Informatics, Information Security Management - Application Areas, Second Cycle, 10.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course objectives

1. Based on theories on project management have the ability to plan a project to solve an information security problem in a specific case.

2. Be able to analyze, assess and propose relevant theories, methods, models and techniques to manage an information security problem in a specific case.

3. Be able to use relevant theories, methods, models and techniques to manage an information security problem in a specific case.

4. Be able to account for and critically reflect on the implementation of a project to solve an information security problem in a specific case, in relation to the previously chosen theories, methods, models and techniques.

Main content of the course

In the course information security skills that have been acquired earlier will be applied and developed in a project. The project is conducted in cooperation with external partners who provide problems. The project is a group assignment where focus is on planning, problem solving and proposing a solution to an information security problem. Tools for problem solving are suitable methods, models and techniques that the student have been provided with during the course of the information security education. Additional new tools may be applied depending on the case, supervision resources and agreements with the responsible teacher.

The course consists of the following modules:
1) To initiate and plan projects - scope, time plan, resource management, project quality and risk management. This entails identifying and analyzing the problem focused in the project work. (Addressing goal 1)
2) Theoretical studies. This entails theoretical studies on the basis of information security problems i a specific case. (Addressing goal 2)
3) Implementation of the proposed project, based on the earlier proposed theories, methods and tools, in a specific case. (Addressing goal 3)
4) Presentation and reflection on the implementation of the information security project in a specific case. (Addressing goal 4)

Teaching methods

The employed teaching methods are anchored in flipped classroom and case-based learning. Flipped classroom means focusing on exploring topics in greater depth and creating meaningful learning opportunities in class time, while content delivery is made outside of the classroom. Case-based learning means that scenarios from real-world examples are used to as a point of departure for in class activities and assignments. In this course these teaching methods are implemented through online lectures, individual readings, information searching, seminars, student presentations and supervision.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination 1, 1.5 credits (Code: A001)
Oral and written group presentation of project plan (Assesses goal 1)

Examination 2, 2 credits (Code: A002)
Oral and written group presentation of relevant theories, methods, models and techniques (Assesses goal 2)

Examination 3, 3 credits (Code: A003)
Oral and written presentation of solution of an information security problem (Assesses goal 3)

Examination 4, 4 credits (Code: A004)
Individual written report on the project implementation. The report is based on the work performed in parts 1.2 and 3 (Assesses goal 4)

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination 1
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Examination 2
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Examination 3
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Examination 4
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

For an approved final grade on the course, an approved result is required for all examinations. The letter grades A-E are weighted into a final grade based on the examinations of the entire course.

Detailed information on the requirements for each of the grade levels are given in the outlines at the start of the course.

Specific entry requirements

Informatics, Basic Course 30 Credits, 30 Credits at intermediate course level within Informatics and successful completion of at least 15 Credits at advanced course level within Informatics. Alternatively Business Administration, Basic Course, 30 Credits, Business Administration, Intermediate Course, 30 Credits and successful completion of at least 15 Credits at advanced course level within Business Administration. Alternatively 30 Credits within G1N in Computer Science and 45 Credits within G1F in Computer Science.

In addition, the student needs to have successfully completed at least two of the following courses: Informatics, Introduction to Information Security, Second, second cycle, 7.5 credits (A1N), Informatics, Regulatory Aspects of Information Security, second cycle, 7.5 credits (A1N), Informatics, Social Aspects of Information Security, second cycle, 7.5 credits (A1N), Informatics, Introduction to IT Security, second cycle, 7.5 credits (A1N). The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

Remaining tasks should be completed as soon as possible according to the teacher's instructions.

The course is offered in English and therefore all examinations will be conducted in English.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

The course relies in part on literature from previous courses in the program. Additional reading can be added based on the students own searches and needs that come up during the project work.