CSC8202 : Information Security and Cryptography
CSC8202 : Information Security and Cryptography
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Thomas Gross
- Lecturer: Dr Essam Ghadafi
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
None
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
Avoiding security breaches is a high priority for organisations which store and handle confidential data. This module will provide students with the fundamentals of information security covering the techniques used to protect information and information systems from unauthorized access and tampering. The module will cover both the technical (e.g., cryptography) and organisational aspects (e.g., security policies) of protecting information.
Outline Of Syllabus
- Cryptography primitives (Symmetric and Asymmetric primitives: encryption, MACs, signatures, hash functions,
PKI)
- Identification & Authentication
- Biometrics
- Access Control & Authorisation
- Identity Management
- Privacy
- Security Policies
- Information security risk management and disaster recovery
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To be able to describe and discuss:
- cryptography algorithms and their usage to protect information and systems.
- the importance of information security requirements in modern distributed environments.
- the information security mechanisms and primitives, threats and counter-measures.
- the techniques to analyse designs against security requirements and threat environments.
- the ways in which formal methods can be used to support rigorous specification and validation of a design.
- the ethical and professional issues associated with security and trust.
Intended Skill Outcomes
The ability to:
- select and apply cryptographic constructs to protect information and secure systems.
- design and validate designs of secure systems.
- select and use techniques and computer-aided model checking tools for security protocols.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Formative Coursework to assess practical skills on a realistic and open-ended problem, while still assessing theoretical underpinnings. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Digital Examination |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Lectures present in person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | In-person practicals for Q&A and optional exercises |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 1 | 8:30 | 8:30 | Lecture follow-up via online discussion board sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 19 | 1:00 | 19:00 | Background reading and revision for examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Lecture follow-up |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will be used to introduce the learning material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning.
Students are expected to spend time on coursework outside timetabled classes.
Students aiming for 1st class marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of lecture notes through background reading.
Students should set aside sufficient time for lecture follow up and revision to prepare for the coursework.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | N/A |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | formative coursework. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The formative coursework allows an assessment of the development of student's practical skills on a realistic and open-ended problem
The examination is an appropriate way to assess knowledge of theoretical, including ethical, underpinnings and practical skills.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8202's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC8202's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.