Examination arrangement

Course content

This is an introductory course to cyber security and data communication. The course focuses on practical work and general skills, and goes through selected topics around cybersecurity, networks, communication and protocols, use of computers and operating systems, application development and programming.

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge: 1) Basic knowledge of network protocols at different levels, such as TCP / IP, HTTP and MQTT. 2) Basic concepts within network structure and routing. 3) Basic architecture of systems within the Internet of Things. 4) Programming in Python, including access to communication and hardware. 5) Basic understanding of security mechanisms. 6) Basic understanding of IT system vulnerabilities. B. Skills: 1) Build and configure an IP network. 2) Using an operating system via the command line. 3) Develop applications in Python, including access to networks and hardware and use of external libraries. 4) Use web services via a programming interface (API). 5) Develop an architecture for a single system that contains communication. 6) Use of development tools. 7) Use of security tools. C. General competence: 1) Find relevant information online and use resources for developers independently. 2) Organize work in small teams. 3) Learn with others; teach others and receive information. 4) Learn about your own learning habits, and organize own learning. 5) Work focused on a problem. 6) Reflect about own work. 7) Think about ethics related to information systems.

The two labs in this course cover several sustainability goals and targets. The lab on Ethical hacking provides an introduction to information security, which is directly connected to target 9.1 in SG9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) for reliable and resilient infrastructure. The second lab, Internet of things, covers enabling technology critical for several sustainability goals, and especially SG9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SG14 (Life on Land) through sensor technology. It has a potential impact on SG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). We also discuss ethical dilemmas of IoT, like short-lived products and electronic waste, privacy concerns and safety issues.

Learning methods and activities

The course is structured into several units that focus on different problems. Each unit uses team-based learning and practical work. Much of learning happens in teams. Attendance to the lectures and the lab hours is compulsory. For each unit there is a quiz (RAT) and practical work, which is the basis for reports. The course will be graded to passed / not passed, based on the conducted RATs and the delivery of the reports.

Compulsory assignments

• Lab: attendance (>80%)
• Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs): participation (>80%)

Further on evaluation

The course will be graded to passed / not passed, based on the submission of an individual portfolio at the end of the semester. The portfolio consists of individual reflection notes and three lab reports (Network, Security and IoT) The lab reports must be submitted as a group during the semester. Lab reports are expected to be improved upon feedback prior to final submission as part of the individual portfolio. A report that is not delivered on time is considered not passed. Because the reports are based on exercises in labs lectures, lab attendance is mandatory (> 80%), and it is mandatory to participate in more than 80% of tests given during lectures. Detailed requirements for the individual portfolio and requirements for reports and all deadlines for submission will be announced at the beginning of the semester. If the portfolio is not approved, there is a continuation already in January of the following semester where an improved portfolio is to be handed in. If the portfolio is not approved then either, the course must be taken again in the following academic year.

Specific conditions

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the term.