Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
- Different types of data storage (flat file, spreadsheet, relational database, NoSQL database, data warehouse, Blockchain)
- SQL to interact with functional relational databases.
- Data modeling basics in relational databases using Entity-Relationship Models
- Distributed databases using Blockchain
2. Current threat (i.e., offense) and control (defense) in the cybersecurity landscape
3. Assessment and risk mitigation using various cybersecurity frameworks and control standards (e.g., NIST) and response to cybersecurity incidents when they occur.
This is not an easy class because we will be covering concepts that are most likely new to you; expect to expend considerable time and effort. However, it can be fun learning the different aspects of data management and cybersecurity. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions you may have about the material as the course progresses.
Course Objectives
This class combines a variety of techniques to capture student interests from several possible angles. The readings and lectures provide a base of knowledge that students can use in other course components. In-class exercises offer an avenue for applying the knowledge base. Class discussions provide an opportunity for discovery. This approach only works when students complete the readings before class and participate in the exercises and discussions.Course Materials
MyEducator Essentials of SQL ($ 25; textbook provided on Canvas) [Please check in with Michele if you haven't received your access code]
Sanger The Perfect Weapon, Broadway Books, ISBN 978-0-451-49790-1
Fitzgerald, Dennis, Durcikova Business Data Communications and Networking, Wiley, 13th or 14th edition, mostly Chapter 11- Network Security
Required Software
The course requires students to create professional-quality visual diagrams. To facilitate this, students will use LucidChart: Full access to the software is available for free when you log in with your OU email.
I will provide more information in the class.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
|
Homework |
Weekly homework will be assigned based on the material covered during the live lecture. These assessments may require some research and interviews (points vary). | 15% |
|
Live Lecture Participation |
Receive points by participating in the live lecture or by watching the recording and submitting a one (1) paragraph summary of the lecture. | 5% |
| In-Class Problems | Receive points by submitting the solutions to the problems we solved together in class. | 15% |
| Discussions | Weekly discussion (18 pts per week); a rubric for discussion response quality is posted in the online classroom. | 15% |
| Quizzes | A simple quiz will be due before each live lecture based on assigned reading. You can take the quiz three (3) times. The highest score will be recorded. | 15% |
| Group Project | Teams will present during week 7. Please see the syllabus for more detail. | 15% |
| Final Exam | A comprehensive final exam will be scheduled during the last live lecture. | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
|
Grade |
Range |
|
A |
Above 90% |
|
B |
80-90% |
|
C |
70-80% |
|
D |
60-70% |
|
F |
Below 60% |
Course Components
Homework
Each week, you will be asked to work on problems that we covered in class. Some of these assignments will allow you to solve the problem until you receive full credit (assignments on MyEducator). For others, you will have to interview your CIO or CISO, record their answers and then provide your reflection. More detail will be provided during the module.
Live Lecture Participation
For the design of this class to work, students must be actively involved in the class. This class will have multiple participation exercises that we will work on together in class. At times, I may ask you to finish the participation as homework. However, you will have time to finish them and also have the opportunity to get the correct answers.
Please realize that, during class discussions and exercises, it is okay to be wrong! If you try to answer a question, and your answer is incorrect, there is a good chance you are not the only one who thought that way. By seeing the wrong answers and understanding why they are wrong, everyone can learn. Incorrect answers on exams, of course, still carry a penalty, so it's essential to get those answers sorted out during class time.
Discussion
After each live lecture, students will be asked to write a reflection on what was covered in the class that day. Students will have to list three (3) items that caught their attention, explain each, and explain how each item applies to their organization and/or position within their organization. In addition, there may be a question from the assigned reading.
Quizzes
To get the most out of this class, it is imperative that you read the assigned reading material. During live lectures, I will reinforce this material and at times extend it. Weekly quizzes are based on the assigned reading and are designed to help you to get a good understanding of the basic concepts introduced in the material that will be further discussed in the live lecture and online discussion. The goal of these quizzes is to ensure that students are competent in the topics covered, rather than punishing them for what they don't know. These quizzes will be available via Canvas. Each quiz may be taken three times. The highest score will be applied to the final grade. Quizzes will close at 5 pm CT on the day of the live lecture.
Group Project
The goals of the group project are: (1) to integrate and apply what you learn in this class; (2) to allow you to apply what you have learned to a specific company, and (3) to enhance your skills in terms of discussing data and cybersecurity issues with your colleagues. Teams created during the first two sessions of the class will consist of three (3) students. The final project grade will be based on the team's completion of the assigned project, a final written report, and an oral presentation to the class.
Final Exam
The final exam will be conducted during the last week of class. It will cover all the material we discussed in the class. More information will be provided later in the module.
Course Policies
Communication
The best way to contact me is via MS Teams. The link to our team channel on Teams is here. Please post any questions about the class or assignments here. If you want me to respond, please tag me (@Alexandra Durcikova). You can also direct message me on this platform. I will reply as soon as possible, but no later than in 24 hours.
Late Policy
To receive full credit for a written assignment, assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the class period on the day it is due. Late work will not be accepted. If you have obligations that conflict with quizzes or assignment due dates, you should make arrangements with the instructor as soon as possible to complete these ahead of time. Feel free to submit assignments early.
Missed Exams/Assignments
Make-up quizzes will be given only in extraordinary circumstances. If you expect to miss a quiz or cannot meet another requirement, please discuss this with the instructor before the scheduled date. Requests for an extension due to work or family issues will be granted given they are made at least 24 hours before the due date.
Score/Grade Appeals
Students wishing to appeal a grade or score must submit the appeal to the instructor in writing within 48 hours of receiving the graded work. Score changes are at the discretion of the instructor. It is important to understand that your score may go up or down based upon a complete review of the work in question. It is usually the case that changing a few points on an assignment rarely makes a difference in the final grade. As such, student (and instructor) time is generally much better spent discussing and clarifying the information content presented in the course. To submit a grade appeal, please direct message me on Teams.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no-contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405-325-2215 (8-5, M-F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays without penalty. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or his/her authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|