module specification

CC6004 - Network and Cloud Security (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Network and Cloud Security
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 300
 
72 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
139 hours Guided independent study
89 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
In-Course Test 50%   In-Class Test
Group Coursework 50%   Practical Coursework and Report - Group
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

This module aims to provide students with a  critical understanding of security threats against network and cloud computing systems and the security measures designed to protect such systems. The module will explicitly develop students’ knowledge and experience in the design and application of network and cloud security solutions. The module will also equip students for further academic study and future employability in the area of cyber security.

Assessment: Group Coursework (50%) and Examination (50%) -Pass on aggregate

The key skills and knowledge to be gained are:

Students to develop a critical understanding of the principles and technologies employed in the protection of computers and their networked communications systems from security threats.

Prior learning requirements

Successful completion of level 5 or equivalent

Syllabus

1.Information Security Concepts (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

2.Practical Cryptography (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

3.Network Security Concerns (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

4.Network Security Applications: (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)
     a) Authentication applications
     b) IP security
     c) Web security
     d) E-Mail Security

5.Computer Systems Security (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)
     a) Intruders
     b) Malicious software
     c) Firewalls

6.Cloud Computing Fundamentals (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

7.Cloud Computing Architecture (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

8.Cloud Computing Software Security (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

9. Risk issues of Cloud Computing (LO1, LO5, LO7)

10. Network and Cloud Security –Social, Legal, Professional, and Ethical Issues (LO6, LO7)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students will develop a  theoretical understanding,  and practical security design and application skills,  based on weekly lectures,  tutorials and supervised workshops.  The workshops, in particular, are provided to support students in gaining practical experience in understanding/developing/applying security algorithms/mechanisms.

Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as the University’s VLE  and  computer  security  and  encryption  tools,  will  be  used  to  facilitate  and  support student learning, in particular, to:
•deliver content;
•encourage active learning;
•provide formative and summative assessments and prompt feedback;
•enhance student engagement and learning experience.

Students will be expected and encouraged to produce reflective commentaries and an action plan for personal development on the learning activities and tasks that they carry out to complete their work, e.g. in the form of an assessed section of their coursework report/essay.

Learning outcomes

On completing the module, students will be able to:

- LO1: understand the security risks associated with computer networks generally and within cloud computing environments specifically.

- LO2: explain and demonstrate the role of network security protocols and policies.

- LO3: demonstrate a critical understanding of commonly employed network security measures.

- LO4: describe and analyse authentication mechanisms and security modelling techniques.

- LO5: apply appropriate network security measures to particular scenarios.

- LO6: understand the fundamentals of network and cloud computing security with specific reference to Legal, Social, Professional, and Ethical Issues (LSPEI).

- LO7: critically evaluate and reflect on their learning, development, and achievements within the context of the subject.

Assessment strategy

The assessment for this module is based on coursework (50%) and written examination (50%). The module will be passed on the aggregate mark. The assessment consists of an unseen 2-hour examination in-class test (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6) and one coursework. The coursework is group coursework that assesses understanding of network security protocols through the practical development of security algorithms, security concerns and LSPEI issues associated with cloud computing and an associated group report (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6 and LO7).

Bibliography