Unit rationale, description and aim
With the increasing reliance on technology, it is becoming more and more essential to secure every aspect of online information and data. Therefore, network security is very critical for any organisation and is essential to protecting client data. This unit covers the advanced network security concepts that require to developing students’ knowledge and practical skills in digital communication and security.
This advanced unit explores the theoretical foundations and current landscape of cryptography, covering essential concepts required to understand complex security challenges in networked environments. The unit contents include networking concepts, classical cipher design and analysis, key management, digital signatures and hash algorithms, wireless security, web security, email security and data stewardship. The unit also focuses on applications of network security tools to prevent or detect security attacks. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a good understanding of network security issues and the importance of data stewardship, as well as the knowledge and skills they need to plan, design or implement in order to secure a networked environment.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate knowledge on security services, securi...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply knowledge and skills in selecting appropriat...
Learning Outcome 02
Utilise different network security tools and appli...
Learning Outcome 03
Design and integrate numerous security mechanisms ...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Introduction to network security
- Unix programming
- Programming in Shell Script
- Key management
- Data stewardship
- Advanced cryptography
- Authentication and password
- Access control
- Firewall and IDS
- Email security
- Wireless network security
- Security tools
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The first assessment item consists of a number of weekly practical tasks which will give students the opportunity to implement their theoretical knowledge to solve problems in a practical environment. The second assessment item is a design report, where students will write a report on a given case study. The purpose of this assessment is to assess the students’ ability to apply their theoretical knowledge and design an effective solution to countermeasure security threats through collaborative learning. The final assessment is an open book exam, where students will study several case studies, critically analyse them and answer a number of open-ended questions. The purpose of this assessment is to test students’ ability to apply professional skills and practices in solving numerous problems.
The assessments for this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of each learning outcome. To pass this unit, students are required to:
- obtain an overall mark of at least 50%
- attempt all three assessment items
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Practical Assessments This a...
Assessment Task 1:
Practical Assessments
This assessment consists of a series of weekly lab exercises where students are required to apply different network security tools and techniques to solve practical problems.
The feedback from this assessment will help students to understand critical concepts of network security and their applications.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical task
Artefact: Source Code/ Code Documentation
20%
Assessment Task 2: Reflective report on a case st...
Assessment Task 2: Reflective report on a case study
For this assessment tasks, students need to actively participate in online discussion forum to understand complex concepts through collaboration and self-reflection. They also required to write a 2500-word report reflecting their critical analysis on a contemporary issue of network security and its impact on the common good.
The purpose of this assessment is to assess the students’ critical and analytical ability to delve into complex concepts of network security.
Submission Type: Group
Assessment Method: Scientific report
Artefact: Written report + Online Viva
30%
Assessment Task 3: Exam This assessment task tes...
Assessment Task 3: Exam
This assessment task tests the students’ grasp of both theoretical and practical aspects of the unit. The students will study several case studies, critically analyse them and answer a number of open-ended questions. They also have to use network security tools to investigate the given scenarios and justify the outcomes.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Respondus Secure Exam
Artefact: Respondus Secure Exam
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is offered in two delivery modes—Attendance and Online—to support diverse learning needs and maximise access for isolated or marginalised groups.
Attendance Mode
Students attend weekly face-to-face classes at designated locations and engage directly with lecturers to support achievement of learning outcomes. The unit requires preparation before workshops (typically around one hour) and at least one hour of consolidation afterwards. Online learning platforms provide additional preparatory and practice activities to reinforce learning.
Online Mode
The online mode enables students to explore core disciplinary knowledge through both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Weekly discussion activities and active learning tasks encourage the application of theoretical concepts in professional contexts. Engagement with peers supports constructive learning, and students receive regular, timely feedback throughout the semester.
Across both modes, students should expect to commit approximately 150 hours to the unit, including class activities, readings, online participation and assessment preparation.