| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The MIT (Internetworking and Cyber Security) emphasizes both the theoretical and practical aspects of computer networks and security. This program aims to provide in-depth insight and skills in the specialist areas of internetworking and security, enabling students to meet the growing demand for network and security professionals with capability to design, implement and manage complex network architectures and security systems.
This program aims to:
• provide a thorough and practical grounding in networking, network design, network and system security, and network management
• meet the needs of industry for networking and security specialists
• retrain IT professionals wishing to move into the discipline of networking and security
• provide a solid foundation for configuring and troubleshooting networking and security technologies in a lab environment.
Students in this program have the opportunity to undertake in-depth research on specific topics related to computer networks and network security.
The purpose of the program:
There is a high demand for individuals with advanced knowledge of networks and information security and assurance both in the corporate and in the government sector. Current trends have heightened the awareness for the growing need for networking and information security specialists. The Master of IT degree program – specialization in (Inter-networking and Cyber Security) is designed to prepare graduates to fill the current and future need for networking and information security professionals to work in a wide variety of capacities and roles to build, manage and protect complex network and system infrastructure. |
| 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 in-depth knowledge and understanding of network and internetwork technologies and security concepts and apply them to solve practical real world problems in a professionally responsible manner (K, P)
2. synthesise technical knowledge with management and policy aspects of information and cyber security and internetworked system and be able to communicate these ideas to wider management and IT professionals (K, T, P, C)
3. design, verify, implement and validate secure systems (K, T, P)
4. design, configure, simulate, implement and trouble shoot complex internetworked systems (K, T, P)
5. evaluate key network and security technologies and apply them effectively to support the core organisational activities (K, T)
6. demonstrate critical thinking, and problem-solving ability to tackle complex problems in internetworking and security (T)
7. collaborate and communicate with others in a professional setting in both written and oral form (C)
8. demonstrate appropriate judgement when dealing with team members on a project in a group work situation (J)
9. engage in independent professional work with a high level of autonomy and accountability (E)
10. conduct professional work ethically with a high level of integrity and appropriate regard to intellectual property implications (E). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
A variety of learning and teaching methods will be used to achieve the PLOs highlighted above. Teaching methods will include:
• a combination of lectures and tutorials: interactive lecture and tutorial sessions including discussions and seminars (K, A, P I)
• practical laboratory work (K, A, P)
• student presentations and research report writing (K, A, P, C, E)
• individual and group based assessment tasks (C, J)
• self-directed study.
In keeping with the relevant nature of this unit, students are expected to solve realistic problems drawn from industry in tutorials, assessment tasks and final Examination. Learning is reinforced in problem-based tutorial classes, where groups of students work together and apply the knowledge gained from lectures and laboratory work in problem solving. The program places a significant emphasis on developing advanced practical technical skills depending on the nature of the unit studied. The program develops the soft skills expected by employers, such as writing, research and team working skills. Throughout the program students are encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. |
| Assessment |
The Program Learning Outcomes are tested and assessed during the program using a combination of written examinations, coursework assignments, quizzes, laboratory formal reports and log book, individual and group oral and visual presentations. Throughout the course, students are given formative assessments and feedback on their progress. These help identify any areas of difficulty and give them the time to seek assistance from the teaching 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 and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| 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/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| 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 |
Graduates of this program will find a rewarding career in technology and infrastructure departments of many types of organizations in industry, government, education, telecommunication or the non-profit sector. This is a specialised degree and is usually intended for individuals seeking higher level or more specialized positions as a network administrator or network architect. This program will also will prepare students for a specialized role in security, which covers network security, data security, cyber security, and more. In such roles, individuals are often responsible for creating, maintaining, and enforcing an information security plan for companies.
Career possibilities include the following:
• network architect
• solutions architect
• security specialist
• network consultant
• network security consultant. |
| 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. |
| Accreditation |
Accreditation will be sought in due course from the Australian Computer Society (http://www.acs.org.au/) |
