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Computer Networks & Cyber Security – BSc (Hons)

  • CAO Points: 319

  • Campus: Moylish, Limerick City

  • years: 4


Course Overview

This course provides students with the computer network know-how to build secure and efficient networks and understand how hackers work. You will gain the knowledge to defend and manage the network by developing security plans, strategies and technical solutions to protect computer networks which includes physical and virtual servers and network hardware configuration. You will learn through hands on experience with Windows & Linux operating systems, services, scripting, databases, ethical hacking, virtual machines, microservices, Cisco, VMware, Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure cloud technologies. Students gain a foundation of technical knowledge, problem solving and logical thinking that gives them a competitive advantage in their career and further education. This range of practical knowledge enhances their ability to fit rapidly into different workplace cultures, adapt to change and pursue additional postgraduate studies. A work placement in Year 3 gives students an opportunity to gain valuable industry experience.

Contact Details

Michael Winterburn

Email: Michael.Winterburn@tus.ie

Niall Corcoran

Email: Niall.Corcoran@tus.ie

Mark Curtin

Email: Mark.Curtin@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Communications And Applications

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enable learners to communicate effectively and to support learner in their transition to becoming independent learners in higher education by enabling them to develop skills and strategies essential for success at this level while instilling the value of personal development and self-management. This module will give learners both the knowledge and practical skills in effective interpersonal communication that is required to be successful in study and beyond. Students will combine features across multiple applications to enable them to develop, interpret and express ideas through written, oral and visual communication.

  • Computer Mathematics

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to provide the student with the fundamental mathematical concepts encountered in the study of a computing discipline.

  • Digital Systems Concepts

    Credits: 5

    This module provides students with an introduction to the structure and function of a modern computer. The building blocks of a computer will be considered: Processor, Memory, and Storage. Topics will include Number Systems, Data Representation and Codes, Boolean Algebra, Sequential and Combinational Logic Circuits, Adders, Registers and Counters, and Simple Computer Organisation. Programming digital hardware systems at Assembly language and machine code levels is also examined.

  • Digital Systems Design

    Credits: 5

    This module deals with the design and implementation of digital systems, from specification to implementation as an integrated circuit (IC). A typical starting point would be a statement of requirements or a specification, in English and goes on to develop and refine more advanced circuits as the module progresses.

  • ICT and Applications

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding of the importance of the various tools and methods of communication. Students will combine features across multiple applications and technologies to enable them to become effective in reporting and presenting. Students will combine features across multiple applications to provide the learner with the skills to enable them to develop, interpret, and express ideas through written, oral, and visual communication.

  • Introduction To Computer Networks

    Credits: 5

    This module will give the learner an introduction to computer networking: building small networks and examining its principal technologies and standards.

  • Introduction To Programming

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the discipline, methodologies, and techniques of computer programming using a modern programming language.

  • Mathematical Methods

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to provide the student with a foundation in several mathematical methodologies encountered in the study of a computing discipline.

  • Operating Systems Fundamentals

    Credits: 5

    This module provides learners with an overview of the purpose, functions and structures of modern computer operating systems.

  • Structured Programming

    Credits: 5

    This module provides an in-depth analysis and implementation of Structured Programming concepts.

  • Understanding Local Area Networks

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce the learner to SOHO and SME switching and routing technologies used in local area networks.

  • Web Development Fundamentals

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals involved in the development of web pages.

  • Client-Server Technologies

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces students to the client-server paradigm, including the technologies and methods used to implement client-server systems.

  • Cyber Security Operations

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to give the learner the skills and knowledge to be able to work as a Security Analyst in a Security Operations Centre team. The learner will develop a balance of theory and practice.

  • Data Essentials

    Credits: 5

    Data comes from everywhere: sensors used in intelligent devices, posts to social media sites, digital pictures, audio and videos, commercial systems, and games to name a few. IT systems will capture some form of data, and use a database to store, modify, extract, and search it. This module aims to provide the learner with a solid foundation for those who work with these data and databases. A fundamental understanding of basic concepts, design, and terminology will be gained.

  • Data Formats and Storage

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce learners to data storage systems and to the various formats used to store data in a reliable and efficient way.

  • Database Administration

    Credits: 5

    The aim of the module is to enable the learner to acquire and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of modern techniques and challenges in commercial client/server database administration, processing, and subsequent analysis.

  • Enterprise Network Design

    Credits: 5

    This modules gives the learner a survey of the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks as well as automation concepts supporting network digitization.

  • Introduction to Object Oriented Programming

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the learner to the principles of object-oriented programming. The creation and manipulation of classes and objects using an object oriented programming language.

  • Operating Systems Scripting

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces students to scripting for the purposes of operating systems administration.

  • Operating Systems Structures

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to extend the concepts from Operating Systems Fundamentals to multi-user and network based operating systems.

  • Public Cloud Foundations

    Credits: 5

    This module will enable the learner to manage the computer networking components of multimedia or internet application development and then introduces the fundamentals of Cloud Computing.

  • Server Virtualisation & Storage

    Credits: 5

    This module will allow the learner to examine the principles and technologies that allow SMEs and Enterprise business to deploy and manage virtual servers and storage devices in datacentres.

  • Statistics and Probability

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to further develop students’ mathematical ability and to provide the student with the basic statistical and probability concepts required for information technology combined with the programming knowledge required for data analysis.

