SIT716 - Computer Networks and Security
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Nasrin Sohrabi Trimester 2: Nasrin Sohrabi |
| Prerequisite: | Must have passed unit SIT774 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 3 hour seminar per week. |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | Online independent and collaborative learning including 1 x 2 hour online seminar per week. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Note:^GIFT City (India) offering is available to students enrolled at the GIFT City (India) campus only | |
Content
Computer networks are becoming fundamental in modern life, providing a platform for the delivery of health, education, commerce, and entertainment. In recent years, computer networks have progressively replaced other networks such as voice and video, replaced physical media for news and entertainment, and provided the platform for new important applications in the areas of the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing. Unfortunately computer networks are also used by attackers to gain access to confidential information, conduct identity or intellectual property theft, and disable or even take control over remote systems. In SIT716, students will learn how computer networks function, how they are both targeted by and used as a vehicle for conducting security attacks, and how we secure and defend them. Key protocols at each layer of the protocol stack will be reviewed, known security vulnerabilities examined and countermeasures identified and explained, and emerging security issues in computer networking will also be considered. Through practical tasks students will gain experience working with network protocols and learn how security attacks involving network infrastructure can be identified.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Explain the architecture and operation of computer networks, how they are targeted by security attacks and defence against such attacks. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Assess the operation of network protocols and differentiate normal and abnormal network activity. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO3 | Review network information to identify cybersecurity activities and explain the capability and outcomes of these activities. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Portfolio | Portfolio including packet captures, reports, and presentations | 100% | Week 12 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Hurdle requirement
To be eligible to obtain a pass in this unit, students must meet certain milestones as part of the portfolio.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for SIT716 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit fee information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.