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COMP47830

Academic Year 2024/2025

Cybersecurity Research Project (COMP47830)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
30
Module Coordinator:
Dr Liliana Pasquale
Credit Split by Trimester:
Spring 15
Summer 15
Trimester:
2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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
Autonomous Student Learning

400

Practical

250

Online Learning

10

Project Supervision

24

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, COMP47900 - Cyber Risk Assessment&Standard, COMP47920 - Information Security, LAW42160 - Cybersecurity Law


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Thesis/Dissertation: A report discussing the following aspects of your research project: the problem addressed, related research and background, solution design, implementation and evaluation.
Week 15 Summer Graded Yes
50
Yes
Viva Voce: A presentation discussing the following aspects of your project: the problem addressed, related research and background, solution design, implementation and evaluation.
Week 12 Summer Graded No
20
No
Assignment(Including Essay): An artefact represents the main result of the research thesis. It should be made available publicly in an archive repository. It should include documentation to understand its main parts and reuse it. Week 15 Summer Graded No
30
No

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
Dr Rob Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Joe Carthy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Pavel Gladyshev Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Anca Delia Jurcut Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Madhusanka Liyanage Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Mark Scanlon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer