Computer Networks And Security Module Information
C Programming
This module introduces two complementary topics: (1) traditional, imperative programming in C; and (2) the implementation of standard linear data structures and the algorithms that manipulate them. Key aspects of the core language are covered including major library functions, fundamental data structures, algorithm strategies, design and basic analysis.
Computer Ethics
Introduces the ethical theories affecting cyber security, software engineering, computer science and digital forensics. It requires students to develop critical analytical skills in applying ethical theories to technological outcomes regarding cyber security, software engineering, computer science and digital forensics.
Computer Systems
This module is designed to provide a foundation in computer architecture and operating systems with a specific emphasis on their security.
Mathematics for Computing
Mathematical structures are introduced that provide a basis for computer science. Specific topics include logic, set theory, probability and statistics. Topics include: Logic Sets Tuples Relations Functions Probability Hypothesis generation and testing
C Programming II
Presents core C language concepts, including functional testing techniques and fundamental data structures. Students are made aware of important principles of developing/building trusted and reliable software to meet users’ requirements including, e.G., naming conventions, initialisation of structures and variables, variable scope and lifetime, validation of input, bound checking, unit testing and reliability.
Computer Law and Cyber Security
Introduces the legal and professional context of cyber security, software engineering, computer science and digital forensics, it addresses legal framework, legal and professional responsibilities of the software engineer, systems manager, computer forensic and security practitioner. The module will address computer ethics, data protection law, UK and international law affecting cyber security, digital engineering, systems management and digital forensics.
Introduction to Networks (ITN)
The module introduces the architectures, models, protocols, and networking elements that connect users, devices, applications and data through the Internet and across modern computer networks - including IP addressing and Ethernet fundamentals. By the end of the course, students can build simple local area networks (LAN) that integrate IP addressing schemes, foundational network security, and perform basic configurations for routers and switches. This is the first course in the CCNA certification.
Database Design and Implementation
Structured data, held in relational databases, accessed via SQL, supports the information storage requirements of many companies, organisations, and on-line businesses. Students will learn the fundamentals of how to design the structure of data within a relational database, how to interact with data within the database, and how to protect the data within the database.
Programming for Network Engineers
This module provides network engineers with the fundamental knowledge on programming using a popular network programming language, e.G., Python. As it becomes essentials for network engineers to acquire the programming skill to navigate the shift to Software-Defined Networking (SDN).
Web Application Development
This module provides a firm technical foundation of how a web application can be developed that allows web users to interact with assets stored in databases.
Rudimentary web application penetration testing will be introduced in order to emphasise the hostile attention that public facing web content will attract. It is assumed that students are already competent programmers, prior to starting this module.
Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
This module covers switching technologies and router operations that support small-to-medium business networks and includes wireless local area networks (WLAN) and security concepts. Students learn key switching and routing concepts. They can perform basic network configuration and troubleshooting, identify and mitigate LAN security threats, and configure and secure a basic WLAN. This is the second course in the CCNA curriculum.
Data Structures and Algorithms
This module introduces a variety of data structures and algorithms for sequential execution. Classical data structures will be introduced (including stacks, queues, lists, trees, and hash tables) and algorithms for searching and sorting. The performance characteristics of these data structures and algorithms will be explained. Specific coding issues will also be considered such as modularity, genericity, equality, assignment, mutable and immutable objects.
Research and Development Skills
In this module students will learn essential research methodologies and project design and development skills to prepare them for their final year development project.
Penetration Testing
Cyber Security is a fast-growing discipline within Computer Science. The media constantly relays tales of the latest data loss via malicious and non-malicious activities. This module aims to equip Computer Security students with a range of strategies to protect and defend the information systems within an organisation.
Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
This module describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks – including wide area network (WAN) technologies & quality of service (QoS) mechanisms for secure remote access, along with software-defined networking, virtualization, & automation concepts supporting network digitization. Students gain skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks and learn to identify and protect against cybersecurity threats. They are introduced to network management tools and learn key concepts of software-defined networking, including controller-based architectures and how application programming interfaces (APIs) enable network automation. This is the third and final CCNA certification course and is linked to students also obtaining the optional, internationally recognised commercial certification.
Cryptography
Cryptography is a central component in cyber security, namely the main technique to achieve confidentiality of data in communication and in storage, as well as supporting other security properties such as integrity and non-repudiation. This module is designed to teach a number of currently relevant encryption methods and usages, including protocols, for achieving many important security properties.
Development Project
The project provides students with the opportunity to carry out a significant piece of work that reflects the aims and outcomes of their specific programme. It provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate practical and analytical skills present in their programme of study; to work innovatively and creatively; to synthesise information, ideas, and practices to provide a quality solution, together with an evaluation of that solution.
Cybersecurity Operations
Discusses the core security concepts and skills needed to monitor, detect, analyse and respond to cybercrime, cyberespionage, insider threats, advanced persistent threats, regulatory requirements, and other cybersecurity issues facing organizations. It emphasizes the practical application of the skills needed to maintain and ensure security operational readiness of secure networked systems. It prepares the students for a career in the rapidly growing area of cybersecurity operations working in or with a security operations centre (SOC) in roles such as: Security SOC Analyst and Incident Responder. This module prepares the students for Cisco CyberOps Associate certification.
Network Development
This module discusses the methodologies and tools of modern software development, applied to the IT and Network operations. It covers a 360 view of the domain including microservices, testing, containers and DevOps, as well as securely automating infrastructures with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Students will gain hands-on lab experience on using GIT, common data formats (JSON, XML and YAML), deploying applications as containers, using Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and automating infrastructure using code. It prepares the students for the recently announced Cisco DevNet Associate certificate.
Multimedia Networking
In line with the convergence of voice, video, data and mobile applications, this module focuses on IP telephony and Quality of Service (QoS) technologies to prepare students with the necessary skills in this domain.
Network Security
This module helps to meet the growing demand for network security professionals. The curriculum introduces the core security concepts and skills needed for installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices. The Cisco Network Security content used, links to Cisco CyberOps and CCNP certification opportunities.
Emerging Technology in Computer Networks
After completing several networking and programming modules, students will get the chance to really put these skills together while practicing the latest network technologies, e.G., SDN and NFV. Students will learn how to manage and configure network devices using their device-level APIs and automating management tasks using Python scripts with a Cisco software virtual router.
Malware Analysis
Malware enjoys its status as the predominant threat in modern computing. This module is designed to teach the practical techniques for analysing malware. The taught programme will include both dynamic and static analysis of a wide range of different malware arte facts, covering a diverse selection of malware categories. The teaching will also include techniques used to reverse malware which has been obfuscated to prevent analysis.
Network Forensics
This module will present the tools and techniques of investigation for two different types of digital artefact. The types of artefact may vary from year to year but generally they will include a mixture of current and new/cutting edge technologies. The module will culminate in a scenario of a realistic incident which will emphasise the technologies studied throughout. The scenario will focus on the use of tools for data preservation and analysis as well as managing the integrity of the evidence whilst the findings will be presented to both a technical and executive audience.