IY1S403 - Computer Systems & Security 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: IY1S403
Module Title: Computer Systems & Security
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Computing and Mathematics
Faculty Sub Group: Cyber Security
Module Leader: Madhu Khurana
Module Team: Sharan Johnstone, Emma Derbi, Rachael Medhurst, Joshua Richards, Andrew Bellamy, Christopher Manley, Peter Eden, Richard Ward, Beth Jenkins, Arun Kumar, Nisha Rawindaran, Mamoun Qasem
First Intended Intake: 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: 100376 - computer and information security 100385 - computer forensics
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 50

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To introduce students to the fundamental architecture and function of computer systems to underpin the practical aspects of cyber security and digital forensics.

Content Summary

  • High-Level Computer System Architecture.

  • Introduction to Binary and Hexadecimal.

  • CPU Functionality.

  • Memory usage.

  • The Little Man Computer.

  • Hardware Components.

  • Windows Operating System architecture and security configuration

  • Linux Operating System, file system, permissions and security.

  • Virtualisation and Virtual Machines

  • Introduction to Software Security.

  • Introduction to Hardware Security.

  • Introduction to OS Services and Management.

  • Introduction to Computer Systems

  • User Management

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Tutorial 12
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 72
Directed Study 48
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Groupwork 10
Interdisciplinary work 10
Problem / challenge based learning 10
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of the function and operation of computer hardware and operating systems.
LO2 Identify, and mitigate against security threats through hardening and configuring computer systems.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 2 A comparative technical report. 0 1500 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) A technical report on a current topic. 0 1500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Written Work 2
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)

Reading List

https://rl.talis.com/3/southwales/lists/F6E3A710-C848-A47E-2D86-D4A7AA4094F8.html?draft=1&lang=en&login=1

Essential Reading

Newman, R.M., Gaura, E., Hibbs, D. (2008) Computer Systems Architecture. Exeter: Crucial

Upton, E., Halfacre, G., (2013) Raspberry Pi User Guide. 2nd Ed. Wiley & Sons

Garg, R., Verma, G., (2016) Operating Systems, An Introduction. Mercury Learning & Information

Recommended Reading

Limoncelli, T; Hogan, C, J; Strata R. (2017) The practice of system and network administration. Boston: Addison-Wesley

Hanes, D., (2017) IoT Fundamentals: networking technologies protocols and use cases for the Internet of Things. Indianapolis, Indiana: Cisco Press