CSEC5708: Semester 1, 2025

Overview

The Cybersecurity Capstone project provides an opportunity for students to carry out a defined piece of independent research or design. These skills include the capacity to define a research or design question, show how it relates to existing knowledge and carry out the research or design in a systematic manner. Students will be expected to choose a research/development project that demonstrates their prior learning in the cybersecurity domain. The results will be presented in a final project presentation and report. It is not expected that the project outcomes from this unit will represent a significant contribution to new knowledge. The unit aims to provide students with the opportunity to carry out a defined piece of independent investigative research or design work in a setting and manner that fosters the development of cybersecurity skills in research or design. Eligible students for the Cybersecurity Capstone project will be required to complete both DATA5707 (6CP) and DATA5708 (6CP), totalling 12CP.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Computer Science
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A part-time enrolled candidate for the Master of Cybersecurity who has completed a minimum of 36 credit points may take this unit
Corequisites ?	CSEC5707
Prohibitions ?	CSEC5702 or CSEC5704 or CSEC5703 or CSEC5709 or OCSE5707 or OCSE5708 or COMP5802
Assumed knowledge ?	The capstone project must be completed in the final semesters.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Xi Wu, xi.wu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Presentation An oral presentation	15%	Formal exam period Due date: 15 Jun 2025 at 23:59	Up to 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Project proposal Project plan in previous semester	10%	Progressive	15 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Progress Report 1 Progress report in previous semester	4%	Progressive	10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Project Status Checking Check project status with supervisor and confirm expectation and scope	0%	Progressive	Checking form provided
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Progress Report 2 Report the progress	6%	Week 06 Due date: 06 Apr 2025 at 23:59	10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final report/deliverable Conclude the whole project	65%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	maximum length of 50 pages
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assessment Overview: The Cybersecurity Capstone Project is performed as an individual expert who is working with supervisors and other stakeholders.
Proposal and progress report *: A Research plan of around 15 pages and progress report of around 10 pages are required from each student, which should include problem/task specification, literature survey, proposed methodology, expected outcomes, progress and proposed timeline.
Presentation *: Each student will be required to participate in an oral presentation. Participation in presentations is compulsory. Failure to deliver a scheduled seminar will result in a fail grade for the project units.
Final report *: Maximum length is 50 pages (including tables, figures and references, but not appendices). Students should closely consult the report template and marking sheet for content and formatting requirements.
Project Status Checking: students are going to report the project state to supervisor(s) and seek feedback and confirmation. It is a compulsory component for this project unit.

* indicates an assessment tasks which must be repeated if a student misses it due to special considerations.

The main assessment tasks are based on three areas (depending on the nature of the task the first two might be combined into a single document):

The deliverables from the project that would be given to the `client` (who may be external, internal to the School, or even an implied type of person who would desire this work to be done, without there being a concrete individual). Example deliverables could be some software, an installed system, a report discussing some alternatives, an analysis of a marketplace, a design, etc;
A final report on the project for the supervisor, which would include an account of the purpose and context, a detailed description of the process which took place, an evaluation of the outcomes and the process;
An online presentation/seminar of the project outcomes for an audience of both client and markers.

Students work individually and will have their individual contribution assessed.

Students will receive a mark of UC (Unit Continuing) for Cybersecurity Capstone A if they have shown sufficient progress to warrant continuing on to Cybersecurity Capstone Project B. The final grade for Cybersecurity Capstone A and B is based on the work done in Cybersecurity Capstone Project A and B as a whole. Any marks awarded in Cybersecurity Capstone A will be incorporated into calculations for the final grade of the two units. Please kindly note that, the above assessments with the due as "progressive" are the ones that students have done in Cybersecurity Capstone A in previous semester.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

It is a requirement of the School of Computer Science that in order to pass this unit, a student must achieve at least 40% in the written examination. For subjects without a final exam, the 40% minimum requirement applies to the corresponding major assessment component specified by the lecturer. A student must also achieve an overall final mark of 50 or more. Any student not meeting these requirements may be given a maximum final mark of no more than 45 regardless of their average.

There may be statistically defensible moderation when combining the marks from each component to ensure consistency of marking between markers, and alignment of final grades with unit outcomes.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After 10 calendar days late, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 02	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 03	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 04	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 05	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 06	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 07	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 08	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 09	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 10	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 11	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 12	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor	Project (10 hr)
Week 13	1. Independent project work; 2. Meeting with supervisor; 3. Preparing Presentation and Reports	Project (10 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. utilise prior domain knowledge to define and develop a project relevant to a cybersecurity domain (MCyber)
LO2. initiate, formulate and plan a semester-long Cybersecurity project, incorporating risk mitigation strategies and following the plan methodically
LO3. analyse and synthesise information, draw appropriate conclusions and present those conclusions in context, with due consideration of methods and assumptions involved
LO4. demonstrate knowledge of recent Cybersecurity literature and possess an ability to apply investigative research to their own project
LO5. document, report and present project work undertaken to engage an academic and/or professional audience
LO6. develop, substantiate and articulate professional positions on issues relevant to the chosen area of practice, critically reflect on and evaluate the outcomes and process of the project

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

AI is allowed in this unit

Additional information

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty. Similarity of any submitted assessment cannot be higher than 35%.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 10 Feb 2025.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

CSEC5708: Cybersecurity Capstone B

Semester 1, 2025 [Supervision] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect