COMPUTER SECURITY A - 2022/3
Module code: COM2041
Module Overview
The understanding of security issues is arguably more important than ever before. This module covers the basic principles behind computer security.
Module provider
Computer Science
Module Leader
BOUREANU Ioana (Elec Elec En)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
JACs code:
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 96
Lecture Hours: 11
Laboratory Hours: 22
Guided Learning: 10
Captured Content: 11
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
none
Module content
The module is divided into the following areas:
- Introduction to security issues and security evaluation
- Introduction to cryptography
- Symmetric and public key cryptography, in general
- Principles and details of symmetric cryptographic algorithms, e.g., block ciphers, MACs
- Asymmetric encryption and digital signatures, e.g., RSA/ElGamal
- Attacks and security of protocols
- Modern topics in security and applied cryptography, e.g., VPN, firewalls
Assessment pattern
Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
---|---|---|
Coursework | Coursework 1 -- primarily on applied cryptography | 50 |
Coursework | Coursework 2 -- primarily on security protocols | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
nonw
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes.
All learning outcomes are assessed via coursework and formatively by labs.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
-- The coursework is not fixed and varies year on year in the amount of practice vs theory.
The first coursework covers the first half of the module (see descriptor) which is primarily applied cryptography.
The second coursework covers the second half of the module (see descriptor) which is primarily security protocols and their analysis.
-- Grades for the coursework items are given against published assessment criteria with each piece of coursework.
-- Coursework is around 40 hours of work. It is an individual piece of work.
Formative assessment and feedback
Verbal feedback is given in lab sessions on the students attempts at the lab exercises and theoretical questions.
Written formative feedback is also given on the coursework.
Module aims
- develop the understanding of computer security and its fundamental principles
- focus on the details of cryptographic mechanisms and how they are used to achieve security
- develop an understanding of the difficulties involved in achieving security and the approaches taken in analysing security solutions
- introduce tools for exploring cryptography and for protocol analysis
- introduce elements of security proofs
Learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | ||
001 | Explain and demonstrate an understanding of the main cryptographic primitives and algorithms | CKT |
002 | Analyse and model cryptographic protocols | CK |
003 | Explain the basic principles of security | KT |
004 | Describe current trends in security threats and countermeasures | T |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching methods include:
For each teaching week there will be
-- at least 1 hour of recorded/captured content
-- 2 hour of face-to-face labs, unless the public-health situation changes
There will also be a revision session to support the module.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: COM2041
Other information
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
- Provide students with the knowledge, skills and practical experience covering the module aims and learning outcomes
Programmes this module appears in
Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Computer Science BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Computing and Information Technology BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.