SYLLABUS

COMP 482 is an introduction to a variety of topics in cybersecurity. The course will cover computer security technology and principles (e.g., encryption, database security, distributed denial of service, etc.), software security (e.g., operating systems, mobile devices), network security (e.g., internet service protocols, VPN services, authentication apps), and privacy concerns (e.g., modern systems and data, implications of data gathering). We will explore additional topics of interests through project work and student presentations on additional concepts.

You may use Virtual Machines (VM's) and Kali Linux to study some of the functions and principles of cybersecurity. However, you must always comply with Kalamazoo College's policies and terms of use. You can find a link to those here, and see the section on "Unacceptable Use".

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About COMP 482

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Goals

1. The identification of various types of cybersecurity threats and defense strategies across multiple platforms.
2. The instantiation of common attack techniques for academic purposes to find vulnerbailities.
3. The development of strategies for safe software and proper application of risk assessment critera.
4. The exploration of student-focused interest in the area of cybersecurity.

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Format and Resources:

This class will meet three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The lecture portion of the class will introduce new concepts. Then, time will be alloted for active learning activities, such as discussion, hands-on exercises, and group activities. Active and consistent attendance, engagement, and collaboration are the best ways you can benefit your learning.

• Class: Classes will take place in Olds/Upton 312. There are several college computers available in this classroom, although many students choose to bring their own laptop.
• Computing Requirements: A computer running Windows, MacOS, or Linux, plus Internet connectivity, is necessary. The computer science department uses free and open source software whenever possible, choosing applications that work across Linux, Mac, and Windows platforms. Most, if not all, of the college-owned computers on campus have the appropriate software you will need for this class.
  
  • Many students choose to use Visual Studio Code for writing and editing assignments. Visual Studio Code is installed on the College computers, or you may download it onto your own computer from https://code.visualstudio.com/download.
• Online Information and Assignment Submission:
  In addition to our textbook, many other online resources can be found here.
  • The course web site is https://www.cs.kzoo.edu/cs482/. The course syllabus and detailed schedule can be found there.
  • I am available for in-person and online help during office hours, and often at other times as well. You just need to reach out to schedule something,
  • We will use the Kit web site for assignment submissions and grades.

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Attendance and Participation:

Regular attendance and fully engaged participation is expected of all students in this course and will affect your grade. Active participation means being on time, being prepared, listening to others, contributing ideas of your own, and asking questions as they come up. There are direct correlations between keeping up and how much you learn and can apply later.

You will be given 2 "free" absences to use at any point throughout the term. I will take attendance in the first 10 minutes of class, after that point you will be marked absent. If you are ill or pose a health risk to other people, you should wear a mask or not come to class. You should keep up as well as your condition will allow by finishing readings, assignments, or watching class videos. You should also communicate with your instructor if necessary.

To create an inclusive and supportive learning environment in which everyone can participate fully, we will follow these Community Guidelines adapted from the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) at the University of Michigan.

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Assignments

Assignments, announcements, class notes, and other material will be made available on the course web schedule: http://www.cs.kzoo.edu/cs482/schedule.html. Students are responsible for checking this resource frequently.

You will be assigned reading, videos, and other materials. These are expected to be complete before class. You are encouraged to discuss both the ideas from the reading/videos both in Microsoft Teams or during in-class discussion.

There will be 4-5 activities and a number of reflections assigned throughout the quarter. You will receive 1 week to complete these, and a portion of class time will also be alloted. I will make assignments available online far enough in advance that you will have some flexibility in scheduling your work, but you are responsible for budgeting your time wisely so that you will be able to complete your assignments on time. Activities must always be turned in on time unless you clear it with me in advance.

There will additionally be be one course presentation and a project that needs to be completed (either alone or in teams of 2-4 students).

Late submission policy: Assignment due dates have two important functions: to help you plan your time and keep you on track to successfully complete the course, and to make grading more manageable. Late assignments will accrue late penalties or might not be accepted at all. To encourage timeliness, assignments that are one day late will lose 5%; two days late will incur a 10% loss. After three days, the loss will jump significantly to 25% or more. After 5 days, the assignement will not be accepted. In unusual circumstances an extension may be granted, but only if you speak to your instructor in advance.

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Final Grade

Final grade will be based on:

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Collaboration and the Honor System

This course operates in accordance with the principles of the Kalamazoo College Honor System: responsibility for personal behavior, independent thought, respect for others, and environmental responsibility. In particular, academic integrity is a fundamental principle of scholarship. Representing someone else's work as your own, in any form, constitutes academic dishonesty. Unauthorized collaboration and receiving help from others outside the bounds permitted by the instructor are also violations of the College honor system. You are responsible for working within the permitted bounds, and acknowledging any help from others or contributions from other sources.

Penalties for a first violation of the Honor System in this course may include receiving no credit for an assignment, a lowered course grade, or failure of the course. Depending on the severity of the incident, a report may be sent to the Dean's Office, which may result in additional consequences, including suspension from the College. Any subsequent violation will result in immediate failure of the course.

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