COMS4507 - Sem 2 2008 - St Lucia - Internal

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Printed: 06 July 2008, 11:20PM
This printed course profile is valid at the date and time specified above. The course profile may be subject to change during the semester – the online version is the authoritative version.

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

Course Code: COMS4507 Course Title: Advanced Computer and Network Security
Coordinating Unit: School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Semester: Semester 2, 2008    Mode: Internal
Level: Undergraduate
Location: St Lucia
Number of Units: 2    Contact Hours Per Week: 2L1T
Pre-Requisites: COMS3000
Course Description: Cryptographic algorithms, advanced security protocols, application of security concepts in specific contexts, attack and defence mechanisms, current security research topics.
Assumed Background: The course assumes a general background in Information Security and the basic cryptographic primitives and protocols.

1.2 Course Introduction

This course on Information and Computer Security will cover a range of advanced topics and current research in the field. One component of the course will consist of formal lectures in the traditional format. However, a major component of the course is based on students (individually or in small groups) researching an advanced topic with the help of academic research publications. A list of suggested topics and papers will be provided on the course web site. The result of the research, including a critical discussion, will be presented in the form of a seminar.

1.3 Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Marius Portmann
Phone: 3365 8356     Email: marius@itee.uq.edu.au
Campus: St Lucia Building: General Purpose South (Map)   Room: 617
Consultation: TBA

Lecturer: Prof Jadwiga Indulska
Phone: 3365 2542     Email: jaga@itee.uq.edu.au
Campus: St Lucia Building: General Purpose South (Map)   Room: 627
Consultation: TBA


1.4 Timetable

Timetables are available on mySI-net.

Additional Timetable Information
More detailed timetable information will be available on the course web site: www.itee.uq.edu.au/~coms4507

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

The goal of this course is to provide students with a good understanding of a range of advanced topics in the field of Information Security.

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  understand and apply a wide range of complex security concepts, algorithms and protocols.
2  understand and evaluate key management systems and protocols such as Kerberos.
3  understand security issues in mobile ad-hoc networks and the corresponding solutions.
4  independantly research and critically discuss recent research in a wide range of areas in the field of Information Security.
5  present and communicate complex concepts in the field of Information Security.
6  design and/or implement solutions for concrete security problems for distributed applications.

2.3. Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTELEARNING OBJECTIVES
A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.1, 2, 3, 6
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study. 
A5. An international perspective on the field of study. 
B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.4, 5
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.5
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.5
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies. 
C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.2, 4
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.6
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.6
D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.6
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.4
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.4
E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility. 
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline. 
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study. 
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity. 

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTELEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals1, 2, 3, 4, 6
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large5
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline1, 2, 3, 4, 6
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution6
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance6
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member 
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development 
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development 
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities 
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning4

3. Learning Resources

3.1 Required Resources

Lecture Notes for this course will be provided on the course web site.  
 

3.2 Recommended Resources

A list of academic research papers will be provided on the course web site.  
 

3.3 University Learning Resources

Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://library.uq.edu.au/search/r?SEARCH=COMS4507).

The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myServices website (https://student.my.uq.edu.au/).

3.4 School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Learning Resources

Students enrolled at St Lucia who wish to retain a hard copy of this profile can use the free print quota provided each semester to students enrolled in courses in the School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering. For information on how to use this print quota, see the School Policy on Student Photocopying and Printing (St Lucia) (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/copy-print.html). Students enrolled at the Ipswich campus will either be provided with a hard copy or given directions in class on how to obtain a free copy.

ITEE course websites can be found at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~COURSECODE. Many ITEE courses also have Usenet newsgroups, named uq.itee.COURSECODE. Instructions for accessing newsgroups are available at http://studenthelp.itee.uq.edu.au/faq/1stYearFAQ.html#accessnews.

3.5 Other Learning Resources & Information

Handouts
All relevant learning material such as additional reading, lecture slides, tutorials etc. will be available via the course web site.

Web
The course web site is available at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~coms4507. The course web site will contain a link to this profile, access to individual assessment results, assignments, tutorials, electronic copies of the lectures notes as well as any extra reading material.

Newsgroup
The course newsgroup is uq.itee.coms4507. This group is available on both the University and School news servers (news.uq.edu.au and news.itee.uq.edu.au).
Students are encouraged to post questions (and answers!) to the newsgroup. Copies of announcements will also be posted to the newsgroup. The teaching staff will monitor the newsgroup.

4. Teaching & Learning Activities

4.1 Learning Activities

Date
Activity
Learning Objectives
23 Jul 08 - 22 Oct 08
Lectures (Lecture Series): Selected advanced Information Security topics wil be presented in the form of a traditional Lecture.
Readings/Ref: Lecture Notes ; Papers
1, 2, 3
30 Jul 08
Tutorials (Tutorial Series): Some of the tutorials will be held to reinforce the material presented during the lectures. During weeks where seminars are held, no formal tutorials are held. During these tutorial slots, the Lecturer will be available to provide help with the Project and preparation for the seminars.
Readings/Ref: Lecture Notes ; Papers
1, 4
20 Aug 08 - 22 Oct 08
Seminar (Seminar): Students will present and lead a discussion on a specific topic and/or recent research results, based on one or more research papers.
Readings/Ref: Papers
1, 4, 5
20 Aug 08 - 17 Oct 08 15:00
Project (Project): Individually or in small groups, students will need to propose and carry out a research and/or implementation project in the field of Information Security.
Readings/Ref: Papers
1, 5, 6

4.2 Other Teaching and Learning Activities Information

You are not required to attend any of the teaching sessions (except those in which an assessment activity is taking and seminar presentations are held), however, you are strongly encouraged to do so. Participation during the seminar presenations (held during lectures) is an assessment item that carries a weight of 10% of the overall marks of the course. It is therefore required to attend these lectures. If this is not possible, due to medical or other special circumstances, the course coordinator needs to be notified one week prior to the seminar.

