Ethical Hacking and Network Security MSci/BSc (Hons)

" Ethical Hacking and Network Security MSci/BSc (Hons)

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— CovUniEC (@CovUniEC) February 9, 2015 OVERVIEW

This Ethical Hacking and Network Security course runs in 2016/17.

Ethical Hacking and Network Security is big business. According to the European Commission, the cost of computer crime is around 750 billion euros a year. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead the fight against cyber criminals and keep hard-earned assets secure.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The specialist skills and knowledge to thoroughly test the vulnerability of computer systems, make them secure and conduct proper investigations should they be compromised are not part of a standard computer science course. In particular, the penetration testing or ethical hacking skills are often absent.

This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead the fight against the cyber criminals and keep hard-earned assets secure. The course will cover the essentials of computer systems architecture, programming, operating systems and databases, alongside specialist topics in digital forensics, legal issues, networking, ethical hacking and computer security. The experience is designed to be hands-on, requiring you to become familiar with penetration testing tools, encryption algorithms and forensic analysis software, alongside more traditional classroom studies. On completion you could look forward to a rewarding career in this fast-growing information technology specialism.

If you choose this course you will benefit from:

• accreditation by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional, partially meeting the Academic Requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist, and, on behalf of the Engineering Council, partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer;
• an opportunity to transfer onto the MSci in Ethical Hacking and Network Security subject to academic performance;
• dedicated teaching staff who are committed and experienced academics, active in educational development and technical research which informs
  their teaching;
• optional sandwich year in industry or business placement either in the UK or overseas (subject to application);
• opportunities to attend international events in conjunction with the course;
• optional membership of the Cisco Academy programme leading to an industry recognised Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) qualification;
• an active Computer Security Society involving both staff and students, including industry talks, regular hacker games and activities and a yearly budget;
• specialist ethical hacking lab used specifically for students on this course;
• the option to do Forensic Toolkit (FTK) certification.

Accreditation

The British Computer Society (BCS)

Accreditations shall be renewed in accordance with the accreditors standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The course has two core themes. The first relates to specialist security topics in the computing field including ethical hacking, digital forensics and encryption algorithms. The second is general purpose computer systems technology.

The first year focuses on enabling students from a diverse range of backgrounds to make a solid start on their degree courses and understand fundamental principles.
In the second year, more modules specialise in security-related topics. There is also an important group project that gives you experience in effective team working towards a complex goal.

The final year of the BSc course covers advanced topics at the forefront of contemporary practice, including a significant individual project where you will work alongside an experienced practitioner in the field.

For these students taking the MSci optional year, the topics from the first three years will be extended by study of cutting-edge research in security and forensics.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE BE TAUGHT?

Your course will be based on a series of lectures, with associated seminars and project based practical classes. In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice.

You will work with staff on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups as you would in professional practice; giving you the opportunity to develop professional skills at the same time that you learn the technical content of your degree.

If you are interested in part-time study (which is taught during the day) please contact the Part-time Admissions team on +44 (0) 24 7765 4321 or email part-time.uni@coventry.ac.uk for further information, but please note that not all courses have a part-time option.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

An estimated percentage breakdown of how your studies will be assessed is as follows: formal examinations 15%; coursework, essays, project and group work 65%; practical exams e.g. presentations, tests, etc. 20%.

A compulsory Add+vantage module must also be completed: please see the page on the Add+vantage scheme for more details.

TEACHING CONTACT HOURS

In a typical week you will have up to 18 contact hours of teaching and this will break down as:

Personal tutorial/small group teaching: Up to 6 hours each week

Medium group teaching: Up to 6 hours each week – tutorial, laboratory and seminar classes

Large group teaching: Up to 6 hours each week – lecture-style classes

Personal study: Up to 22 hours each week – working independently and in groups on assignments, background reading and tutorial work

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