Course coordinator
Associate Professor Marius Portmann
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
Cryptographic algorithms, advanced security protocols, Blockchain technology, current security research topics.
This course on Information and Computer Security will cover a range of advanced topics and current researchﾠin the field, with a focus on Blockchain technology. One component of the course will consist of formal lectures in the traditional format. However, a major component of the course is based on students researching an advanced topic with the help of academic research publications. A list of suggested topics and papers will be provided on the course web site. The result of the research, including a critical discussion,ﾠwill be presented in the form of a seminar.
Feedback for this course from students has been generally very positive, and hence only minor changes have been implemented. A key change to the course is the update of the seminar topics (list of papers) to include more recent publications in cybersecurity.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The course requires a general backgroundﾠin Information Security and the basic cryptographic primitives and security protocols, such as taught in CYBR3000.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CYBR3000
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMS7507
Course contact
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The goal of this course is to provide students withﾠaﾠsolid understanding of a range of advanced topics in the field of Information Security.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
understand and apply a wide range of complex security concepts, algorithms and protocols, in particular blockchain technology.
LO2.
research and critically discuss recent research in a wide range of areas in the field of Information Security.
LO3.
communicate complex concepts in the field of Information Security.
LO4.
research, design and/or implement (in a small team) solutions for concrete security problems for distributed applications.
LO5.
Work effectively in a team and identify the characteristics of effective team work.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Seminar Presentation
|
25% |
3/04/2025 - 29/05/2025 |
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Seminar Participation
|
10% |
3/04/2025 - 29/05/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project |
Project
|
25% |
16/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Seminar Presentation
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
3/04/2025 - 29/05/2025
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Students will present a summary, explanation and discussion of a selected topic or recent research results in Cyber Security in the form of a seminar.
The topic presented in the seminar needs to be significantly different from the topic covered in the project.
In order to pass this assessment item, students are required to speak freely, and are not allowed to read the text verbatim, with the exception of clearly acknowledged quotes.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed and in-depth comprehension of the presented content, via the ability to correctly answer questions by the audience (teaching staff and students).
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The seminar presentations are time limited and scheduled at a fixed time with multiple markers. They form an integral learning activity for the entire class, and hence an extension or deferral is not possible.
If students encounter extraordinary difficulties in meeting a deadline, they should contact the course coordinator well in advance of the due date.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Seminar Participation
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
3/04/2025 - 29/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
This assessment item considers the degree of participation during the seminar presentations. Students are expected to read the papers that are discussed prior to the seminar and actively participate in the discussion, by asking questions, answering questions, providing comments, etc. Attendance of the seminars is required.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Seminar participation is assessed during student seminar presentations which are time limited and scheduled at a fixed time, hence an extension or deferral is not possible.
If students encounter extraordinary difficulties in meeting a deadline, they should contact the course coordinator in advance of the due date.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Project
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
16/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In small teams, students will propose and carry out a research and/or implementation project in the field of Information Security. The deliverables of the project consist of a report , and code/documentation (if applicable).
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools. This will be done via an in-person presentation/demo/interview to assess the implementation (if applicable) and the authenticity of students' written reports and the understanding of its content. For the assessment of the project, both the written report as well as the in-person presentation/demo/interview will be considered.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This course uses a progressive assessment approach where feedback will be released to students within 14 days.
If students encounter extraordinary difficulties in meeting a deadline, they should contact the course coordinator well in advance of the due date.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
The final examination will be an invigilated paper-based written exam, to be held on-campus during the final examination period.
This exam will contain a combination of multiple-choice, problem solving and short answer questions, and specified materials will be permitted.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
In order to pass this course, i.e. to get a grade of 4 or higher, you need to achieve at least 40% in the final exam. If youﾠachieveﾠless than 40% in the final exam, your final cumulative percentage will be capped at 49, and your maximum possible grade is 3.ﾠﾠ If you achieve less than 30% in the final exam, your final cumulative percentage will be capped at 46, and your maximum possible grade is 2.ﾠﾠExam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Weighted average over all assessment items:ﾠ 0% - 19% |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Weighted average over all assessment items: 20% - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Weighted average over all assessment items:ﾠ 47% - 49% |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Weighted average over all assessment items:ﾠ 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Weighted average over all assessment items:ﾠ 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Weighted average over all assessment items:ﾠ 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Weighted average over all assessment items:ﾠ 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
If the final total percentage for all assessment, calculated at the end of the semester, results in a fractional component, then any fractional component is rounded up to the next whole integer before calculating the final grade.ﾠ This only applies to the final result and not to individual pieces of assessment, where any fractional results are included, as is, in the calculation of the final percentage.
In order to pass this course, i.e. to get a grade of 4 or higher, you need to achieve at least 40% in the final exam. If youﾠachieveﾠless than 40% in the final exam, your final cumulative percentage will be capped at 49, and your maximum possible grade is 3. If you achieve less than 30% in the final exam, your final cumulative percentage will be capped at 46, and your maximum possible grade is 2.ﾠﾠ
Moderation
The course coordinator reserves the right to adjust final marks up but not down. In general, for any assessment item that is done in a group, the course coordinator reserves the right to adjust individual marks for each group member in the event of varied contributions to the team effort.ﾠFor the project in particular, aﾠGroup Peer Assessment process will be used to adjust the individual marks in case of different levels of contribution by project team members.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material you should seek help. Speak to the course co-ordinator.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help, for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
All relevant learning material such as additional reading, lecture slides, etc. will be available via Blackboard.ﾠ
The Blackboard course site will contain a link to this profile, assignments, electronic copies of the lectures notes as well as any extra reading material.
For students without extensive experience and background in Team Work, it is recommended to complete the following edx course:ﾠ https://www.edx.org/course/working-in-teams-a-practical-guide
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Lectures Selected advanced Information Security topics, with a focus on Blockchain technology, will be presented in the form of traditional Lectures. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Seminar |
Seminar Students will give a seminar presentation and participate in seminar presentations given by other students on advanced topics in security, e.g. recent research papers. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: