Syllabus - CYBR 200: Secure Software Systems - Fall 2023
Instructor
| Name | Jeff Shafer |
| Office | Anderson Hall 227 |
| Phone | (209) 946-2302 |
| jshafer at pacific dot edu |
Course Support
| Canvas Site | TBA |
| Class Slack | https://ecpe.slack.com/ Use class comp280 channel for all questions that would be helpful to your classmates. DM instructor otherwise. |
| Office Hours | Schedule a 1:1 Zoom appointment at https://calendly.com/jeff-shafer |
Course Basics
| Class Hours | Online |
| Prerequisites | Graduate or blended students in the School of Engineering and Computer Science and COMP 280 or COMP 157 with a “C“ or better. |
| Textbook | No textbook is required for this course. Optional reference books may be suggested throughout the semester, and I welcome feedback on any online/print references you find useful! |
| Credits | 3 |
Course Description
In this course, students will study best practices for secure software development. Topics will include secure software design, secure coding, and security testing and auditing. Students will learn how cryptographic algorithms work and applications of cryptography in secure software design. Students will write and analyze code that demonstrates specific security development techniques.
Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the basics of secure programming
- Identify and analyze security problems in software
- Understand and protect against security threats and software vulnerabilities
- Be able to use current best-practice cryptographic techniques in software and system design
- Effectively apply their knowledge to the construction of secure software systems
Program Learning Outcomes
The MS in Cybersecurity program has identified eleven program learning outcomes that are satisfied by required courses. These program learning outcomes, and the level at which each course satisfies them, is identified in the following table:
|
Course |
CYBR 200 |
CYBR 210 |
CYBR 220 |
CYBR 230 |
CYBR 240 |
CYBR 250 |
CYBR 280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Low Level Programming Languages |
D |
|
M |
M |
|
|
|
|
Software Reverse Engineering |
|
|
M |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating System Theory |
D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Networking |
|
|
|
M |
|
|
|
|
Cellular and Mobile Technologies |
|
|
|
M |
|
|
|
|
Discrete Math and Algorithms |
M |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cyber Defense |
D |
|
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Security Fundamental Principles |
D |
|
|
|
M |
|
|
|
Vulnerabilities |
|
M |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cybersecurity Law |
|
|
|
|
|
M |
|
|
Communication Skills |
|
D |
|
|
|
M |
|
D = Developed (learning outcome developed through multiple assignments with extensive feedback)
M = Mastered (learning outcome mastered through a robust assignment; appropriate for graduation)
Note: CYBR 280 (Cyber Security Capstone Project): This student project must demonstrate mastery in at least five different cybersecurity competencies (including cybersecurity law and communication skills)
Course Topics
The topics covered in this course include:
- Introduction to software security
- Current state of software security
- Common software vulnerabilities
- Secure software design and coding
- Software security standards and tools
- Secure software engineering lifecycle
- Auditing and testing software
- Applied cryptography
Assignments and Examinations
This course will be composed of the following elements:
- Projects (55% of course grade)
- Midterm Exam (15% of course grade)
- Final Exam (15% of course grade)
- Labs (15% of course grade)
Attendance Policy
TBA
Grading Policy
Grades for the course are assigned on the scale below:
| Grade | A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D+ | D | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | > 93 | 93-90 | < 90-87 | < 87-83 | < 83-80 | < 80-77 | < 77-73 | < 73-70 | < 70-67 | < 67-60 | 60 |
Late submission policy:
- Assignments submitted less than 24 hours late will be accepted without penalty.
- Assignments submitted from 1 to less than 4 days late will be accepted at a 10% penalty.
- Assignments submitted 4 days late, or beyond, will not be accepted.
Student Work
Please note that copies of student work may be retained by the instructor to assess how the learning objectives of the course are met. Further, the MOSS (Measure of Software Similarity) system may be used to compare student submissions in an automated fashion.
Honor Code
The Honor Code at the University of the Pacific calls upon each student to exhibit a high degree of maturity, responsibility, and personal integrity. Students are expected to:
- Act honestly in all matters
- Actively encourage academic integrity
- Discourage any form of cheating or dishonesty by others
- Inform the instructor and appropriate university administrator if she or he has a reasonable and good faith belief and substantial evidence that a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy has occurred.
Violations will be referred to and investigated by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. If a student is found responsible, it will be documented as part of her or his permanent academic record. A student may receive a range of penalties, including failure of an assignment, failure of the course, suspension, or dismissal from the University. The Academic Honesty Policy is located in Tiger Lore and online at https://www.pacific.edu/student-life/safety-wellness/student-conduct/tiger-lore-student-code-of-conduct-/honor-code
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability who requires accommodations, please visit https://www.pacific.edu/disabilities to contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) for information on how to request accommodations while at Pacific.
- Students who have not previously registered for accommodations can request services by visiting https://www.pacific.edu/disabilities and selecting New Students Apply Here. Once registered, students will be asked to provide documentation of their disability, and meet with the accommodation specialists to determine reasonable accommodations.
- Students who have previously been approved for services with SSD can requests accommodation(s) letters each semester by selecting the Returning Students Login Here link located on https://www.pacific.edu/disabilities
The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities is located in the McCaffrey Center, Second Floor.
Phone: 209-946-3221
Email: ssd@pacific.edu
Online: https://www.pacific.edu/disabilities
Nondiscrimination Policy
The University of the Pacific does not discriminate in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions, scholarships, loans, athletics, or other University activities or programs on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, handicap, sexual orientation or preference, sex or age.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Students in this course are required to comply with the current COVID-19 university policies. Please contact COVID-19_information@pacific.edu with any questions.
If there are significant changes in pandemic conditions, it may be necessary to change some of the policies or structure of this course. If this becomes necessary, a revised syllabus will be distributed through the course Canvas site. Check the Canvas site regularly for announcements.