Introductory description

Fluency in the process of software development is a prerequisite to the study of much of the remainder of this programme. In order to use computers to solve cyber security problems effectively, students must be competent at reading and writing programs in multiple programming languages. In addition, they must be able to design and analyse algorithms, select appropriate paradigms, and utilize modern development and testing tools. This module brings together those fundamental concepts and skills related to the software development process. As such, this module provides a foundation for other software-oriented aspects of the programme: programming languages for cyber security, data science for algorithms and complexity in the cyber context, and the cyber context of software engineering. This module focuses on the cyber context of the entire software development process, identifying those concepts and skills that should be mastered in the first year of the programme. This includes the design and simple analysis of algorithms, fundamental programming concepts and data structures, and basic software development methods and tools. A significant feature of the module is the use of group development projects. A single programming language and development environment will be used to exemplify the abstract concepts being developed. There will necessarily be some significant proportion of the module's independent study time being spent gaining familiarity with the language and its associated environment.

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.

Outline content
Fundamentally this module develops core programming concepts aimed at assisting the learner progress through further modules which requires this key skill.

The language is likely to be Python, but could change depending on the tutor. Learners will be taken through fundamental concepts to being able to design, develop, and test programs.

The content of this module will be taught from a cyber security perspective.

Key topics include but are not limited to:

• algorithms and design
• fundamental programming concepts
• fundamental data structures
• secure software development
• development methods
• Testing strategies

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand and apply basic programming principles
• Develop a software component that meets a given problem
• Analyse the behaviour of a program in response to various combinations of interesting inputs
• Utilise standard algorithms and data structures in the solution to well defined problems

Indicative reading list

The Python Book, Rob Mastrodomenico, Wiley, 2022
Practical Python Security, Dennis Byrne, Manning Publications, 2021
Building Python Programs, Reges et al, Pearson, 2019

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Simple object oriented terminology, including classes, objects, inheritance and methods
Good programming style
Basic programming constructs including sequence, selection and iteration, the use of identifiers, variables and expressions, and a range of data types
Analyse a problem in a systematic manner and model in an object oriented approach
Use simple programming environments to aid the above process
Design a short program, compile the program, debug the program and test the program

Transferable skills

Problem solving, teamwork, ability to solve problems using a range of sources and techniques