CSC8215 : Network Security and Ethical Hacking
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Carlton Shepherd
- Lecturer: Dr Rasha Ibrahim
- 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: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module will provide the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to select and apply tools
and techniques for carrying out a range of basic security tests, including vulnerability scanning, penetration
testing and ethical hacking. It will cover security tools for network and web security, as well as introducing professional aspects of ethical hacking.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will explore:
• Definitions and ethics of ethical hacking.
• The typical steps within a penetration test (reconnaissance, exploitation, persistence etc.)
• Professional development in the field.
• An introduction to networking and some key protocols.
• Attack and defence as it relates to network security.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 40 | 0:15 | 10:00 | Lectures (in person) supported by online videos explaining the concepts and demonstrating the tools & techniques. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Completion of the assessment related to the practical exercises. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Completion of practical exercises. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 40 | 0:30 | 20:00 | Online materials about the tools and techniques. [Online non-synchronous]. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Work in a supervised environment (in person) to develop skills and professional practical exercises. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 40 | 0:30 | 20:00 | Engagement on discussion forums, discussion with demonstrators, mod leaders & students [Online Sync]. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 40 | 1:30 | 60:00 | Follow-up on the lecture material. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module follows a blended learning delivery method; articulated around 40 units of practical skill material.
Each unit of material consists of a short video, accompanied by written and interactive material, including short formative quizzes. Learners are expected to discuss about the material on the discussion forum, curated by demonstrators and module lecturers. In addition, drop-in sessions (either online, using Zoom/Teams, or present-in-person, depending on availability) will offer learners the possibility to ask specific questions in small groups to demonstrators, and module talks will enable module leaders to reflect on the online discussion forums, and to discuss about points repeatedly mentioned.
The assessment is done by realising a sequence of individualised practical exercises (i.e., given an exercise, the specific solution is different for each learner, even though the difficulty is the same), which are gradually released.
Each practical corresponds to one or two units of material. Practical exercises are automatically verified, providing instant feedback to the learners.
The final report consists of a reflection from the student on the different exercises done, steered by specific questions.
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 security analysis relating to individual exercises to be completed based on the module practical sessions. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | Preparatory exercises in support of the main summative assessment. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The coursework consists of a series of practical tasks that need to be solved using security tools and analysis techniques covered in the module, as described in the syllabus.
Most practical tasks will be automatically assessed during the module, enabling module participants to keep track of their progress.
A final report should be submitted, including a reflection on the practical exercises, and how the student informed their choices. The report is worth 100% of the final mark and should be submitted at the end of the module.
A formative assessment covering the overall structure and sample of reflective writing is conducted in the first third of the module, in order to receive feedback on the general approach, including the formatting.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8215's Timetable