EPN-V2

ACIT4050 Applied Computer and Network Security Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Applied Computer and Network Security
Study programme
Master's Programme in Applied Computer and Information Technology
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2023/2024
Curriculum
SPRING 2024
Schedule
Course history

Introduction

The aim of this course is to build further on the grounding of principles in the earlier security courses, covering both practical and theoretical aspects of cyber security. The course will give an in-depth insight into societal aspects of computer and network security, practical experience in penetration testing, and insights into relevant mechanisms of cyber defense. Real-life cases of security incidents will be discussed and then analyzed in depth by the students.

Recommended preliminary courses

The exam consists of two parts:

1. An individual portfolio consisting of three assignments (50% of the grade). Each of the assignments has a word limit of 1000 words (+/- 10%), or 7 minutes (+/- 1 minute) for video or audio submissions. The portfolio is assessed as a whole and given one single grade, but all three assignments must be passed in order for the portfolio to receive a grade E or higher.

2. An individual project report, which counts for 50% of the grade. The report must be 3000-4000 words long.

All parts of the exam must be written in either English or a Scandinavian language.

The exam can be appealed.

For information about new/postponed exam: https://student.oslomet.no/en/web/student/registration-withdrawal

Learning outcomes

The student should have the following outcomes upon completing the course:

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the course, the student has:

  • thorough knowledge of cyber security
  • advanced knowledge of mechanisms for cyber defense, and how they are used in practice
  • a thorough understanding of societal aspects of cyber security
  • a thorough understanding of the relation between security and privacy
  • good understanding of and insights into penetration testing

Skills:

Upon successful completion of the course, the student can:

  • describe the main aspects of the relation between security and privacy
  • describe central problems related to cyber security governance
  • perform basic operations related to penetration testing
  • plan and describe the structure of cyber defense for an organization

General com​petence:

Upon successful completion of the course, the student:

  • understands the role of, and mechanisms that are used in penetration testing
  • understands the role of, and mechanisms that are used for cyber defence
  • can explain and discuss security challenges related to cyber security to experts and non-experts alike
  • can explain and discuss societal aspects of cyber security with experts and non-experts alike.

Content

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are followed.

Teaching and learning methods

This course features weekly lectures and workshops to provide both theoretical content and hands-on experience. Students work individually or in groups to complete assignments. The students supplement the lectures and workshops with their own reading. Compulsory assignments are given throughout the semester.

Course requirements

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

  • 8 assignments focusing on technical work or on theoretical aspects, documented in reports.

Assessment

Technologies, from the stone axe to the computer, have been integral in shaping how we live, think, interact and work. Advances in digitalization have made digital competences a significant factor in ensuring the employability of candidates in all professions vital to our society. Understanding the benefits, the limitations and the transformative power of technologies on public and private life as well as professional practice is crucial.

In this course, students will acquire the basic knowledge needed to harness the potential of digital technologies and identify opportunities to use technology to foster inclusion, active participation, and sustainability in society and the workplace. Through individual reflection, shared exploration and group discussions, students will gain awareness of how technological developments might impact their future professions, and their role as citizens in an increasingly digitalized society.

This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge and means to become a responsible agent of change in their own profession and field of study. Students will learn to recognise limitations, strengths and potentially disruptive consequences of technological innovation and grapple with the social, ethical and political issues that arise as technology becomes both increasingly complex and essential to the function of society.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

No additional course-specific requirements.

Grading scale

Etter fullført studium har studenten følgende læringsutbytte definert som kunnskap, ferdigheter og generell kompetanse:

Kunnskap

Studenten har

  • kunnskap om språket som system
  • kunnskap om tekstkulturer og tekstlingvistikk i et andrespråksperspektiv
  • kunnskap om kartlegging og vurdering av tospråklige elevers tekster

Ferdigheter

Studenten

  • kan tilrettelegge for utvikling av skrivekompetanse i et tospråklighetsperspektiv
  • kan bidra til utvikling av interkulturell kommunikasjon
  • har gode ferdigheter i egen tekstskriving

Generell kompetanse

Studenten har

  • evne til å formidle toleranse og inkluderende holdninger

Examiners

The course uses a blended learning approach, with a combination of attendance-based seminars and digital learning materials. Students will explore real-world cases emerging at the intersection of society, technology and their future profession.

Course contact person

The following coursework requirements must be approved in order for the student to take the exam:

A one-page outline including the topic and the structure of the report is required. The outline must be approved by the course coordinator/course teacher/supervisor within a set deadline. If the outline is not approved the first time, the student may submit a revised version within a second, set deadline.