  • Data Comms

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to broaden the learner’s theoretical knowledge of the transmission/reception of data between nodes on a network. After completing this module, the learner will appreciate the fundamental capabilities of a diverse range of technologies and will be able to select and compare a range of heterogeneous network components, systems, and technologies.

  • Group Project

    Credits: 10

    This project provides learners with experience of working in a group on a substantial computing project for a theoretical company. This will require the members of the group to analyse, design, build, implement and test a system collectively. The project will familiarise the learner with a range of problems associated with project work, such as problem definition, team and time management, milestone delivery and quality control.

  • Network Security

    Credits: 5

    This module will examine the security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting, and management of enterprise network infrastructure devices to maintain their integrity, confidentiality, and availability as appropriate for an IT technician. The scale of these networks ranges from SOHO to larger enterprise networks. This module will combine theory and active learning developing essential career skills like problem-solving and collaboration.

  • Server Administration: Services

    Credits: 5

    This module enables the learner to manage key server services by building, installing, configuring, and maintaining physical and virtual servers.

  • Technical Writing & Research Skills

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop the technical writing and research skills of students prior to work placement and their capstone project. Students will develop an understanding of, and work on the writing skills required for academic and professional communications. A thorough exploration of the research process is central to the module, including basic research philosophy, research methodologies and designs, data collection instruments, information searching and management, and project and time management. The importance of citation is emphasised, and students are appraised of various referencing styles and systems. Developing research ideas and problem statements is included as a starting point to the capstone project process, which continues during work placement.

  • Work Placement

    Credits: 30

    This placement module will provide students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained on their programme while working in a professional IT environment. It will also afford them the opportunity to gain valuable career experience and developed their understanding of working in such an environment.

  • Applied Cryptography

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to provide a detailed analysis of cryptographic principles and techniques.

  • Data Centre Design

    Credits: 5

    The module has a comprehensive agenda that explores and addresses the key elements associated with designing, building, and maintaining a Data Centre. It teaches industry best practice principles for the design, construction and operation of computer rooms and Data Centre facilities. The module also breaks down and addresses the requirements of a successful design to meet the business needs incorporating the key infrastructure elements of the physical infrastructure, electrical distribution systems, air-conditioning, data cabling and building support systems.

  • Digital Forensics

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the principles and practice of digital forensics.

  • Entrepreneurship

    Credits: 5

    This module will analyse fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship. The aim is to introduce students to the entrepreneurial process and to equip them with skills to help them become entrepreneurs/intrapreneurs.

  • Information Security

    Credits: 5

    Information is widely recognised as the most important asset of any enterprise and its security should be a major focus. This module aims to provide a holistic and comprehensive view of information security and how it applies to making an organisation secure from external and internal threats to its data and information. The curriculum provides an extensive review of information security concepts and industry best practices and is primarily theory based. The aim is to allow students to develop the expertise to manage a best-practice information security system, aligned to globally accepted standards, to ensure that an organisation’s information assets are protected. Students will develop the skills required to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of enterprise information security.

  • Innovative Technologies & Future Skills

    Credits: 5

    Innovative and pioneering technologies are constantly being researched and developed to improve the lives of people and society. Traditionally, learning was considered discipline specific. Students today need new knowledge, skills and competences that are not discipline specific to succeed in a workplace where advances in technology are changing the nature of employment and the nature of society. In this module students will develop their transversal skills by working collaboratively with other students, teachers, guest lecturers, and other stakeholders to develop innovative technological solutions to solve complex, real-world problems.

  • IT Governance & Management

    Credits: 5

    An introduction to IT Governance and Services Management. Examines IT organisational design, IT governance models, ISO standards, and best practice frameworks for governance and service management. The aims of this module are to give the learner an appreciation of the role of IT Governance in the function of modern business and operational life, and to engage the learner with quality processes, standards and frameworks used in the IT sector.

  • Penetration Testing

    Credits: 5

    This module will allow learners to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to plan, carry out, and evaluate penetration testing and ethical hacking of computer networks. The ethical and legal requirements for such work will be explored, and learners will be able to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in networks and systems using industry-standard tools in a controlled environment, leading to an assessment of risk and identification of appropriate countermeasures.

  • Research Project

    Credits: 5

    A research project to investigate a chosen aspect of Computer Science.

  • Secure Public Cloud Services

    Credits: 5

  • Server Administration: Applications

    Credits: 5

    System administrators are required to build, manage, and maintain complex interconnected systems. Traditional server management can include a multitude of infrastructure elements spread across multiple data centres. With this scale and complexity, server administrators need to automate tasks to improve efficiency, reduce human error and streamline system management. This module will provide learners with the knowledge and expertise necessary to automate tasks using scripts across different server operating systems.

  • Software Defined Networks & Network Automation

    Credits: 5

    This module will examine emerging solutions to Software Defined Networking and Automation as appropriate for a SME. The size of these implementations in a lab environment is limited, but the technologies are scalable to full-enterprise usage. This module will combine theory and active learning developing essential career skills like problem-solving and collaboration.

What can you do after this programme?

Graduates of this programme have worked in positions such as:

  • Network Administrator/Technician
  • IT Customer Support
  • IT Technical Support (level 1 to 3)
  • Systems Administrator
  • Computer Network Engineer
  • Network Programmer/Analyst
  • Information Systems/Network Manager

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

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