Unit rationale, description and aim
Cyber security is the practice of protecting networks, computer systems, and data from malicious attacks. With the increasing threats of data breach and leaks in our interconnected world, fintech companies, hospitals, government agencies, and every other sector are investing in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect their data and consumers from malicious attacks. However, there is a global shortage of cyber security experts and this number is growing every year. This unit is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of modern information and cyber security challenges, mitigation techniques and tools.
The unit demonstrates the basic cyber security concepts, security tools and the common architectures used as industry standards. Students will learn how to defend against cyber threats and attacks and study existing techniques for managing security issues and maintaining the working environment. The unit also covers ethical and legal issues in cyberspace to understand how cyber security affects legal compliance and solidarity in communities and society.
The aim of this unit is to equip students with some background knowledge in cyber security, which scaffolds an advanced unit in network security.
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.
Explain key cybersecurity concepts and essential d...
Learning Outcome 01
Identify common cyber threats and appropriate prev...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks to exp...
Learning Outcome 03
Analyse ethical and legal considerations in digita...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Introduction to Cybersecurity & Digital Citizenship
- Cyber Hygiene & Best Practices
- Cyber Threats in Everyday Life
- Cybersecurity and Mobile, IoT, and Social Media
- Cybercrime and Reporting Mechanisms
- Cybersecurity Careers and Roles
- Cybersecurity Frameworks & Compliance (Non-technical)
- Cyber Ethics and AI
- Encryption & Data Protection (Introductory)
- Case Studies of Major Cyber Incidents
- Gamified Cybersecurity & Simulation Tools
- Final Project Brief & Wrap-Up
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 is an individual reflection task focused on cyber hygiene. Students will complete a cyber hygiene checklist and submit a written report critically reflecting on their personal cybersecurity practices. The purpose of this task is to enhance students’ self-awareness and understanding of foundational cybersecurity concepts as applied in daily digital interactions. The second assessment item is a group case study analysis report, where students will examine a major real-world cybersecurity incident. Students will collaboratively evaluate the technical, ethical, and social implications of the event and produce a comprehensive written report. This assessment aims to build students’ research and analytical capabilities, as well as foster teamwork and communication skills. The final assessment is a project comprising both completed laboratory tasks and a project report. The laboratory tasks develop and evidence the practical skills required for the project and directly inform the project focus and design. The purpose of this assessment is to test students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills in solving problems.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate competence in all learning outcomes and achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%.
Transition pedagogies support assessment success through staged tasks, in-class practice activities, early and ongoing feedback, discipline-specific skill development, and enhanced peer collaboration to promote progressive learning and student engagement throughout.
Overview of assessments
Assessment 1: Cyber Hygiene Reflection Task In t...
Assessment 1: Cyber Hygiene Reflection Task
In this individual assessment, students will complete a cyber hygiene checklist and reflect critically on their personal cybersecurity practices. The task encourages self-awareness and the application of foundational cybersecurity concepts in everyday digital behaviour.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report
Artefact: Written report (800 words)
25%
Task 2: Case Study Analysis Report This group ta...
Task 2: Case Study Analysis Report
This group task involves analysing a major real-world cybersecurity incident. Students will evaluate the technical, ethical, and social implications of the incident, working collaboratively to produce a comprehensive written report. Students will use GenAI tools to critically analyse the case study and will critically evaluate and reflect on the GenAI generated report content. Individual contributions must be clearly documented and will be assessed to ensure accountability. This assessment fosters teamwork, research, and analytical skills.
Submission Type: Group
Assessment Method: Group live/recorded speaker view webcam overlay (5-8 minutes) + Online Viva
35%
Assessment 3: Final Project Report Students will...
Assessment 3: Final Project Report
Students will engage with peers through the discussion forum and complete a series of laboratory tasks that collectively support the development of a cybersecurity awareness campaign or response scenario. This task assesses students' ability to communicate cybersecurity knowledge effectively to a wider audience and demonstrate their understanding of core concepts through creative or practical application.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report & Viva
Artefact: Written report (1700 words)
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered in different modes using an integrated learning and teaching strategy designed to ensure equivalent learning outcomes and a comparable learning experience for all students, while supporting diverse learning needs and maximising access.
Learning activities are intentionally aligned to the unit learning outcomes and assessment tasks, and are underpinned by active learning, guided engagement with disciplinary knowledge, opportunities for peer interaction, and regular, timely feedback. While the mode of delivery shapes how students participate, the pedagogical intent, expectations and standards remain consistent.
In Attendance mode, students engage in weekly face-to-face Workshops, supported by preparatory activities and opportunities for consolidation following classes. Online learning platforms are used to complement synchronous teaching through additional resources and learning activities. In Online mode, students engage with the same core content and learning outcomes through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including structured discussions and applied learning tasks that support learning in professional contexts.
Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online forum participation, independent study and assessment preparation.
To support students transitioning from the Diploma to second year undergraduate study, the unit uses targeted transition pedagogies that strengthen discipline foundations and essential study competencies through an active, engaging and supportive learning approach.