CQUniversity Unit Profile
COIT20265 Networks and Information Security Project
Networks and Information Security Project
All details in this unit profile for COIT20265 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit is the capstone to the Networks and Information Security specialisation of the Master of Information Technology course. You are required to demonstrate the skills that you have developed throughout your specialisation, and apply these skills to an authentic task group network security project including the design and technology implementation of a network security plan that meets client's requirements. As part of a work portfolio, you will be required to produce project management artefacts typical of a commercial network security project.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 12
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.25

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisites COIT20262 Advanced Network Security COIT20263 Information Security Management COIT20264 Network Design PPMP20007 Project Management Concepts

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2020

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
2. Presentation
Weighting: 20%
3. Portfolio
Weighting: 20%
4. Report
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

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 Staff in Network and Information Security discipline

Feedback

Most students work on the provided case study, as it is difficult for them to identify industry projects within a short time frame at the start of term.

Recommendation

Increase the number of topics provided to students, especially projects conducted for real clients such as researchers and industry partners.

Feedback from Student evaluations and teaching staff

Feedback

Additional feedback on assessment items, with turnaround times of less than two weeks is desirable so students can quickly adapt their project direction when needed.

Recommendation

Redesign the structure and deadlines for assessments, as well as marking criteria, so that teaching staff can focus their efforts on quick, specific feedback for each group.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Apply the concepts learned in network security specialisation units informed by research and professional best-practice
  2. Assess systems for security exposures; and accordingly, select and implement appropriate countermeasures and controls
  3. Plan and manage a network security project, particularly the prioritisation of tasks, scheduling of time and resources, and the generation of supporting documentation
  4. Review and critically evaluate team and individual performance, reflecting on the processes followed and identifying areas for continuous improvement
  5. Communicate effectively by using written and oral presentation, understanding the needs of various stakeholders
  6. Demonstrate productive participation and contribution to a project team or work environment.

Australian Computer Society (ACS) recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is in use in over 100 countries and provides a widely used and consistent definition of ICT skills. SFIA is increasingly being used when developing job descriptions and role profiles.
ACS members can use the tool MySFIA to build a skills profile at https://www.acs.org.au/professionalrecognition/mysfia-b2c.html
This unit contributes to the following workplace skills as defined by SFIA. The SFIA code is included:
  1. Project Management (PRMG)
  2. IT Management (ITMG)
  3. Information Security (SCTY)
  4. Security Administration (SCAD)
  5. IT Governance (GOVN)
  6. Technical specialism (TECH)
  7. IT Infrastructure (ITOP)
  8. Systems Installation/Decommissioning (HSIN)
  9. Network Support (NTAS)
  10. Network Planning (NTPL)
  11. Network Design (NTDS)
  12. System Design (DESN).
  13. Penetration testing (PENT)
  14. Information Assurance (INAS)

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Report - 40%
2 - Portfolio - 20%
3 - Written Assessment - 20%
4 - Presentation - 20%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Report - 40%
2 - Portfolio - 20%
3 - Written Assessment - 20%
4 - Presentation - 20%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Computer with webcam, microphone, speakers
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Steven Gordon Unit Coordinator
s.d.gordon@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 13 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

Introduction to project by mentor

Form project groups

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week

Week 2 Begin Date: 20 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor


Project selection

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week

Week 3 Begin Date: 27 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week

Week 4 Begin Date: 03 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week
  2. Submit a Project Plan
  3. Submit and present Progress Report-1
Week 5 Begin Date: 10 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor


Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week
  2. Show your mentor the progress of your portfolio. Then submit it after addressing the feedback (required).

Vacation Week Begin Date: 17 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 24 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week
  2. Submit and present Progress Report-2
Week 7 Begin Date: 31 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week

Week 8 Begin Date: 07 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week
  2. Submit and present Progress Report-3
Week 9 Begin Date: 14 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week
  2. Show your portfolio to your mentor for feedback (required)



Week 10 Begin Date: 21 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week
  2. Submit and present Progress Report-4
Week 11 Begin Date: 28 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Make entries in the Portfolio covering activities performed in this week
  2. Group Project Presentation

Week 12 Begin Date: 05 Oct 2020

Module/Topic

Weekly meeting with the project mentor

Chapter

No prescribed textbooks for this unit

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Submit Final Portfolio
  2. Submit FINAL Project Report
  3. Group Project - DEMO of Proof of Concept

Portfolio Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Oct 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

No exam

Events and Submissions/Topic

Project Report and Technical Implementation Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (12 Oct 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 19 Oct 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

No exam

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

With online delivery this term, you will need access to a computer (laptop or PC) that supports video conferencing and any software relevant for your project. As students may undertake different projects, the specific software requirements may vary. Therefore it is the responsibility of the project team to ensure they have sufficient hardware/software to complete the project.

