OCSE5707: PG Online Session 1A, 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 (6 CP) and DATA5708 (6 CP), totalling 12 CP.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Computer Science
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A candidate for Master of Cybersecurity (online) who has completed a minimum of 24 credit points including 12 credit points Cybersecurity Core and 12 credit points of (Cybersecurity Specialist or Specialisation Core) units of study may take this unit
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CSEC5702 or CSEC5703 or CSEC5704 or CSEC5707 or CSEC5708 or CSEC5709 or COMP5802
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ali Anaissi, ali.anaissi@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Junaid Akram, junaid.akram@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 14 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Project Proposal Project proposal document	10%	Week 01 Due date: 02 Mar 2025 at 23:59	Proposal document, 1 page
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Progress Report I Report writing, feasibility study, and exploring potential solutions	5%	Week 03 Due date: 16 Mar 2025 at 23:59	Progress report ~ 10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Progress Report II Report writing, feasibility study, and exploring potential solutions	15%	Week 04 Due date: 23 Mar 2025 at 23:59	Progress report ~ 25 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Dissertation	Project Presentation Presenting your capstone project work (During tutorial session)	15%	Week 06 Due date: 06 Apr 2025 at 23:59	20 - 30 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final Proposal Report Final report and conclude the capstone project	45%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Maximum of 50 pages in length
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Weekly Progress & Discussion Capstone project discussion and reporting the progress	10%	Weekly	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment Overview: The Cybersecurity Capstone Project is performed by an individual expert working with supervisors and other stakeholders.
Proposal and Progress Report *: A Project Proposal is a one-page document showing the proposed idea/area to explore for the Capstone Project. The Progress Reports should include problem/task specification, literature survey, proposed methodology, expected outcomes, progress, and the proposed timeline.
Presentation *: Each student must participate in an oral presentation. Presentations will be approximately 25-30 minutes duration. Participation in presentations is compulsory. Failure to deliver a scheduled seminar will result in a failing grade for the Capstone Project unit.
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.
Weekly Progress & Discussion: Students will report the project state to supervisor(s) and seek feedback and confirmation. It is a compulsory component of this unit.

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

Students will receive a mark of UC (Unit Continuing) for Cybersecurity Capstone A if they have shown sufficient progress to warrant continuing to Cybersecurity Capstone Project B. The final grade for Cybersecurity Capstones A & B is based on the work done in Cybersecurity Capstone Projects A & B. Any marks awarded in Cybersecurity Capstone A will be incorporated into calculations for the final grade of the two units.

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 of a very high standard, a credit of a good standard, and a pass of 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 unit's learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard. It is a policy of the School of Computer Science that to pass this unit; a student must achieve at least 40% in the written examination. A student must also achieve an overall final mark of 50 or more. Students not meeting these requirements may be given a maximum final mark of no more than 45, regardless of their average.

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

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

A penalty of 5% per day late, e.g., a good assignment that typically gets 9/10 and is 2 days late loses 10% of the total 10 marks, i.e. new mark = 8/10. An average assignment that typically gets 5/10 and is 5 days late loses 25% of the total 10 marks, i.e. new mark = 2.5/10. Assignments more than 5 days late get 0. No late submission is permitted for the weekly tasks since it is part of the continuous assessment from the weekly synchronous sessions.

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	Introduction to Cybersecurity Capstone Project (Lecture Videos and Readings)	Independent study (4 hr)
	Introduction to Cybersecurity Capstone Project (Project Work)	Independent study (15 hr)
	Introduction to Cybersecurity Capstone Project (Live Session)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Literature Review and Research Question Formulation (Lecture Videos and Readings)	Independent study (4 hr)
	Literature Review and Research Question Formulation (Project Work)	Independent study (15 hr)
	Literature Review and Research Question Formulation (Live Session)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Experimental Design and Ethical Considerations (Lecture Videos and Readings)	Independent study (4 hr)
	Experimental Design and Ethical Considerations (Project Work)	Independent study (15 hr)
	Experimental Design and Ethical Considerations (Live Session)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Project Proposal Writing: Objectives and Methodology (Lecture Videos and Readings)	Independent study (4 hr)
	Project Proposal Writing: Objectives and Methodology (Project Work)	Independent study (15 hr)
	Project Proposal Writing: Objectives and Methodology (Live Session)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Project Proposal Writing: Literature Review and Timeline (Lecture Videos and Readings)	Independent study (4 hr)
	Project Proposal Writing: Literature Review and Timeline (Project Work)	Independent study (15 hr)
	Project Proposal Writing: Literature Review and Timeline (Live Session)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Capstone Approval and Finalising Project Planning (Lecture Videos and Readings)	Independent study (4 hr)
	Capstone Approval and Finalising Project Planning (Project Work)	Independent study (15 hr)
	Capstone Approval and Finalising Project Planning (Live Session)	Tutorial (1.5 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.

This unit OCSE5707 is designed over the on-campus CSEC5707: Cybersecurity Capstone A

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 03 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

OCSE5707: Cybersecurity Capstone Project A

PG Online Session 1A, 2025 [Online] - Online Program

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect