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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Network Security
Module Code CSC1134 (ITS: CA645)
Faculty Engineering & Computing School Computing
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 7.5
Description

The aim of the course is to introduce the student to the issues that arise when we consider the security of computer networks, from both a "white-hat" (defensive), and "black-hat" (offensive) perspective.

Learning Outcomes

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2. Identify the threats that exist against computer networks
5. 1
6. 1F7A7DC3CBB06EDC507DB01F68E96062C
7. Deploy defences to mitigate network security threats
10. 2
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12. Advise those concerned with their network security on corrective measures
15. 3
16. 1F7A7DC9ACCFBC7C9E64D7527ED4D64CF
17. Assess the top threats to internet-facing applications
20. 4
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22. Securely configure network devices
25. 5
26. 1F7A7DCABFE1245C12FED3D6F72622E5D
27. Deploy defences across both IPv4 and IPv6 networks
30. 6


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture36Classroom lectures
Laboratory12Lab exercises
Independent Study140Independent learning
Total Workload: 188
Section Breakdown
CRN20409Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework30%Examination Weight70%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorDarragh O'BrienModule TeacherRenaat Verbruggen
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
In Class TestIn-class test15%Week 9
In Class TestIn-class test15%Week 12
Formal ExaminationEnd-of-Semester Final Examination70%End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative syllabus
Network models. Attacks across the network layers. Defences across the network layers. DNS. DNS attacks. Subnetting. VLANs. VLAN attacks and defences. Securing network devices. Malware. Packet filtering. Firewalls. Wireless networks. Wireless network security. Working with network simulators.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Bruce Schneier: 2004, Secrets and lies, Wiley, Indianapolis, Ind., 0-471-45380-3
  • Joel Scambray, Stuart McClure, George Kurtz: 2001, Hacking exposed, Osborne/McGraw-Hill, Berkeley, Calif., 978-0072127485
  • Cyrus Peikari, Seth Fogie: 2003, Maximum wireless security, Sams, Indianapolis, Ind., 978-0672324888
  • Stephen Northcutt: 2003, Inside network perimeter security, New Riders, Indianapolis, Ind., 978-0735712324
  • William Stallings: 2003, Network security essentials, Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 978-0130351289


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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