Accessibility statement

Security Engineering - COM00155M

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Angus Marshall
  • Credit value: 15 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module teaches fundamental concepts methods, techniques and tools involved in the development of secure application systems, from security requirement analysis and specification to design of secure application systems, secure programming and security testing.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Online Teaching Window 3 2023-24

Module aims

The module will provide methods, techniques and tools for the development of secure application systems, from the stage of security requirement analysis and specification to the stage of design of secure application systems, and then to the stage of secure programming and security testing. 

Module learning outcomes

Be able to

1.    Critically analyse the concept of security and security threats in the context of dependable systems, 

2.    Formulate different types of security requirements that may be required in a complex system,

3.  Critically evaluate and apply security design and secure coding  principles, technologies and tools 

4. Communicate design decisions for security problems.

 

Module content

Topics:

  1. Identity, Authentication and Authorisation

  2. Security models

  3. Origins of vulnerabilities - architectural and operating system concepts

  4. Vulnerability reduction and avoidance techniques

  5. Programming security mechanisms

  6. Incident investigation readiness assessment

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be provided in line with university policy.

Indicative reading

Freely available online texts will be introduced in the learning materials.

Elements of Pfleeger, Pfleeger,and Margulies - "Security in Computing",5th ed. Prentice-Hall 2015 may be useful.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.