ITI43026 Computer System Security (Spring 2027)

Facts about the course

ECTS Credits:
10
Responsible faculty:
Faculty of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Economics
Campus:
Halden
Course Leader:
Thi Thuy Nga Dinh
Teaching language:
English
Duration:
½ year

Table of contents

The course is affiliated to the following study programme

Elective course in Master in Applied Computer Science, full-time and part-time.

Recommended previous knowledge

Recommended pre-knowledge:

  • at least 80 ECTS credits in computer science, of which at least 20 ECTS credits in programming
  • fundamental knowledge in operating systems and computer networks.
  • basic understanding of Bash scripting and C programming

Teaching semester

Second semester (spring) in the full-time programme.

Fourth semester (spring) in the part-time programme.

Content

The course covers principles of computer system security and explores methods to protect systems again modern threats. We will discuss various attack techniques and strategies to defend. Topic includes cryptography, operating system security, core network protocols, network attacks and defenses, penetration testing, social engineering attacks, and web security. Assignments include hand-on lab practices that reinforce these topics through practical implementation and analysis.

The student's learning outcomes on passing the course

Knowledge

The student

  • understanding of key concepts in computer security and computer system security
  • understanding of computer authentication, access control mechanism, memory management
  • understanding of core network communication protocols and network security models
  • understanding of modern threats

Skills

The student is able to

  • analyse computer security and computer system security
  • perform OS hardening and security configurations
  • perform selected attack scenarios using up-to-date security tools and publicity available resources
  • perform hands-on security testing and analyse results

General competence

The student can understand and analyse operating system vulnerabilities, complex communication protocols and overall computer systems security. The student gains a better understanding of how to write reliable code and how to protect computer system again modern attacks and threats.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and lab assignments.

Workload

Approx. 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

Up to 11 mandatory assignments are submitted during the semester. At least 8 submissions must be approved before students can take for the final exam.

Exam

4 hours individual written exam based on the course curriculum.

No aids allowed.

Individual grade given, grading scale A-F.

Examiners

One external or one internal examiner.

Conditions for resit/rescheduled exams

Resit / rescheduled exam is carried out at the same time as the next ordinary examination. The department management can nevertheless decide to arrange a resit exam in the following semester.

Course evaluation

This course is evaluated by a:

  • Final course evaluation

The responsible for the course compiles a report based on the feedback from the students and his/her own experience with the course. The report is discussed by the study quality committee at the Department of Computer Science and Communication.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 4:25:53 AM