IFN583 Computer Systems and Security
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | IFN583 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (192cps in SV03 or SV04 or IV04 or IV05 or MV05 or MV06 or BV06 or BV07 or EV08 or EV07) OR (admission into IV53 or IV57 or IV54 or IV59 or IV55 or IV52 or IV56 or IV51 or IV58 or IV60) OR (admission into IN18 or IN19 or IN20 or IN28 or IN29 or IN31 or IN27 or IN26 or DE99 or BS11 or KC88) |
| Antirequisite(s): | IFN551 or IFN553 or IFQ551 or IFQ553 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,816 |
| International unit fee | $5,352 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | IFN583 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (192cps in SV03 or SV04 or IV04 or IV05 or MV05 or MV06 or BV06 or BV07 or EV08 or EV07) OR (admission into IV53 or IV57 or IV54 or IV59 or IV55 or IV52 or IV56 or IV51 or IV58 or IV60) OR (admission into IN18 or IN19 or IN20 or IN31 or IN27 or IN26 or DE99 or BS11 or KC88) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Nil |
| Anti-requisite: | IFN551or IFN553 or IFQ551or IFQ553 |
| Coordinator: | Hasmukh Morarji | h.morarji@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit addresses the core concepts of a computer system: how modern computer systems work, how they are structured, and how they operate. Additionally, the unit teaches you about modern computer environments including networks as well as introducing the fundamental concepts of cyber security in the context of computer systems. In particular, you will learn about controls and countermeasures to mitigate identified security risks, considering the threats, vulnerabilities and security goals of an organization. Understanding the fundamental concepts enables you to adapt with the evolution of computer systems in the future.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and major developments in computer systems, including hardware and software and the processes for information exchange between devices over a network
- Design, build and configure simple computer systems and networks
- Define major information security goals and identify those which relate to the strategic goals of an organisation
- Conduct a risk analysis of the security of information assets in a range of practical situations and determine the information security implications.
- Choose controls and countermeasures to mitigate identified security risks, considering the threats, vulnerabilities and security goals of an organisation
- Work collaboratively in a team environment and write a security report for an organisation.
Content
- History and recent developments of computer systems
- Basic number system concepts; in particular binary, hexadecimal, ASCII and Unicode representations
- Components of computer systems, including software, hardware and data in various formats, and connections between devices
- Fundamental cyber security concepts; including confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, authorization, nonrepudiation
- Threats to the security of information in electronic computer systems, and vulnerabilities that can be exploited in cyber systems resulting in cyber security incidents (including attacks)
- Methods (technical and non-technical) for protecting information assets; including identity management, access control, use of cryptography and network communications security.
Learning Approaches
The content of the unit is delivered through weekly lectures, activities and tutorial sessions, and through Canvas, QUT's Learning Management System. During the weekly sessions, theory on various topics will be presented and examples showing how this theory can be applied will be given. Tutorial sessions will focus on promoting your understanding of the presented material. Questions related to the presented material will be provided; your answers to these questions will direct your focus and aid your preparation for unit assessment items.
You are responsible for your academic progression through this unit. Unit staff will provide a learning environment designed to maximise your learning experience. In order to realise your full potential, it is strongly recommended that you actively participate in all of the learning activities offered in this unit. You should expect to spend, on average, 12 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending scheduled classes, preparing and completing assessment tasks as well as in independent study to consolidate your learning. You must be able to manage your time and prioritize activities in order to complete the required unit activities. You are expected to complete all pre-tutorial activities before attending your tutorial to maximise your learning.
Your participation in the learning activities provides opportunities for you to self-assess and to obtain feedback from unit staff and your peers, further developing your interpersonal and oral communication skills.
The unit coordinator will use email and the unit's Canvas site to make announcements and post information throughout the semester. It is your responsibility to access your email account and the unit's Canvas site regularly.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:
- self-assess your responses to provided question sets and presented material
- ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during tutorial sessions
- review your assessment items during scheduled review sessions
- have a private consultation with teaching staff
Assessment
Overview
This unit introduces foundational concepts and principles, so the assessment is based around the knowledge acquired throughout the semester. No prior knowledge is assumed. You will be assessed on the knowledge you have gained through test, group report and an examination, and your analytic skills via the written report.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Online timed Quiz
This assessment item is an on-line timed test to examine the contents covered in lectures 1 to 3.
Assessment: Group Written Report
This unit introduces foundational concepts and principles in computer systems and security , The group assessment is based around the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the semester via a written report.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
This assessment item will examine the concepts covered across the semester.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
There are no out-of-the-ordinary costs associated with the study of this unit.
Resources
On line resource materials.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IN18 Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of information technology disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Employ industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO6, Group Written Report
IN19 Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced IT knowledge in one or more IT disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Apply advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO6, Group Written Report - Demonstrate developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Written Report, Final Examination
IN20 Master of Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
Relates to: ULO6, Group Written Report - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Written Report, Final Examination
IN28 Master of Artificial Intelligence
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in Artificial Intelligence discipline.
Relates to: Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex Artificial Intelligence problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: Group Written Report, Final Examination - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, Artificial Intelligence methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex Artificial Intelligence systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
Relates to: Group Written Report - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: Group Written Report, Final Examination
IN29 Master of Cyber Security
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in Cyber Security discipline.
