Module Descriptors
SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS
COMP40008
Key Facts
School of Digital, Technologies and Arts
Level 4
30 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 53
Independent Study Hours: 247
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- Coursework - 6000 words weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Learning Outcomes
1. Undertake security risk assessment for a simple IT system and propose resolution advice. Communication
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning
2. Identify, analyse and evaluate security threats and hazards to planned and installed information systems or services.
Application
Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding
3. Understand the basic concepts in information security, including security policies, security models, and security mechanisms.
Communication
Knowledge & Understanding
Problem Solving
4. Understand the tools and techniques used by defence to protect computer systems Application
Problem Solving
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning
2. Identify, analyse and evaluate security threats and hazards to planned and installed information systems or services.
Application
Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding
3. Understand the basic concepts in information security, including security policies, security models, and security mechanisms.
Communication
Knowledge & Understanding
Problem Solving
4. Understand the tools and techniques used by defence to protect computer systems Application
Problem Solving
Module Additional Assessment Details
A coursework assessing all learning outcomes. 100% 6000 words
The coursework is a series of tasks meeting all learning outcomes which includes a risk assessment.
The coursework is a series of tasks meeting all learning outcomes which includes a risk assessment.
Module Indicative Content
Key concepts of computer security (Conditionality, Integrity, Availability)
Security Models
Risk Assessment
An overview on cryptography
Access Control
Authentication and Authorisation
Common attacks and defences on computer systems
Basic concept of firewalls
Basic concept of intrusion detection
Malicious code: viruses, worms, trojan horses
We will use examples from Linux and other modern operating systems to illustrate concepts covered through the course
Security Models
Risk Assessment
An overview on cryptography
Access Control
Authentication and Authorisation
Common attacks and defences on computer systems
Basic concept of firewalls
Basic concept of intrusion detection
Malicious code: viruses, worms, trojan horses
We will use examples from Linux and other modern operating systems to illustrate concepts covered through the course
Module Learning Strategies
Module Launch (30 hours)
There will be a module launch during which around 20 hours of face to face contact will be devoted to undertaking tasks which are designed to provide useful insights into the module content and purpose. The remaining time will be spent on guided learning activities.
Additional Guided Learning (22 hours)
A module tutor who is part of the teaching team of the module will be allocated to you and you will meet them during the launch. Following the launch, there will be some materials on the VLE which are designed to guide your learning. Additionally, there will be at least two hour long sessions per week of contact time for the eleven weeks following the launch. This will be used for learning guided led by your module tutor. It will be a face to face presentation if you are on day release. For online learners it will be flipped classroom approach with group (up to 20) seminars.
Reviews:
(1 hour per student)
Independent learning (247 hours)
The module leader will provide resources through the virtual learning environment which will include videos and presentations as well as links to useful websites. Other academic learning will be achieved through reading around the subject area. Module tutors will suggest useful texts, though many others will be suitable and can be found in our e-library. If you require help understanding any of the concepts, you may contact your module tutor for assistance.
Part of your independent learning will take place in your workplace under the guidance of your mentor. You will complete a work-based learning agreement to ensure that arrangements are in place at your workplace to facilitate this work-based learning. You are encouraged to endeavour to apply your growing academic knowledge to improve your work practice and to reflect on your work-based experiences to improve your learning.
You will be required to complete assignment work during independent learning time. Assignment work for a 30 credit module at level 6 should take around 100 hours to complete
Additional help with learning
You will have access to the departmental librarian. As a student, you are more than welcome to visit the university at any time and to use the resources. During time at the university, you may arrange to meet your module tutor or academic coach for additional help
There will be a module launch during which around 20 hours of face to face contact will be devoted to undertaking tasks which are designed to provide useful insights into the module content and purpose. The remaining time will be spent on guided learning activities.
Additional Guided Learning (22 hours)
A module tutor who is part of the teaching team of the module will be allocated to you and you will meet them during the launch. Following the launch, there will be some materials on the VLE which are designed to guide your learning. Additionally, there will be at least two hour long sessions per week of contact time for the eleven weeks following the launch. This will be used for learning guided led by your module tutor. It will be a face to face presentation if you are on day release. For online learners it will be flipped classroom approach with group (up to 20) seminars.
Reviews:
(1 hour per student)
Independent learning (247 hours)
The module leader will provide resources through the virtual learning environment which will include videos and presentations as well as links to useful websites. Other academic learning will be achieved through reading around the subject area. Module tutors will suggest useful texts, though many others will be suitable and can be found in our e-library. If you require help understanding any of the concepts, you may contact your module tutor for assistance.
Part of your independent learning will take place in your workplace under the guidance of your mentor. You will complete a work-based learning agreement to ensure that arrangements are in place at your workplace to facilitate this work-based learning. You are encouraged to endeavour to apply your growing academic knowledge to improve your work practice and to reflect on your work-based experiences to improve your learning.
You will be required to complete assignment work during independent learning time. Assignment work for a 30 credit module at level 6 should take around 100 hours to complete
Additional help with learning
You will have access to the departmental librarian. As a student, you are more than welcome to visit the university at any time and to use the resources. During time at the university, you may arrange to meet your module tutor or academic coach for additional help
Module Texts
Stallings, W. (2014), Computer Security: Principles And Practice; Pearson. Isbn 103377392-2
Franke, A,(2016) Cyber Security Basics, Createspace Isbn 1522952195
Campbell, A. (2016) Practical Information Security Management: A Complete Guide To Planning & Implementation, 2016, Apress Isbn 978-1-4842-1685-9
Franke, A,(2016) Cyber Security Basics, Createspace Isbn 1522952195
Campbell, A. (2016) Practical Information Security Management: A Complete Guide To Planning & Implementation, 2016, Apress Isbn 978-1-4842-1685-9
Module Resources
You will need access to these resources:
The VLE
An ICT Workplace environment. A Work-Based Learning Agreement will be completed for this module to ensure that the student will have access to the required resources in the workplace.
A Virtual Environment (VMWare or VirtualBox) running Linux and Windows operating systems, for the practical sessions.
The Internet and office software
Staffordshire University has subscriptions to electronic book services such as Safari Tech Books, Ebrary and Netlibrary. There are titles in each of the collections that will support students studying this module.
The VLE
An ICT Workplace environment. A Work-Based Learning Agreement will be completed for this module to ensure that the student will have access to the required resources in the workplace.
A Virtual Environment (VMWare or VirtualBox) running Linux and Windows operating systems, for the practical sessions.
The Internet and office software
Staffordshire University has subscriptions to electronic book services such as Safari Tech Books, Ebrary and Netlibrary. There are titles in each of the collections that will support students studying this module.