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Course Outline

SEC303 Device & Network Security

Course Coordinator:Bryton Wishart (bwishart@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 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

Devices and networks form the backbone to modern internet communications and secure personal data and activities. You will be introduced to fundamental competencies and skills to effectively secure computer devices and networks and develop and test their competency. You will also develop an understanding of ethical hacking and vulnerability/penetration testing. You will work independently and in teams through problem based and case study activities and you will be able to diagnose and secure network devices.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous online learning materials 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus theory and practical workshops 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Online
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning material 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online workshop 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

  • Introduction to device and network security
  • Network security and vulnerabilities
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Defensive strategies and tools
  • Protecting your data and resources 
  • Diagnose device and network security – case studies

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 Identify and describe device and network security vulnerabilities. Knowledgeable
2 Identify data points and device/network behaviours that reveal vulnerabilities in the computer network. Knowledgeable
3 Explain the role of data access restrictions, white-listing, administrative privileges, and related controls from a multi-actor perspective in an organisational context. Knowledgeable
4 Diagnose device and network security vulnerabilities using online resources. Empowered
5 Work as part of a team to effectively undertake and communicate security activities. Engaged
6 Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills to present research and findings 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

ICT211 or SEC301 or (SEC100 and ICT120)

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

Weekly exercises will provide students with formative feedback weekly. Additionally, the group assessment in Task 2 will be designed to have regular formative feedback.

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 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 10% 
1 hour
 Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual and Group 50% 
3000 words (total)
 Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 40% 
2 hours
 Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Mid Semester Exam
Goal: 
You will become competent across a range of device and network security tools, security tradecrafts, and practices.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
Short answer questions on device and network security
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification and description of device and network security, cryptographic
methodologies, security frameworks, threats, vulnerabilities and controls, network security,
alerts, incident response management, Cybersecurity careers
 1 2 3 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Group scenario project
Goal: 
You will work through a network security case study.  You will review, investigate and action appropriate network security controls.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Format: 
This is a collaborative project with both group and individual submission requirements. More details will be provided on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification of compromise
 1 2 3 4
2 
Explanation of methodologies to exploit identified vulnerabilities
 1 2 4
3 
Identification of security remedies and strategies and justify their implementation
 3
4 
Professional communication
 6
5 
Digital collaboration
 5
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Exam
Goal: 
You will demonstrate discipline knowledge and skills through a number of short/long exams questions.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
Individual exam covering security skills gained throughout course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification of the key elements of a cyber breach
 1 2 4
2 
Identification and articulation of consequences of cyber breach
 1 2 3
3 
Compare various vulnerabilities in computer networks
 1 2

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

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Charles P. Pfleeger,Shari Lawrence Pfleeger,Jonathan Margulies 2015 Security in Computing 5th Pearson College Division

Specific requirements

This course requires access to computers and specialist software which is provided at USC campuses for student use. If you elect to do this course online, you
may either; attend a campus at which it is available, discuss alternative solutions with your course coordinator that would enable you to
demonstrate the learning outcomes, or if you prefer you may acquire this software (if necessary at your own expense). Some software providers
may offer discounted or free academic licensing.

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:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. 
To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

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
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