in nuclear security. The NPWG meets weekly for a mix of guest lectures, student teaching, and collaborative research. Each year, students select a research topic and work towards the production of a policy-relevant publication. Weekly meetings are held over zoom, and membership is open to all. 

NewSpace

NewSpace fosters a community of students passionate about the NewSpace industry by providing educational opportunities, hosting events that bridge the gap between academia and industry, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the space industry. NewSpace’s youngest vertical is the Space Policy Program, which aims to foster a collaborative environment for students and global space organizations to tackle complex challenges in space policy through engaging in innovative research, analysis, and solution-oriented discussions related to the emerging space economy. 

DeCals

In addition to the above, BRSL continues to support a number of DeCals (student-led courses) at Berkeley including the NatSec Entrepreneurship DeCal.

BRSL also offers its wargaming programming to courses across Goldman’s national security certificate program.