MS1S462 - Mathematical Tools for Computer Forensics and Security 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 3
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | MS1S462 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Mathematical Tools for Computer Forensics and Security | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Computing and Mathematical Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Mathematical Sciences | ||
| Module Leader: | John Wyburn | ||
| Module Team: | Stephanie Perkins, Eric Llewellyn | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2016 | Final Year of Intake: | |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100403 - mathematics | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 3 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
To provide a knowledge of basic mathematical and statistical concepts in order to underpin the work of parallel and succeeding modules throughout Computer Forensics and Security.
To enable students to solve problems and appreciate differences in problem solving techniques.
To enable students to apply the theory to problems in computing and understand the limitations of the solutions found.
Threats to data security and integrity are quantitative— occurring at discernible frequencies and threatening various specific systems to different degrees. Assessments of threat are statistical. They therefore require quantitative methods to be understood and for counter-measures to be determined. Moreover, cryptography and cryptanalysis are applied mathematics, demanding a practical knowledge of number theory and problem solving. Therefore, a student needs a substantial repertoire of mathematical knowledge and tools in order to address issues of cybersecurity. The module is a prerequisite of Cryptography MS2S562.
Content Summary
Sets: basic concepts, power sets, set operations, basic laws, number sets.
Number theory: Properties of number, integers, primes, Mersenne primes, primality testing. Divisors and multiples. Modular arithmetic. Fast exponentiation. Euler’s totient function, Euclid's algorithm, Euclid's extended algorithm.
Complexity: Landau notation (big-O), hard problems.
Matrices and determinants; use in cryptography and problem-solving: solution of linear equations, application in 2 and 3 dimensions.
Random and pseudo-random numbers: generation of random numbers, methods of pseudo-random number generation, testing randomness.
Statistics: Presentation of data, measures of location and dispersion, cumulative frequency, inter-quartile range. Regression and correlation. T-test for difference in mean independent samples, and paired data and chi squared tests.
Probability: Introduction to probability theory; the normal, binomial and Poisson distributions.
Risk: Definitions (generic vs security risk), quantitative risk, risk leverage.
Excel: applications of spreadsheet techniques to address statistical analyses and problems.
Complex Numbers: the imaginary operator, complex solutions to quadratic equations, arithmetical operations on complex numbers, the Argand Diagram. Introduction to quantum computing applications of complex numbers.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 24 |
| Independent Study | 80 |
| Directed Study | 72 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | To provide a knowledge of basic mathematical and statistical concepts in order to underpin the work of parallel and succeeding modules throughout Computer Forensics and Security.Apply a range of mathematical and statistical problem solving techniques, and interpret the solutions appropriately. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) | Coursework | 0 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Online Assessment | Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1 | Open Book Test | 70 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | |||
| Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) | ✔ | ||
| Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1 | ✔ | ||