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task
Due Date
Weighting
Learning Objectives
Seminar Participation
Seminar Participation
6 Aug 08 - 22 Oct 08
10%
1, 5
Seminar
Seminar Presentation
6 Aug 08 - 22 Oct 08
25%
4, 5
Project
Project
11 Aug 08 - 17 Oct 08 15:00
25%
1, 5, 6
Exam - during Exam Period (School)
Final Exam
Examination Period
40%
1, 2, 3

5.2 Course Grading


Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course:

Weighted average over all assessment items:  0% - 19%



Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline:

Weighted average over all assessment items: 20% - 44%



Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline:

Weighted average over all assessment items:  45% - 49%



Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline:

Weighted average over all assessment items:  50% - 64%



Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline:

Weighted average over all assessment items:  65% - 74%



Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience:

Weighted average over all assessment items:  75% - 84%



Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications:

Weighted average over all assessment items:  85% - 100%


5.3 Late Submission

No extensions will be granted except in exceptional personal circumstances (documented medical reason or family emergency). Personal hardware or computer failures are not grounds for extension.

5.4 Other Assessment Information

Further assessment information will be provided on the course web site.

5.5 Assessment Detail


Seminar Participation
Type: Seminar Participation
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 5
Due Date:
         6 Aug 08 - 22 Oct 08
Weight: 10%
Task Description:

This assessment item considers the degree of participation during the seminar presentations. Students are expected to read the papers that are discussed prior to the seminar and actively participate in the discussion.

Attendance of the seminars are required. If for some reason this is not possible, the course coordinator needs to be notified one week before the seminar.


Criteria & Marking:

Details on marking criteria will be available on the course web site before the start of the seminar series.



Seminar Presentation
Type: Seminar
Learning Objectives Assessed: 4, 5
Due Date:
         6 Aug 08 - 22 Oct 08
Weight: 25%
Task Description: Students will present a summary and discussion of a selected topic or recent research results in Information Security in the form of a seminar.
Criteria & Marking: Detailied marking criteria will be provided on the course web site.

Project
Type: Project
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 5, 6
Due Date:
         11 Aug 08 - 17 Oct 08 15:00
Weight: 25%
Task Description:

Individually or in small groups, students will need to propose and carry out a research and/or implementation project in the field of Information Security. The deliverables of the project consist of a concise report (typically 15 pages) and a brief demonstration.


Criteria & Marking: More details and example project ideas, as well as marking criteria will be provied on the course web site.
Submission: A project report (hard copy) is to be submitted. A signed coversheet declaring that your submission is your original work (or the work of you and your partners) will be required. Detailed submission instructions for the assignments will be contained in the assignment handout.



Final Exam
Type: Exam - during Exam Period (School)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Due Date:
         Examination Period
Weight: 40%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Short essay, Problem solving
Task Description:

A two hour final examination will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester and will cover all the material presented in the Lectures and Seminars.


Criteria & Marking: More detailed information on the final exam and marking criteria will be available on the course web site towards the end of the semester.

6. Policies & Guidelines

 
This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25109)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953)

Feedback in this Course

Students are encouraged to provide feedback regarding the lecturing, tutorials, content or any other issue regarding this course.

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.
 
Examination Feedback
 
In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:
  • group or team based assessment;
  • attendance or class participation requirements;
  • laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
  • project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
  • progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
  • multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.
If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120) for detailed information.
 
Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.
 
Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.  

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance
If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

 

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  understand and apply a wide range of complex security concepts, algorithms and protocols.
2  understand and evaluate key management systems and protocols such as Kerberos.
3  understand security issues in mobile ad-hoc networks and the corresponding solutions.
4  independantly research and critically discuss recent research in a wide range of areas in the field of Information Security.
5  present and communicate complex concepts in the field of Information Security.
6  design and/or implement solutions for concrete security problems for distributed applications.


Assessment & Learning Activities

  Learning Objectives
  1 2 3 4 5 6
Learning Activities
Lectures (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
selected
     
Tutorials (Tutorial Series)
selected
   
selected
   
Seminar (Seminar)
selected
   
selected
selected
 
Project (Project)
selected
     
selected
selected
Assessment Tasks
Seminar Participation
selected
     
selected
 
Seminar Presentation      
selected
selected
 
Project
selected
     
selected
selected
Final Exam
selected
selected
selected
     

Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

  Learning Objectives
  1 2 3 4 5 6
Graduate Attributes
A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.
selected
selected
selected
   
selected
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.            
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.            
B EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.      
selected
selected
 
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.        
selected
 
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.        
selected
 
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.            
C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.  
selected
 
selected
   
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.          
selected
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.          
selected
D CRITICAL JUDGEMENT
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.          
selected
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.      
selected
   
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.      
selected
   
E ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.            
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.            
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.            
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.            

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

  Learning Objectives
  1 2 3 4 5 6
Graduate Attributes
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
selected
selected
selected
selected
 
selected
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large        
selected
 
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
selected
selected
selected
selected
 
selected
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution          
selected
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance          
selected
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member            
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development            
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development            
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities            
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning      
selected