Course Outline

SEC300 Cyber Security and Threat Intelligence

Course Coordinator:Dennis Desmond (ddesmond@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2025Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of vulnerability and threat intelligence assessments in the context of networked systems and protected devices. Cyber Security is an ever-evolving field, and understanding the methods for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities and threats is crucial to safeguarding critical information assets. Throughout the course, students will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience to assess, prioritise, and respond to potential cyber risks effectively

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning material, including videos, articles and review questions 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus workshop 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Online
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning material, including videos, articles and review questions 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online workshop 2hrs Week 1 12 times

Course Topics

  • Vulnerability assessment and management
  • Threat intelligence assessments
  • Threat modelling and risk analysis
  • Incident response and handling
  • Malware analysis and reverse engineering

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Discern and analyse evolving threats and justify the necessity of threat intelligence assessments for informed cybersecurity strategies Knowledgeable
2 Apply advanced risk assessment methods to devise strategies for resolving intricate vulnerabilities in complex computing environments. Creative and critical thinker
3 Design and advocate principles to address scalability, fault tolerance, and security considerations in a complex security context. Empowered
4 Analyse and assess the influence of the vulnerability management lifecycle on its role in sustaining resilient systems over time and effectively reducing risk. Empowered
Sustainability-focussed
5 Clearly articulate insights and outcomes to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

SEC200 or SEC301

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Students will participate in continuous peer and self-assessment during tutorials. 

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Portfolio Individual 30%
1000 words
Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Case Study Individual 40%
1500 words
Week 10 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Oral and Written Piece Group 30%
10 min presentation and report (1500 words)
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Doom Collection
Goal:
The goal of this task is assemble a collection of open source articles on potential threats to Australia's networks and report on findings as they pertain to expert consensus on what are the most probable threats to Australia's critical infrastructures.
Product: Portfolio
Format:
Written report showing numerous cyber based threats facing public and private entities supporting Australia's critical infrastructure.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Deep understanding of the identified threats, including technical details, attack vectors and potential consequences
1
2
Comprehensive analysis of the gathered information, highlighting patterns and trends in expert consensus regarding the most probable cyber threats to Australia's critical infrastructures
1
3
Well-structured and organised report that effectively communicates complex concepts
5
Generic Skills:
All - Assessment Task 2:Threat Intelligence Analysis
Goal:
This task will provide students with the opportunity to view and assess actual threat data as provided by an expert provider in threat intelligence and analysis.
Product: Case Study
Format:
Students will be presented with a threat intelligence dashboard and/or threat intelligence report concerning attempted intrusions into a protected networked system. Based on threat intelligence reporting, students will provide a detailed analysis on the details of the report and its applicability to their networked system.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Thoroughness and accuracy of threat intelligence analysis.
1 2
2
Sound assessment of the threat intelligence's applicability to the networked system
2 3
3
Integration of vulnerability management lifecycle principles.
4
4
Clarity, organisation, and depth of report
5
Generic Skills:
All - Assessment Task 3:Treat Scenario
Goal:
In an effort to properly prepare students for employment in the public and private sectors, and create a capable workforce, students will construct threat intelligence cyber training scenarios for use in the public and private sectors.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format:
Each group will construct a suitable cyber security based training scenario which will offer employees the opportunity to deal with a cyber security incident. Deliverables include a report and 10 min presentation.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Formulation of a well-designed and comprehensive scenario encompassing various aspects of a cyber security threat.
1 3
2
Alignment with current the current landscape and attack methodologies.
1
3
Clear and well-structured written and oral overview of the constructed cyber scenario
5
Generic Skills:

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au