Nuclear security is by no means a new concern for the international community. Indeed, since the signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968, tremendous energies have been expended upon diplomatic efforts to develop an institutionalised framework to regulate the production and use of single and dual-use nuclear materials within states, as well as their spread through the increasingly globalised channels of international trade to other states and non-state actors. This course provides an advanced understanding of how international law and organisations regulate both peaceful and military nuclear activities within and across states, in order to facilitate the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, while limiting the use of nuclear materials for military purposes, and securing fissile materials from theft and diversion to private actors. It will also cover counter-proliferation efforts, up to and including the international use of force, and international legal sources relevant to such efforts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Examine, investigate and interpret the historical basis for the development of the nuclear non-proliferation regime;
2. Recognise, distinguish and appraise the relevant international treaties;
3. Identify and critically analyse the power and function of the International Atomic Energy Agency in implementing relevant treaty obligations and UN Security Council Resolutions to prevent nuclear proliferation;
4. Research and critically analyse contemporary issues which have arisen in the application and interpretation of international nuclear security law.

Research-Led Teaching

Nuclear security is by no means a new concern for the international community. Indeed, since the signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968, tremendous energies have been expended upon diplomatic efforts to develop an institutionalised framework to regulate the production and use of single and dual-use nuclear materials within states, as well as their spread through the increasingly globalised channels of international trade to other states and non-state actors. This course provides an advanced understanding of how international law and organisations regulate both peaceful and military nuclear activities within and across states, in order to facilitate the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, while limiting the use of nuclear materials for military purposes, and securing fissile materials from theft and diversion to private actors. It will also cover counter-proliferation efforts, up to and including the international use of force, and international legal sources relevant to such efforts.

Required Resources

Readings will be available on Wattle.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Further Information about the course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	PART I: INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS: Introduction to the class
2	The Dual Use Nature of Nuclear Energy
3	The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
4	PART II: NON-PROLIFERATION: Safeguards
5	Export Controls
6	Nuclear Weapon Free Zones
7	Testing
8	Case Study of AUKUS
9	PART III: PEACEFUL USE: Peaceful Use
10	Security of Nuclear Materials and Safety of Facilities
11	Case Study of Iran: Nonproliferation vs. Peaceful Use
12	PART IV: DISARMAMENT: Disarmament
13	Arms Control
14	Discussion of Paper Topics
15	Questions and Concluding Remarks

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Class Participation	10 %	*	30/06/2022	1,2,3
Oral Presentation	10 %	23/06/2022	30/06/2022	1,2,3,4
Research Essay	80 %	04/08/2022	31/08/2022	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

For all courses taught in any mode (whether face to face or online), the ANU College of Law considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend all classes.

If circumstances arise which are beyond a student’s control and they are unable to attend a class, the student should contact the Course Convenor in advance (where possible), so that the convenor can adjust their expectations in relation to numbers for that class. If it is not possible to give advance notice, students should send the convenor an email as soon as possible with evidence to support the reason for failure to attend.

Assessment Task 1

Class Participation

Details of Task: Classes in this course are structured very much as a conversation between the lecturer and students, and between the students themselves. This form of conversation is designed to encourage reflection and criticism, such that those skills might also be applied to the other assessment tasks and further the student’s knowledge of, and engagement with, the course materials. The Class Participation marks assess students’ in-class engagement with the material, with each other, and with the lecturer. The lecturer will take notes on students’ contributions to class and engagement with the course.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 10%

Estimated return date: 30 June 2022

Assessment Criteria:

a)   Preparation and understanding of the material

• Consulting and reading pre-assigned materials in advance of the lectures/seminars
• linking material between various aspects of the class and different lectures

 b)  Thinking critically about the material

• Looking at questions from different angles
• questioning assumptions

 c)  Expressing ideas clearly

• So that other students and the instructor can understand them
• Use of relevant examples

d)  Engaging with other students and the lecturer in the discussion

• Including encouraging others to speak
• responding to what other students, and the lecturer, have said
• being respectful for a range of views and opinions

e)  If possible, linking material with your own background and knowledge

• Which involves relating the material to your own personal and professional experience

Assessment Task 2

Oral Presentation

Details of Task: Each student will give an oral presentation on the topic of the research paper, which has been agreed with the professor. The presentation should explain the topic and its significance, review the research which the student has done so far on the topic, and map out the arguments and conclusions planned for the paper. Each student will receive verbal feedback in class from the professor and from other class members.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 10%

Estimated return date: 30 June 2022

Assessment criteria:

a) Preparation and understanding of the material

b) Thinking critically about the material

c) Preliminary research of the topic

d)  Expressing ideas clearly

e)  Engaging with other students and the lecturer during feedback.

Assessment Task 3

Research Essay

Details of Task: The research assignment is an opportunity for students to undertake independent research into an area of nuclear security law, and to engage with the key issues in that area in considerable depth. In doing so, students will be encouraged to implement some of the skills and techniques discussed during classes.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 80%

Approval of Topic: Student choice with convenor’s approval. Topic must be approved by 17 June 2022.

Word Limit: Total word length must be between 6000-7000 words.

Due Date: 5pm, 4 August 2022. Late submissions without an extension are permitted, although late penalties will apply.

Estimated return date: 31 August 2022

Assessment Criteria:

a)  Understanding of the Issues

• addresses the question and covers all the important points
• evidence of close consideration of the question and the research materials drawn on
• issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
• material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively

b)  Communication & Development of Argument

• clear theme or argument
• arguments logical and well-organised
• ideas/paragraphs linked coherently

c)  Argument/Analysis

• originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
• complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
• suggestions for change where appropriate
• interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
• addressing opposing arguments
• well-reasoned conclusions

d)  Research

• research covering primary and secondary materials
• good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
• use of theoretical material where appropriate
• range of research sources
• integration of material from research resources into the essay

e)  Presentation, style and referencing

• good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
• clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging for the reader
• use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
• full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
• style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
• adherence to word limit

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
• Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been given an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time is provided in writing. Please note that the revised due date is calculated by including weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date are penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students