Data and Network Protection Course Descriptor

Course Summary

Threats to data security and networks are a major concern of all businesses and organisations. The increasing sophistication of threat agents and their ability to access data and compromise networks has potentially devastating effects. The course explores the principles, fundamental computer networking concepts and methods that underpin data and network protection – structure, cloud architecture, technology components, quality of service – along with other related topics such as sustainable development approaches as applied to networks and green computing.  From data and network protection governance, policy and procedures to the advanced tools and techniques employed in the monitoring, analysis and identification of threats, the course provides insight into the safeguarding of data and networks. It considers the key elements of a robust data and network protection strategy and critically considers the recovery strategies that mitigate risk, including those posed by environmental volatility.

This course provides learners with the principles, concepts and techniques of common security architectures and methodologies that underpin data and network protection. Furthermore, learners gain insights about data and network protection processes, stakeholders, and solutions. It enables learners to analyse data and network protection and develop robust responses to human and environmental threats. The course also equips learners with the necessary skills to deploy cyber security technology components within digital systems, leveraging hardware and software to implement effective security controls.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Subject Specific Skills

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching And Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include:

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• On-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide students with developmental feedback.

Summative

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress. 

Feedback is provided on summative assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Guide or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

• Magnusson, A. (2020) Practical Vulnerability Management: No Starch Press.
• McNab, C. (2016) Network Security Assessment, 3rd Edition: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
• Wang, J. and Kissel, Z.A. (2015) Introduction to Network Security: Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition: Wiley, Singapore.

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on data and network protection as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on data and network protection.

Indicative Topics

Learners will study the following topics:

• Data and Network Protection
• Data Legislation and Regulations
• Network Security Threats and Solutions

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