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Module Catalogue

WM284-15 Research and Professional Skills

Department
WMG
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Elzbieta Titis
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This module is designed to familiarise students with researching cross-cutting issues in cyber security contexts, introduce them to a range of data collection methods and analytical options relevant to this, and help them develop relevant skills in data collection and analysis. Students will also be introduced to ethical issues in cyber security research, as well as provided with guidance on how to design, plan and manage their dissertation effectively. Lastly, the module will present students with careers-oriented tasks, giving them the opportunity to consider their professional skills and career aspirations.

Module aims

The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and general research tools to correctly execute a project in cyber security. The focus is on the design of a research project, as well as providing students with the professional and teamwork skills to support the course and their overall career in cyber security.

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.

  1. Research Methods:
  • Evaluating literature.
  • Quantitative research method.
  • Qualitative research methods.
  • Experimental and computational research methods.
  1. Professional Skills:
  • Regulatory requirements.
  • Team roles and personal responsibility.
  • Ethics.
  • Project management.
  • Communication methods.
  • Careers guidance.
  • Approaches to continuing professional development.
  • Construction of a personal development plan.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Critically evaluate current and emerging cyber security research or technologies using appropriate criteria and techniques. [CITP 2.1.5., 2.1.9., 3.2.2]
  • Select and justify suitable research and project management methods to address a defined cyber security problem, considering ethical implications. [CITP 2.1.3., 2.1.4., 2.1.5., 4.2.2.]
  • Communicate complex cyber security concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, reflecting on the effectiveness of the communication. [CITP 2.3.2]
  • Demonstrate commitment to professional development through the creation and justification of a personal development plan. [CITP 2.3.2]

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Research element

Discerning appropriate methods for researching cyber security topics.
Negotiating, designing and planing a research project.

Interdisciplinary

Drawing on a range of disciplines relevant to socio-technological domain of cyber security, such as psychology, sociology, criminology, etc.

Subject specific skills

Discerning appropriate methods for researching cyber security topics.
Negotiating, designing and planing a research project.

Transferable skills

Problem-solving, communication, ethical values, self-management, professionalism.

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Supervised practical classes 20 sessions of 1 hour (13%)
Online learning (independent) 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Private study 50 hours (33%)
Assessment 60 hours (40%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

Independent activity between workshops, following up on activities initiated in previous workshops or preparing for upcoming workshops.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A1
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Essay with integrated PDP 70% 42 hours Yes (extension)

Students will write a critical essay on a topic related to cyber security research methods and ethics, and integrate therein a Personal Development Plan (PDP) that reflects on their academic and professional growth in this area.
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Research proposal presentation 30% 18 hours No

In groups, students will devise an investigation into cyber security topic of their choosing. This will be provided in the form of research proposal. Students will present their proposals in class.
Reassessment component
Devising research investigation Yes (extension)

When taken as a resit, this assessment becomes an individual submission (written report).
Feedback on assessment

Formative feedback during tutorial sessions.
Summative feedback on assignments.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • UWMA-H651 Undergraduate Cyber Security
    • Year 2 of H651 Cyber Security
    • Year 2 of H651 Cyber Security
    • Year 2 of H651 Cyber Security