Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Computer and Network Security

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Dr Du Yong Kim

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: duyong.kim@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

You are required to have successfully completed EEET2290 Network Engineering or equivalent. This is not an enforced pre-requisite.
It will be assumed that you have C/C++ programming experience and have fundamental knowledge of TCP/IP networks.


Course Description

This course covers the concepts of vulnerabilities, threats, attacks, security measures and mechanisms in computer networks. The course will introduce the fundamental concepts of security technology and the applications of these technologies. Topics include fundamental cryptography, authentication, encryption, digital signatures, digital certificates, and network security protocols such as IP Sec, SSL. You will also have the fundamental knowledge on security mechanisms such as firewall and network intrusion detection systems. The detailed contents are listed below:

  • Fundamental cryptography.
  • Modern ciphers, symmetric and asymmetric ciphers ( DES, AES, RSA).
  • Public key systems, digital signatures.
  • Authentication, digital certificates, hash and MAC.
  • Key management, Diffi-Hellman key exchange.
  • Network security protocols: IP Sec, SSL, SSH.
  • Firewalls and network intrusion detection systems.
  • Concepts of vulnerabilities, threats, attacks, security measures and mechanisms in both computer systems and networks.
  • Computer system security (Virus, Worm and Hacking).

After completing this course, you will have the theoretical background for undertaking computer system and network security management and administration roles. The practical work will help you to gain firsthand experience. The topics covered in the course can also be your foundation for getting into design and development of network security products or research in the area of network security.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

At postgraduate level this course develops the following Program Learning Outcomes:

PLO 2. Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline
PLO 5. Utilise advanced mathematics, software, tools and techniques, in the conduct of research into the  design and analysis of complex engineering systems


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

CLO1 Describe cryptography conceptual and mathematical models behind computer and network security protocols (IP Sec, SSL, SSH).
CLO2 Critically analyse network security mechanisms (Firewalls) and protocols for network intrusion detection systems. 
CLO3 Engineer a computer system and network security solution using state-of-the-art technology. 
CLO4 Analyse computer and network security configuration and quality using advanced software tools.


Overview of Learning Activities

Student Learning occurs through the following experiences and evaluation processes:

  • Pre-recorded lecture videos that provide guided learning of key topics.
  • Self-paced learning using reference material as a guide.
  • Laboratory based assignments and a mini project to explore specific topics in depth.

Laboratory practice based assignments are used to assess the concept understanding.
 
The mini project is on investigation of a specific topic on computer and network security.

Online quizzes during the semester and a final written assignment at the end of the semester are for the overall assessment of concepts and core computer and network issues. 


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be able to access course information and learning materials through RMIT University’s online systems.

Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

You will also use the laboratory equipment and computer software within the School in the laboratory practice.


Overview of Assessment

This course contains hurdle requirements. All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching). 

Assessment tasks

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory exercises, 35%, CLO1, CLO3 and CLO4 
Assessment Task 2: Mini-project, 20%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO3 and CLO 4
Assessment Task 3: Online quizzes, 20%, CLO1, CLO2 and CLO3 
Assessment Task 4: Timed Timetabled Test, 25%, CLO1, CLO2 and CLO3

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.