Introductory description

A project for BSc Cyber Security must focus on the cyber security domain.

With support from their supervisor, an individual student will be expected to undertake the full life cycle of a research or development project in the cyber domain.

Some of the most worthwhile cyber projects are development projects which deliver capability as an output. Such development projects sit comfortably alongside research projects with the heart of the development question being “is the developed product fit for purpose?” This provides a unified overall pattern of project outcomes based on evidence. At the same time, it delivers the widest range of outputs and outcomes that can have real value in the cyber domain.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The nature of scientific research and development.
Cyber research and development methods.
Ethical considerations in cyber research and development.
Risk management of cyber projects.
Planning, managing and monitoring a cyber research or development project.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1 - Critically evaluate the corpus of published material, formulating relevant ideas into a referenced literature review.
• 2 - Select and apply appropriate methods, tools and techniques to suit the requirements of a specific research question or development goal.
• 4 - Conduct research or development in an ethically responsible manner.
• 3 - Plan, monitor, risk manage, and report on an extended piece of research or development, utilising the time and resource to good effect and presenting findings to suit the needs of the audience.

Research element

Conduct experimentation on cyber systems to determine cyber characteristics.
Human participation is not anticipated.
Development projects will not include the research element.

Subject specific skills

1 - Critically evaluate the corpus of published material, formulating relevant ideas into a referenced literature review.
2 - Select and apply appropriate methods, tools and techniques to suit the requirements of a specific research question or development goal.
3 - Plan, monitor, risk manage, and report on an extended piece of research or development, utilising the time and resource to good effect and presenting findings to suit the needs of the audience.
4 - Conduct research or development in an ethically responsible manner.

Transferable skills

Critical thinking, problem solving, communication, ethical values, professionalism