Unit search

Search results

SIT716 - Computer Networks and Security

Year:	2021 unit information
Important Update:	Unit delivery will continue to be provided in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines. This may include a mix of on-campus and online activities. To find out how you are impacted, please check your unit sites for announcements and updates. Unit sites open one week prior to the start of each Trimester/Semester. Thank you for your flexibility and commitment to studying with Deakin in 2021. _{Last updated: 4 June 2021}
Enrolment modes:	Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Credit point(s):	1
EFTSL value:	0.125
Unit Chair:	Trimester 1: Justin Rough Trimester 2: Sasan Adibi
Prerequisite:	Nil
Corequisite:	Nil
Incompatible with:	Nil
Typical study commitment:	Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.
Scheduled learning activities - campus:	1 x 1 hour class per week, 1 x 2 hour face-to-face workshop per week.
Scheduled learning activities - cloud:	1 x 1 hour online seminar per fortnight.

Content

Computer networks are becoming fundamental in modern life, providing a platform for the delivery of health, education, commerce, and entertainment. In recent years, computer networks have progressively replaced other networks such as voice and video, replaced physical media for news and entertainment, and provided the platform for new important applications in the areas of the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing. Unfortunately computer networks are also used by attackers to gain access to confidential information, conduct identity or intellectual property theft, and disable or even take control over remote systems. In SIT716, students will learn how computer networks function, how they are both targeted by and used as a vehicle for conducting security attacks, and how we secure and defend them. Key protocols at each layer of the protocol stack will be reviewed, known security vulnerabilities examined and countermeasures identified and explained, and emerging security issues in computer networking will also be considered. Through practical tasks students will gain experience working with network protocols and learn how security attacks involving network infrastructure can be identified.

ULO	These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can:	Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1	Explain the architecture and operation of computer networks, how they are targeted and used by security attacks, and defenses against such attacks.	GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
ULO2	Assess the operation of network protocols and differentiate normal and abnormal behaviour occurring within those protocols.	GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO5: Problem solving
ULO3	Review network information to identify cybersecurity activities and prepare a report on the event sequence capability, and outcomes of attacks.	GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking

These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year

Assessment

Assessment Description	Student output	Weighting (% total mark for unit)	Indicative due week
Bi-weekly reports	Written report, approximately 1-2 pages	20% (5 x 4%)	Within week of each course completion
Protocol demonstration and report	Packet capture files, and 2-3 page written report	20%	Week 6
Security incident report	Written report, approximately 3-4 pages	20%	Week 10
Examination	2-hour written examination	40%	Examination period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SIT716 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.