University College of Applied Sciences

Introduction to Computing - Course Plan 2024-2025

Cybersecurity Engineering ISSE 1201
Instructor Eng. Mahmoud Khalil
Email makhalil@ucas.edu.ps
Course Code ISSE 1201
Credits 2 Credit Hours

Assessment Distribution

30%
Final Exam
Comprehensive examination
20%
Midterm Exam
Covers weeks 1-6
20%
Quizzes + Assignments
Continuous assessment
30%
Laboratory Work
Practical hands-on activities

📋 Jump to Week

Weekly Course Plan Overview

Week 1: Introduction to Computer Systems View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:
  • Understand what a computer is and how it works
  • Differentiate between computer and computer system
  • Identify basic hardware and software components
🔍 Topics Covered:
  • Definition of computer and computer system
  • Hardware components (CPU, memory, storage, I/O devices)
  • Software types (operating systems, applications)
  • Data vs information
  • Users and their roles in computer systems
🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:
  • How cyber attacks target different system components
  • Basic security concepts

Week 2: Data Representation in Computers View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:
  • Understand binary system and data representation
  • Learn how text, images, and sounds are stored
  • Perform basic number system conversions
🔍 Topics Covered:
  • Bits and bytes
  • Binary number system
  • ASCII and Unicode text representation
  • Basic image and audio representation
  • Simple binary-decimal conversions
🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:
  • Data hiding techniques (steganography)
  • Importance of encryption

Week 3: Computer Architecture and Processing View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:
  • Understand CPU architecture and functions
  • Learn about memory types and hierarchy
  • Comprehend the machine cycle
🔍 Topics Covered:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) components
  • Memory types (RAM, ROM, cache)
  • System bus and data transfer
  • Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle
  • Processor speed and performance
🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:
  • Processor vulnerabilities
  • Memory protection mechanisms

Week 4: Networks and the Internet View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:
  • Understand network types, topologies, and interconnection devices
  • Explain communication models: Client/Server vs Peer-to-Peer
  • Comprehend IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6) and the Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Identify common Internet applications (Email, FTP, VoIP) and their protocols
  • Understand World Wide Web architecture, HTTP, URLs, and HTML basics
  • Recognize fundamental network security concepts and threats
🔍 Topics Covered:
  • Network classifications: LAN, MAN, WAN
  • Network topologies: Bus, Star
  • Interconnection devices: Repeater, Bridge, Switch, Router
  • Communication models: Client/Server, P2P
  • IP addressing (dotted decimal notation, IPv4, IPv6)
  • DNS and domain name hierarchy
  • Internet applications: Email (SMTP, MIME), FTP, VoIP
  • World Wide Web: HTTP/HTTPS, URL structure, HTML basics
  • Network security fundamentals (firewalls, spoofing, secure protocols)
🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:
  • Network perimeter security and firewalls
  • DNS spoofing/poisoning and IP spoofing
  • Secure protocols: HTTPS, SFTP, TLS
  • Common network attacks: DDoS, man-in-the-middle
  • Wireless network security concerns

Week 5: Operating Systems and Processes View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:
  • Understand operating system functions
  • Learn about process management
  • Differentiate between GUI and CLI
🔍 Topics Covered:
  • Operating system definition and functions
  • User interfaces (GUI vs CLI)
  • File and folder management
  • Process concept and management
  • Basic system monitoring
🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:
  • Detecting malicious processes
  • User permissions and security
  • System monitoring for security

Week 6: Final Practical Project View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:
  • Apply all course concepts in practical scenario
  • Conduct system security assessment
  • Present findings professionally
📋 Project Components:
  • System examination and documentation
  • Security analysis and risk assessment
  • Recommendations and improvement plan
  • Professional report and presentation
📊 Assessment Criteria:
  • Comprehensive system evaluation
  • Security risk analysis
  • Practical recommendations
  • Professional presentation skills

📚 Required Textbook

Computer Science: An Overview (12th Edition)
by Glenn Brookshear and Dennis Brylow
ISBN-13: 978-0133760064

💡 Teaching Approach

Interactive Lectures & Discussions
Hands-on Practical Exercises
Real-world Case Studies
Collaborative Learning
Continuous Assessment