Relates to: Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex Cyber Security problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: Group Written Report, Final Examination - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, Cyber Security methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex Cyber Security systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
Relates to: Group Written Report - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: Group Written Report, Final Examination
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | IFN583 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (192cps in SV03 or SV04 or IV04 or IV05 or MV05 or MV06 or BV06 or BV07 or EV08 or EV07) OR (admission into IV53 or IV57 or IV54 or IV59 or IV55 or IV52 or IV56 or IV51 or IV58 or IV60) OR (admission into IN18 or IN19 or IN20 or IN28 or IN29 or IN31 or IN27 or IN26 or DE99 or BS11 or KC88) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Nil |
| Anti-requisite: | IFN551or IFN553 or IFQ551or IFQ553 |
| Coordinator: | Hasmukh Morarji | h.morarji@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit addresses the core concepts of a computer system: how modern computer systems work, how they are structured, and how they operate. Additionally, the unit teaches you about modern computer environments including networks as well as introducing the fundamental concepts of cyber security in the context of computer systems. In particular, you will learn about controls and countermeasures to mitigate identified security risks, considering the threats, vulnerabilities and security goals of an organization. Understanding the fundamental concepts enables you to adapt with the evolution of computer systems in the future.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and major developments in computer systems, including hardware and software and the processes for information exchange between devices over a network
- Design, build and configure simple computer systems and networks
- Define major information security goals and identify those which relate to the strategic goals of an organisation
- Conduct a risk analysis of the security of information assets in a range of practical situations and determine the information security implications.
- Choose controls and countermeasures to mitigate identified security risks, considering the threats, vulnerabilities and security goals of an organisation
- Work collaboratively in a team environment and write a security report for an organisation.
Content
- History and recent developments of computer systems
- Basic number system concepts; in particular binary, hexadecimal, ASCII and Unicode representations
- Components of computer systems, including software, hardware and data in various formats, and connections between devices
- Fundamental cyber security concepts; including confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, authorization, nonrepudiation
- Threats to the security of information in electronic computer systems, and vulnerabilities that can be exploited in cyber systems resulting in cyber security incidents (including attacks)
- Methods (technical and non-technical) for protecting information assets; including identity management, access control, use of cryptography and network communications security.
Learning Approaches
The content of the unit is delivered through weekly lectures, activities and tutorial sessions, and through Canvas, QUT's Learning Management System. During the weekly sessions, theory on various topics will be presented and examples showing how this theory can be applied will be given. Tutorial sessions will focus on promoting your understanding of the presented material. Questions related to the presented material will be provided; your answers to these questions will direct your focus and aid your preparation for unit assessment items.
You are responsible for your academic progression through this unit. Unit staff will provide a learning environment designed to maximise your learning experience. In order to realise your full potential, it is strongly recommended that you actively participate in all of the learning activities offered in this unit. You should expect to spend, on average, 12 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending scheduled classes, preparing and completing assessment tasks as well as in independent study to consolidate your learning. You must be able to manage your time and prioritize activities in order to complete the required unit activities. You are expected to complete all pre-tutorial activities before attending your tutorial to maximise your learning.
Your participation in the learning activities provides opportunities for you to self-assess and to obtain feedback from unit staff and your peers, further developing your interpersonal and oral communication skills.
The unit coordinator will use email and the unit's Canvas site to make announcements and post information throughout the semester. It is your responsibility to access your email account and the unit's Canvas site regularly.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:
- self-assess your responses to provided question sets and presented material
- ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during tutorial sessions
- review your assessment items during scheduled review sessions
- have a private consultation with teaching staff
Assessment
Overview
This unit introduces foundational concepts and principles, so the assessment is based around the knowledge acquired throughout the semester. No prior knowledge is assumed. You will be assessed on the knowledge you have gained through test, group report and an examination, and your analytic skills via the written report.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Online timed Quiz
This assessment item is an on-line timed test to examine the contents covered in lectures 1 to 3.
Assessment: Group Written Report
This unit introduces foundational concepts and principles in computer systems and security , The group assessment is based around the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the semester via a written report.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
This assessment item will examine the concepts covered across the semester.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
There are no out-of-the-ordinary costs associated with the study of this unit.
Resources
On line resource materials.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IN18 Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of information technology disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Employ industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO6, Group Written Report
IN19 Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced IT knowledge in one or more IT disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Apply advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO6, Group Written Report - Demonstrate developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Written Report, Final Examination
IN20 Master of Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
Relates to: ULO6, Group Written Report - Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: Group Written Report - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Written Report, Final Examination
IN28 Master of Artificial Intelligence
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in Artificial Intelligence discipline.
Relates to: Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex Artificial Intelligence problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: Group Written Report, Final Examination - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, Artificial Intelligence methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex Artificial Intelligence systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
Relates to: Group Written Report - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: Group Written Report, Final Examination
IN29 Master of Cyber Security
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in Cyber Security discipline.
Relates to: Online timed Quiz, Group Written Report, Final Examination - Critically analyse complex Cyber Security problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: Group Written Report, Final Examination - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, Cyber Security methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex Cyber Security systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: Online timed Quiz, Final Examination - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
Relates to: Group Written Report - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: Group Written Report, Final Examination