Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2027/05
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Unit ID: ITECH1502
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): (GPSIT1102 and ITECH1102)
ASCED: 020113
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

This unit introduces students to the foundational concepts and practices in cybersecurity. It emphasises the understanding and application of core principles in securing systems and networks against threats. The unit prepares students for further studies in cybersecurity and is tailored to those new to the field, focusing on building a solid theoretical and practical foundation.


Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
Supplementary Assessment:Yes
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Other outcomes:
O1.

Explain fundamental cybersecurity concepts, terminology, and principles.

O2.

Identify and classify common cyber threats and vulnerabilities affecting systems and networks.

O3.

Describe and demonstrate the purpose and operation of essential security technologies and controls.

O4.

Apply basic security measures and tools to protect systems and data in defined contexts.

O5.

Recognise and discuss legal, ethical, and professional considerations in cybersecurity practice.

O6.

Analyse simple case scenarios to suggest mitigation strategies for identified security risks.

Unit Content:

Topics may include:

1. Fundamental concepts and principles of cybersecurity

2. Understanding the modern cyber threat landscape

3. Human factors in cybersecurity

4. AI in cyber deception and threat detection: practical applications and governance

5. Cybersecurity governance, controls, and design principles

6. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 in practice: governance, awareness, communication, and recovery challenges

7. Security operations and incident response lifecycle

8. Identity and access security: authentication, authorisation, and endpoint defence

9. Securing modern digital infrastructure: network, cloud, and application security

10. Advanced security operations: SIEM, SOAR, and XDR

11. Future directions in cybersecurity: AI, quantum security, and critical infrastructure

Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. 1, 2, 3, 4

Students are required to complete and submit reports on weekly lab tasks aligned with each week's theme. Students will learn and be tested on their skill to use latest cybersecurity tools, and justify their thinking.

Lab Task Portfolio - completion and explanation

20% -30%

1.6

1.6.1

1.6.2

1.6.3

1.6.4
2. 4, 5, 6

Given a simulated attack, students are required to identify incident, analyse its potential impact, apply appropriate security tools and measures, and suggest mitigation strategies. This task assesses students' understanding of fundamental cybersecurity concepts and their ability to apply basic security practices in analysing and responding to cybersecurity incidents.

Cyber Incident Investigation

30% - 40%

1.6

1.6.1

1.6.2

1.6.3

1.6.4
3. 3, 4, 5, 6

Students are required to complete a comprehensive final project that demonstrates their understanding of advanced cybersecurity principles.

Individual Project and Presentation

30% - 40%

1.6

1.6.1

1.6.2

1.6.3

1.6.4
Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency