|
| Home | Design | SFC | Adv. Sec. | Code | Diary | WWW | Essay | Research |
Aim:
Structure:The programme builds on three major in Level 3 (BEng) and Level 4 (BEng[Hons]), which are: security/digital forensics; networking; and internet systems development, as illustrated next:
Security/Digital Forensics theme. The security theme focuses on the fundamentals of security and forensic computing, and then onto scaleable infrastructures for security at Level 4 (contact: Prof Bill Buchanan - w.buchanan (at) napier.ac.uk):
Internet Systems Development theme. The Internet Systems Development theme uses the advanced Microsoft .NET and ASP.NET framework for the development work (contact: Alistair Lawson - a.lawson (at) napier.ac.uk):
Networks theme. The Networks theme contains Systems and Distributed Systems (contact Dr Gordon Russell - g.russell (a) napier.ac.uk or Dr Neil Urquhart - n.urquart (at) napier.ac.uk):
Other DetailsThis course provides fundamental coverage of computing, with specialisations in IT security and forensic computing. Graduates, while specialising on these two areas, will also gain knowledge of a wide range of topics which are relevant in modern industry. The range of career options is thus obviously wide from system architects to security consultants. In fact the demand for security professionals increases by the year, and average salaries are one of the highest in the industry. The growing area of requirements for security has been highlighted by many studies, and as an industry it is a key growth area for the UK and also the world-wide economy. This course covers the key technological areas in modern technology such as networking, network security, forensic computing, distributed systems and software integration. Many business leaders and organisations, including Cisco Systems and Microsoft, see security as one of the major challenges of the future, especially as the importance and complexity of IT systems increase. This course thus provides a foundation in computing, while specialising on integrating security, from both a hardware point-of-view, and also in how software can be integrated to provide overall security. What are its special features?The special features of the course include:
How will I spend my study time?The course includes a mixture of academic study, practical hands-on experience, and in the study towards professional certification. The first two years covers the fundamental areas of computing such as computer systems, networking, software development, games technologies, wireless systems, databases, user interface design, and so on. In Year 2 there is the first contact with professional certification focuses on Cisco Wireless certification. In the later years, the focus becomes more specialised such as toward advanced forensic computing, advanced security, distributed systems, and so on. It also included studies which can lead to professional certification, especially related to Cisco and Microsoft certification, which are highly respected in industry, and along with the academic study give a perfect balance for the studies. What are the career opportunities?The growth in the application of security increases by the year. There are a wide range of careers from consultancy to systems support. As the course provides a wide range of skills, there are a wide range of careers which can be followed, such as: • Security Consultant. The increase in the requirement in security is highlighted by a 61% increase per annum in the demand for security engineers [http://www.itjobswatch.co.uk, Nov 2006] and an average salary of over £40,000 per annum. Along with this Network Security Engineers also shows a 14% increase in vacancies of the same period. These positions highlight the need in industry for graduates who are skills in networking and application development, in the areas of identity management, data security, risk management, information security, disaster recovery, content management, and so on. How flexible is the course?Year 1 consists of core modules, then in Year 2 students can select one area to study at an advanced level. In Year 3 there is considerable flexibility to select options which best fit future career plans. What study facilities are available?Napier University has a purpose built computing centre with 500 machines available for student use 24 hours a day. In addition: • Four state-of-the-art laboratories with networking and security
equipment and a new wireless laboratory with industry standard equipment. 2. What we look for in youOur focus is on students who are willing to take-on a wide range of skills, and to be able to develop deep understanding of how systems operate and how security is integrated. Our focus is on applying practical skills to the academic principles that are learnt. Do you need to have studied IT before?No. Full tuition will be given from the start with all the major software packages and hands-on help will be given for practical work. Do you need IT skills?You do not need formal qualifications in IT or computing, but you would be expected to be interested in using computers and in developing applications which are based on mobile devices, such as for networked applications with integrated security. 3 Entry RequirementsMinimum of 3 passes at Higher Grade, or 3 at AS Level, plus English, Maths at Standard Grade, GCSE or equivalent. 4 About this courseThe proposed course covers the key areas of security, networking, distributed systems, Web integration, and so on. As an outline the main areas are: Year 1 Year 4 (BEng [Hons]) Advanced Security and Digital Forensics |
