In this unit, you will learn how Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure supports the operation of modern organisations. You will investigate the structure of the Internet, design wired and wireless networks, and deploy applications using virtualisation and cloud computing. You will discover mechanisms for securing ICT infrastructure and applications by studying the motivation of attackers and the common vulnerabilities they exploit. You will also learn frameworks and tools organisations use to manage cloud infrastructure, reduce cyber security risks, and deliver IT services to customers. As you explore cyber security and Internet technologies via hands-on laboratory tasks, you will reflect on the impact of those technologies on society, and your responsibilities as a future ICT professional. This unit gives you the broad knowledge of networking and cyber security that all ICT professionals require and is a starting point for a career as a cyber security analyst, cloud engineer, or network operations specialist.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student evaluations and informal student feedback

Students felt overwhelmed by the tutorial tasks plus regular deadlines for assessment activities.

Reduce the number of online quizzes, as well as the weight of draft assessments (e.g. draft journal), and provide additional guidance on amount of effort required for each task (e.g. identify what is to be included in journal for each tutorial task).

Feedback from Informal student feedback

Some students from a non-technical background found the assessments difficult.

Review the assessment intructions for clarity (e.g. avoid too many technical terms, add cross-references to unit material), and provide additional videos that step through the assessments as well as demonstrate key concepts needed for the assessments.

Feedback from Teaching team feedback

The group project was challenging, both in forming groups and ensuring team members made sufficient contributions.

Allocate time in tutorial classes for group formation and work on the group project, and investigate methods to encourage and monitor contributions from all team members.

Feedback from Teaching team feedback

Project marking criteria did not provide students with enough guidance of expectations.

Revise the project marking criteria to include more examples of expecations at a wider range of levels (e.g. Excellent, Good, Poor).