Unit information: Systems Security in 2011/12

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Systems Security
Unit code COMSM1500
Credit points 10
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department Department of Computer Science
Faculty Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is an introduction to systems security with an emphasis on the fundamental principles and elements of information systems security design, i.e. need-to-know, segregation of duties, authentication and authorisation schemes, biometrics, intrusion detection methods and tools, firewall configuration and deployment, security policies & standards, human factors and ‘social engineering’ etc.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this learning unit the students will have gained:

  • a good understanding of basic principles of information systems security design;
  • the ability to identify risks related to the use of information technology/data processing;
  • an appreciation for tools and technologies that may be used to mitigate risks.

Teaching Information

Contact hours will include one 2 hr lectures per week for 10 weeks (20 hrs in total). The reason for a two hour lecture is to enable the unit to be offered more easily to the System Centre.

With two weeks set aside for completion by the students of coursework (This is the standard model for Level H and M units in Computer Science).

Assessment Information

The students will be assessed via a combination of coursework and final examination of equal weighting as below:

  • individual coursework of practical nature (30%) – requiring around 30 hrs of student effort,

Coursework: 2,000 word essay on a range of topics, but usually covering firewall design, intrusion detection or incident response. Examines primarily second and third objectives.

  • 2 hr final examination (70%), examines primarily first and second objectives.

Reading and References

  • Pfleeger & Pfleeger. Security in Computing. Prentice Hall.ISBN: 978-0132390774
  • Anderson, Security Engineering. John Wiley & Sons, 2008. ISBN: 978-0470068526
  • Gollmann, Computer Security (latest ed.), Wiley. IBSN: 978-0470862933
  • Dhillon, Principles of Information Systems Security, Wiley. IBSN: 978-0471450566

Related links