Mathematics And Concepts For Computational Thinking

Computational thinking is a basis for solving computer related problems.

This unit help you to develop the concepts of the computational thinking through converting theoretical knowledge of mathematics into practical skills of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithms which considered as the cornerstones of the thinking.

The concepts of the computational thinking will be applied to implement suitable solutions for developing software applications using a high-level programming language (such as Python).

Databases And Computer Networks

Computer systems are being an integral part of our daily life. This unit introduces some of the basic concepts and applications of computer systems. These include an overview of a single computer’s architecture, the structure of networked computers and the organisation of data leading to a fundamental grounding in Computing is developed.

Principles Of Programming And Data Structures

Programming as well as the knowledge of commonly used data structures are fundamental skills for all computer science practitioners. In this unit we will transmit the programming skills required for a professional career in all computer science aspects. In particular, the aims of this unit are:

1. To develop programming skills using a high level programming language.
2. To explore the process of analysis, design, implementation and testing of systems.
3. To apply knowledge in respect of modelling to real world problems and implement them using a programming language.
4. To evaluate, critique and synthesise existing approaches to software development.
5. To present commonly used data structures

Principles Of Information Security

This unit provides students with the theoretical frameworks, foundations, and practical skills underpinning information security and related areas. It provides students with the fundamentals of information security, layering, threats, threat actors, threats and mitigations, information security management, systems, and network security. The unit will also introduce students to the principles of cryptography, ethics, and business legal and regulatory requirements.

Students will be introduced to operating systems security using industry-standard operating systems.

The unit aims to follow the British Computer Society cybersecurity programme relevant to Computing Students.

Wireless Communications And Networking

This unit provides the students with the principles of the wireless networking. Part of the unit will be concentrating on introducing principles of the wireless communications, focusing on the physical layer and the MAC layer. The unit will also cover the existing technologies and introduce the students to emerging technologies. First, the major techniques used in wireless networking will be investigated and analysed. Then, wireless and wired networking techniques in the context of information systems will be critically analysed and compared. After the review of current wireless systems, conclusions about their application areas will be formed. Furthermore, the unit will allow the students to develop skills in critical analysis of information obtained from a variety of sources, drawing accurate conclusions and expressing the arguments in an appropriate vocabulary. They will produce creative and realistic solutions to complex networking problems. They will also become familiar with different wireless network applications. They will be able to assess and choose security systems in a wireless environment. Finally, the students can understand some emerging wireless technologies.

Cyber Defence And Information Governance

The unit guides the students through the fundamentals of building and evaluate a successful threat intelligence programme with focus on all strategic, tactical and operational aspects of it. An overview of network security mechanisms, tools and techniques is also included to better articulate approaches in informed cyber defence.

Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) is a systematic approach to help organisation to better articulate, manage and change risk outcomes and improve the effectiveness of cyber defence. This unit seeks to address the core principles, methods, tools and products available used in information gathering and analytics so as to aid decision making with the aim of preventing cyber-attacks or decreasing the time taken to discover them.

Ethical Hacking

The purpose of this unit is to provide an in-depth specialised knowledge in Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing, and Vulnerability Assessment. The unit provides a hands-on experience of ethical hacking and security testing. Security concepts and methodologies (e.g. cyberkill chain, penetration testing) are extensively covered in this unit as part of the technical skills required.

Information Security Management

This unit provides students with the theoretical frameworks, foundations, and practical skills underpinning information security management and related areas. The unit introduces students to the requirements and techniques for risk identification and assessment, and the elements of security management from business operational and technological perspectives. It provides students with the fundamentals of threats, threat detection and mitigations, the development of secure and resilient systems, and cybersecurity operations and management.

The unit aims to cover aspects of the industry professional Cisco CCNA CyberOps Associate certification.

Switching And Routing

This unit is based on an Industry professional networking programme from Cisco. The unit consists of two parts:

Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials (SRWE) – This part focuses on switching technologies and router operations that support small-to-medium business networks and includes wireless local area networks (WLANs) 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.

Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (ENSA) – This part describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. This course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access. ENSA also introduces software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks. 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.

The knowledge and skills gained from this unit are very highly sought after in today's networking environment.

Incident Response

• To provide the students with knowledge of evidence gathering, acquisition and analysis techniques that will enable them to respond appropriate to computer security incidents.

• To identify and implement an Incident Response methodology where the plan incorporates all relevant stakeholders (e.g. public relations, management etc.) in addition to the technical team.

• To provide students with experience of commercial computer and forensic solutions to prepare them for employment

• To advance students’ knowledge of new forensic investigation techniques and incident response cybersecurity operations

• To act ethically and professionally in expert witness testimony

• To advance students’ knowledge about the judicial process within and laws relating to Computer IT security in the UK.

Research Methodologies And Emerging Technologies

This unit is designed for you to prepare for your honours project utilizing your subject experience from the first two years of your study. You will also asked to contextualize your project idea within current or emerging technologies, typically underpinned by academic publications and to do systematic market research that will equip you with a sound strategy on how to implement your honours project.

Undergraduate Project

Whether you go on to further study or into employment one of the most important skills expected in an Honours Graduate is the ability to work autonomously.  This unit is an ideal vehicle for the development of that skill.

You will typically implement the project proposal developed during the unit CIS013-3 Research Methods and Emerging Technologies (an alternative approach will be agreed with the unit coordinator and your project supervisor if you haven’t successfully completed CIS013-3 yet). 

Although you will be working independently, you are expected to arrange regular meetings with your supervisor to guide and support you.  You will apply coherently your technical, analytical, practical and managerial skills during your project development.

The project is an important opportunity to expand your experience in an area which is of close relevance to the course that you are studying (e.g. Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, and Computer Games Development).  Your project may be of relevance to a future employer, and will demonstrate your interest and ability in the chosen area.  As such your project topic should be aligned with your career aspirations.

The following aims are addressed in particular:

• To provide you with an opportunity to work autonomously on a sustained piece of work.
• To develop your ability to manage a project from start to finish.
• To develop your ability to identify problems, analyse the requirements and produce and evaluate solutions.
• To develop your ability to work to the relevant academic and professional standards.

Agile Project Management

The material in this unit is carefully designed to meet students’ needs and requirements for their programme of study along with essential project management skills for their future employment. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of tools, techniques, methodologies and processes in the field of project management which encapsulate both modern and traditional approaches as an essential preparation for the dissertation stage. The unit also draws on expertise from other departments within the university including library services, the careers and employability service and the English language centre to support students in the best possible way.