Macquarie University
| Overview and Aims of the Program | This specialisation is offered in the new multidisciplinary Master of Cyber Security. Note that it is identical to the Internetworking and Cyber Security specialisation in the Master of Information Technology, except that it does not feature any 600 level unit. Indeed, this new 48cp Master program is mainly targeted towards potential students with a Bachelor degree in Computing or Engineering with work experience and wishing to increase their skills in the area of cyber security and networking. There is a well documented shortage of skills in this area in Australia and this initiative, supported by the Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub, aims at bridging that gap. The Master of Cyber Security with a specialisation in Internetworking emphasises 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. 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 Cyber Security degree program specialisation in Internetworking 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: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| 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 problemsolving 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). The number of PLOs that a program should have is not specified. As a guide, between eight and twelve PLOs would be a reasonable number. PLOs are made publicly available and so will be read by a wide audience. When writing PLOs it is useful to ask "is this written in a way which would be intelligible, accessible and meaningful to our students and prospective students?". Generally speaking, learning outcomes should be expressed in a form that includes action verbs, describing something your students can actually do, and can be assessed to have successfully done, like "identify", "describe" or "differentiate". The AQF asks that PLOs should address the areas of Knowledge and Understanding, Skills and Capabilities, and the Application of Knowledge and Skills. It isn't necessary for each PLO to be classified under one of these headings. However it is important for the overall collection of PLOs for a program to clearly address all of these factors. Each program learning outcome should be mapped to the graduate capabilities it fosters, using the standard letter codes given. |
| 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) • selfdirected 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 problembased 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 (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. |
| 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 organisations in industry, government, education, telecommunication or the nonprofit sector. This is a specialised degree and is usually intended for individuals seeking higher level or more specialised positions as a network administrator or network architect. This program will also will prepare students for a specialised 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. 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: 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
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