CSC8015 : Cybersecurity
CSC8015 : Cybersecurity
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Rasha Ibrahim
- Lecturer: Dr Vipin N. Sathi
- Teaching Assistant: Mr Oshada Lokuhetty
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To create awareness of the need for security in computer and communications systems, and to introduce techniques aiming at analysing and improving security.
By exploring topics such as the need for security, system and network security, cryptography, privacy and practical security, including hardware, software and human elements of security, this module aims to introduce requirements and solutions for security for many components of a computer system: hardware, network, databases, web applications, operating systems and user interface.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will look at the main areas under the field of cybersecurity and introduce several security tools, covering:
- Main principles of Information Security
- Security
- Website Security
- Network Analysis
- Cybersecurity Tools
- Human Aspects of Cybersecurity
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To be able to:
- identify the basic tenets of computer security: confidentiality, integrity and availability.
- define symmetric and asymmetric (public key) cryptography.
- describe and discuss web applications and network threats.
- discuss human factors in cybersecurity.
Intended Skill Outcomes
To be able to:
- analyze network traffic in real-time.
- present an analysis of the security of a given system.
- use real attacks tools (e.g. Kali Linux) in a controlled environment.
- use vulnerabilities scanning security tools to detect vulnerabilities and threats in an existing system.
- propose and formulate a practical security solution to a problem, making effective use of time and resources available.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Lab exercises to be complete during practical [online] |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Lectures |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Lectures [online non-synchronous] |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 7:30 | 7:30 | Security Analysis Report (1000 word) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Practical work [PiP] |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 19 | 0:30 | 9:30 | Gain knowledge about materials in lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Lecture follow-up |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 39 | 1:00 | 39:00 | Background reading |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module follows a blended-learning delivery method. Module Lecturers provide online material to satisfy the knowledge outcomes, and practical work which are then used in practical sessions to practice and improve the skills outcomes
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 100 | A 1000 word Security Analysis (incl individual exercises completed based on the module practical sessions and a security lab report |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | Individual exercises to be completed based on module practicals. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The practical task of the coursework consists of a number of lab exercises that need to be solved using the security tools and techniques covered in the module, as described in the syllabus. In addition, an academic report should be submitted, including a reflection on the knowledge gained through the module, and how the student informed their choices. The report is worth 60% of the final mark. Both Assessments should be submitted at the end of the module, and are assessed on an individual basis.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8015's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC8015's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.