IS-504 Current Topics and Research Areas in Information System Security
- ECTS Credits:
- 7.5
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leaders:
-
- Pankaj Pandey
- Devendra Bahadur Thapa
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Cyber Security, Master’s Programme
Teaching language
EnglishRecommended prerequisites
IS-423, IS-424, IS-425, and ICT-447
Course contents
IS 504 prepares students for the Master Thesis and provides possibilities for specialization on a chosen theme within Information Systems (IS) security. It will focus on current issues in IS security, how theory can be applied in an empirical study, and the methodology for conducting literature studies. Students are introduced to various topics and issues within IS security that can be relevant focus areas in a master thesis. Research ethics and guidelines for how to apply ethics in research studies, are part of the course. During the course, students work with a comprehensive literature review which can be related to the theme of their forthcoming thesis. Focused topics within IS security relevant for master theses will preferably be tied to research activities in related research centers at the university, such as Centre for Integrated Emergency Management, Centre for eHealth, Centre for Digital Transformation.
Learning outcomes
Having successfully completed the course, the students will be able to:
-
Apply a systematic method for conducting a literature review
-
Develop a scientific report that summarizes and concludes the results of a literature review related to a selected topic within information system security
-
Propose a theoretical perspective, framework or model and argue why this is suitable for the design and implementation of a research study within information system security
-
Present possible practical and theoretical contributions from a planned study in information system security
-
Apply ethical guidelines in research
Examination requirements
Examination requirements consists of approved mandatory presentations and hand-ins in addition to obligatory participation in lectures and discussions. Details are given in Canvas at the start of term.
The examination for the course consists of submission of group reports, groups comprising of 2-3 students. Further information will be given in Canvas.
Teaching methods
The course is organized as seminars. Part of the teaching is mandatory; more detailed information will be given in Canvas at start of term. The course will to some extent be integrated with IS-503: Research Methods in Information Systems, and it is recommended that the course is taken concurrently with IS-503.
Evaluation
The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Assessment methods and criteria
Portfolio evaluation with the following requirements:
-
One Mandatory Group Assignment (Assignment 1)
-
Final Group Project Report and Oral Presentation
-
60% Submitted Portfolio (Only the second portfolio counts)
-
20% based on the Group Presentation
-
20% Q&A after presentation
The portfolio is given a unified evaluation with a single grade, A-F.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| IS-420 – Current Topics and Research Areas in Information Systems | 7.5 |