For meetings with your project mentor, as well as the final project presentation and demonstration, you will use Zoom video conferencing software. Therefore you must have a computer with webcam, microphone and speakers (e.g. headset). 

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Project Plan and Project Progress Reports

Task Description

This group assessment comprises two items:

  1. Project Plan due in week 4
  2. Four progress reports due in weeks 4, 6, 8, and 10


Assessment Due Date

See exact dates in Moodle


Return Date to Students

Assessment returned two weeks after submission. See exact dates in Moodle


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Project Plan

  • 12 marks
  • Due: Friday, Week 4
  • You are required to submit a project plan outlining the project scope, objectives, constraints, statement of work, project team members, RACI matrix, GANTT Chart, project risks, and proposed mitigation plan.

Periodic Project Progress Reports

  • Four reports @ 2 marks each for a total of 8 marks
  • Due: Fridays, Week 4, 6, 8, and 10
  • This is a group assessment.
  • Each group must submit four periodic project progress reports using a standard template provided on the unit website in Moodle.
  • All students must give a presentation of each progress report to their project mentor.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Please refer to Moodle for further instructions

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply the concepts learned in network security specialisation units informed by research and professional best-practice
  • Assess systems for security exposures; and accordingly, select and implement appropriate countermeasures and controls
  • Plan and manage a network security project, particularly the prioritisation of tasks, scheduling of time and resources, and the generation of supporting documentation
  • Review and critically evaluate team and individual performance, reflecting on the processes followed and identifying areas for continuous improvement


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Leadership

2 Presentation

Assessment Title
Group Project Presentation

Task Description

Each group must present their projects in a plenary session in week 11 of the term. This is followed by a project demonstration in week 12.


Assessment Due Date

Please refer to Moodle for exact dates


Return Date to Students

On certification day


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Each member of the group must submit their group’s PowerPoint slides through the appropriate link in Moodle. Please refer to the unit website in Moodle for detailed information about the project presentation (week 11), project demonstration (week 12), and marking criteria.

All presentations will be via video conferencing, e.g. Zoom. The date and time will be determined by your lecturer/tutor.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Please refer to Moodle for further instructions

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Communicate effectively by using written and oral presentation, understanding the needs of various stakeholders
  • Demonstrate productive participation and contribution to a project team or work environment.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Leadership

3 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio

Task Description

This is an individual task. Use your portfolio to capture things like:

  1. Activities that you performed during the week
  2. Your contributions to the overall project requirements
  3. Challenges faced
  4. Reflections and experiences in conducting the project
  5. Bibliography such as technical journals, websites, trade magazines, etc. you used to support your work


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2020) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

On certification day


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

You are required to submit your portfolio in week 12 for assessment; however, it is essential to maintain this document throughout the term as it is the only component of the unit assessed individually. Failure to submit a portfolio will disadvantage your overall marks. We recommend to make entries in the portfolio on each occasion you undertake work on the project for personal reflections and lessons learned. You are expected to make a portfolio entry at least once a week. Periodically, you are required to show your portfolio to your mentor to receive feedback on the quality of the content, and the overall look and feel of it. 

The Moodle site provides further information and specific marking criteria.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Please refer to Moodle for further instructions

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Review and critically evaluate team and individual performance, reflecting on the processes followed and identifying areas for continuous improvement
  • Demonstrate productive participation and contribution to a project team or work environment.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

4 Report

Assessment Title
Project Report and Technical Implementation

Task Description

This is a practical activity that requires demonstration of the implementation of your network and security plan. You must identify key threats and challenges, and implement technology to address them. The technology has to address key challenges to the network environment. You are required to submit the technical documentation including network analysis and design, security risk analysis, test plan, test results and any network security policies and/or procedures that result from your implementation test.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (12 Oct 2020) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

On certification day


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The project report and technical documentation will be assessed upon the quality of the content. This includes the presentation layout and the depth and breadth of your project recommendations adhering to the implementation of a secured computer network. As this is a group submission, some portion of the marks may be given for the entire group (i.e. all members of the group receive the same mark), for individual members (i.e. one member receives a different mark than another member), and some portion of the marks may be based on peer assessments (i.e. one member evaluates the performance of another member).

Please refer to the unit website in Moodle for further information and detailed marking criteria.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Please refer to Moodle for further instructions

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply the concepts learned in network security specialisation units informed by research and professional best-practice
  • Assess systems for security exposures; and accordingly, select and implement appropriate countermeasures and controls
  • Plan and manage a network security project, particularly the prioritisation of tasks, scheduling of time and resources, and the generation of supporting documentation
  • Communicate effectively by using written and oral presentation, understanding the needs of various stakeholders


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?