COMP47830 Cybersecurity Research Project

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module supports students in the design and completion of a research project that addresses a significant cybersecurity research question. Students will be supervised in the preparation of an independent research thesis by a member of the School of Computer Science. The module will include guidance on developing a feasible research question, identifying an appropriate research methodology, identifying ethical issues relevant to the research design and securing ethical approval, collecting and analysing empirical data, and writing a research report.
Students will receive regular online supervision on a weekly basis and will have the opportunity to attend pre-recorded or in-person seminars on research methods.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students will be able to:
* Demonstrate a critical understanding of the research literature in their chosen area;
* Formulate a clear research question and design an appropriate methodology;
* Identify and address the key ethical issues inherent in their research design;
* Implement a prototype to demonstrate and/or evaluate their research
* Access and collect empirical data;
* Collate and analyse empirical data;
* Report a research project according to professional norms;
* Critically evaluate research findings and methodology in the context of existing research

Indicative Module Content:

Students will receive training in research design, ethics applications, data collection, data analysis and research report-writing.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Practical

250

Project Supervision

24

Autonomous Student Learning

400

Online Learning

10

Total

684

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In this module, students will have the opportunity to develop their research knowledge and skills by conducting an independent research project on a topic of cybersecurity significance. Students will be assigned a supervisor who will provide individualised support throughout their project. Tailored training in project design and delivery will be provided during regular supervisory meetings. This is complemented by a series of class workshops on a range of topics including research ethics, data analysis and research report writing. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

The student should have successfully completed the following modules:
- Information Security
- Leadership in Security
- Privacy and Compliance
- Risk Assessment and Standards
- Secure Software Engineering
- Applied Cryptography
- Network Security
- Incident Response


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
COMP47800 - Leadership in Security, COMP47870 - Incident Response, COMP47880 - Network Security, COMP47890 - Applied Cryptography, COMP47900 - Cyber Risk Assessment&Standard, COMP47910 - Secure Software Engineering, COMP47920 - Information Security, LAW42160 - Cybersecurity Law


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Project: Prototype implementation of the research project. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes

30

Project: Written report of independent research project Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes

50

Presentation: Presentation of the results of the topic, methodology and results obtained in the cybersecurity research project. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes

20


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive regular verbal feedback during supervisory meetings and can expect feedback from their supervisor on one draft of their project report, provided they supply it in a timely manner.

Name Role
Dr Félix Balado Pumarino Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Joe Carthy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Pavel Gladyshev Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Madhusanka Liyanage Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Mark Scanlon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer