Örebro University School of Business

Course Syllabus

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall
- further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
- develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

1. Explain the basic concepts related to current computer and network systems with their security vulnerabilities.
2. Describe technical threats that follow from the use of different forms of computing and networking technologies and critically analyze and suggest countermeasures of a particular scenario.
3. Explain how different cryptographic solutions can be used in information systems to provide security and privacy and apply them accordingly.
4. Explain the core principles of system intrusion and analyze system vulnerabilities, using tools as appropriate, for protection.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the principles for secure system development.

The course consists of the following modules:
1: Concepts
- Basic concepts related to computer and network systems including their architectures and their common security vulnerabilities. (Addressing goal 1)

2: Threats and Countermeasures
- Techniques for attacks on different platforms including operating systems, Web and databases and their possible countermeasures that can be applied at different levels uncluding users, system developers and overall system design. (Addressing goal 2)
- Cryptographic techniques including symmetric and asymmetric encryption approaches, digital signatures, and infrastructures for public key certificates and their applications in different scenarios. (Addressing goal 3)
- Techniques on detection of intrusion and protection in computer networks. This includes analysis of attacks such as IP spoofing, packet sniffing, denial of service attacks, and their possible countermeasures. (Addressing goal 4)
- Techniques for secure system development. This includes approaches to system maintainance like software patching, certification of hardware and sofware, backups and mirroring of storage systems, and physical security. (Addressing goal 5)

The employeed teaching methods are anchored in flipped classroom and case-based learning. Flipped classroom means focusing on exploring topics in greater depth and creating meaningful learning opportunities in class time, while content delivery is made outside of the classroom. Case-based learning means that scenarios from real-world examples are used to as a point of departure for in class activities and assignments.

In this course these theaching methods are implemented through online lectures, individual readings, in-class activities based on cases, and group assignments based on cases.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

FINAL GRADE
The final grade will be translated into the ECTS grading scale.

In order to receive the grade Pass, the student must be awarded a Pass on all examinations. In order to receive the grade Pass with Distinction, the student must be awarded Pass with Distinction for the Written Examination in module 2 (Threats and Countermeasures) and a Pass grade for all other examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Informatics, Basic Course 30 Credits, 30 Credits at intermediate course level within Informatics and successful completion of at least 15 Credits at advanced course level within Informatics. Alternatively Business Administration, Basic Course, 30 Credits, Business Administration, Intermediate Course, 30 Credits and successful completion of at least 15 Credits at advanced course level within Business Administration. Alternatively 30 Credits within G1N in Computer Science and 45 Credits within G1F in Computer Science. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Remaining tasks should be completed as soon as possible according to the teacher's instructions.


Reading List and Other Teaching Materials

Required Reading

Vetenskapliga artiklar som kommer tillhandahållas av läraren, ca 100 sidor./ Research papers to be provided by the teachers, approximately 100 pages.

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