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Major: Cyber Security


Cyber Security

CYB19V1

Department:
Department of Computing
Faculty:
Faculty of Science and Engineering

This major must be completed as part of an award. The general requirements for the award must be satisfied in order to graduate.


Requirements for the Major:

Completion of a minimum of 36 credit points including the following prescribed units:

Credit points

100 level

Required
3
Introduction to Computer Programming (3)
 
Required
3
Fundamentals of Computer Science (3)
 
Required
3
Introduction to Database Design and Management (3)
 
Required
3
Discrete Mathematics I (3)
 

200 level

Required
3
Systems Programming (3)
 
Required
3
Data Communications (3)
 
Required
3
Cybercrime (3)
 
Required
3cp from
 
Algorithms and Data Structures (3)
 
 
Web Technology (3)
 
 
Data Science (3)
 
3
Database Systems (3)
 

300 level

Required
3
Cryptography and Information Security (3)
C
Required
3
Computing Industry Project (3)
P
Required
3
Cyber Security in Practice (3)
 
Required
3cp from
 
Distributed Systems (3)
 
3
Computer Networks (3)
 

TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED TO SATISFY THIS MAJOR

36
Note:
This major cannot be doubled with Web Design and Development, Software Technology or Data Science.
 
Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
 
Units marked with a P are PACE units.
Overview and Aims of the Program Cyber security is an important facet of all work in Information Technology. This major seeks to add a qualification in Cyber security to the existing Majors in the BIT to equip students aiming for a career in IT with the core knowledge in this area. The Major combines units from the Department of Security Studies and Criminology with those from Computing to provide a broad view of the problems and solutions in IT security.
Graduate Capabilities

The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:

Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative


Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible

Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning

Program Learning Outcomes By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and concepts of cryptography and information security
2. Relate information security to enterprise requirements and activities
3. Demonstrate an understanding of security issues in computer networking
4. Engage in informed, scholarly debate about cybercrime and their potential impact on globalized society
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the motives and perpetrators of cybercrime
6. Describe the protective security measures required to protect physical and digital access to information
7. Explain the key procedures and practices relevant to the management of cyber security risks and counter measures.
8. Identify security flaws that can arise from program execution and the interaction between hardware and software.
9. Develop secure software applications and demonstrate how they actively resist a range of attacks
10. Demonstrate the capacity to work effectively and ethically in a team and manage a project to deliver a solution to a client.
Learning and Teaching Methods Learning and teaching in this program is by a mixture of lectures, small group tutorials and practical sessions in computer labs. In the networking units, students work in a hands-on specialised laboratory. In all Computing units, practical work forms a core part of the learning activity in the unit, supported in small group practical classes and assessed through submissions of assignment work. Students are also engaged in small group discussion in tutorials, in particular in the units run by PICT.
Assessment Units in the Bachelor of Information Technology all have at least three different types of assessment. These assessments are designed not just to test discipline-specific knowledge, but all aspects of professional competency include professional practice, project work, design and communication skills. In addition to formal assessments, students are provided with informal feedback from staff and their peers throughout the semester.

Assessment types are very diverse and include:
Assignments – test the understanding of a learning outcome by means of small size problems
Programming Assignments - allow students to demonstrate their competency in developing software of varying complexity.
Reports and documents – beside essay style questions to analyse and critique different topics they also assess relevant skills involving documentation such as requirements documentation and project plans.
Oral presentations - these test students ability to communicate the results of their work
Group reports – are used when group projects or group laboratory work is conducted.
Final exams - The majority of the units will have a final examination where the ability to synthesize and apply knowledge is assessed.
Quizzes and in-class tests assess student learning part-way through the unit and provide feedback to students on learning progress.
Tutorial assessment – assess students work in formal tutorial sessions where students receive the support of tutors and other staff.
Recognition of Prior Learning

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.


Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl

Support for Learning

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.

Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/

Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/wellbeing

Program Standards and Quality

The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders.

Graduate Destinations and Employability Cyber security is an important field in its own right and there is a growing need for students qualified to work as security professionals in the IT area. In addition, there is a demand for students qualifying in IT to also have a sound knowledge of cyber security issues. By developing this Major in Cybersecurity we enable students in the BIT to add this as a recognised qualification to their degree.
Assessment Regulations

This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy.

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.

Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:

Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.

Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements



2019 Unit Information

When offered:
S1 Day
Prerequisites:
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites:
None
NCCWs:
HSC Chinese, CHN113, CHN148