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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering

College
College of Computing and Informatics
Department
Computer Engineering
Level
Undergraduate
Study System
Courses
Total Credit Hours
132 Cr. Hrs
Duration
4 Years
Intake
Fall & Spring
Location
Sharjah Main Campus
Language
English
Study Mode
Full Time

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering

​Overview
The proposed program enables the students to build solid technical foundation in cybersecurity engineering. During the study, students take courses on essential computer engineering topics and courses on data breaches, software and hardware vulnerabilities and possible solutions to improve security of various computer systems from cyberattacks. In the final year, students will develop ​​senior capstone projects in line with the latest industry needs for building cyber-resilient systems. Senior students are required to perform practical training in industrial or governmental organization to improve their understanding of cybersecurity risks in real work environment and the measures to mitigate them. 

Introduction
This program is designed using the credit hour system. Program is established to deliver 132 credit hours of courses that are divided into general education (24 credit hours) and specialized cybersecurity engineering subjects (108 credit hours). All technical courses are designed carefully for engineering degree with professional international curriculum standards. Both theoretical and practical aspects of the subjects will be covered and demonstrated. The courses provide both breadth and depth in secured computer architecture and hardware embedded systems, digital forensics, secured software development, cryptography and data hiding and more of the topics in both secured hardware and software of computer systems.  
 
Program Goals
The goals of the program are to:
  1. Maintain the knowledge and skills necessary for a lifelong career in cybersecurity engineering to provide quality services to the community.
  2. Remain globally competent and effective leaders.     
  3. Continue to develop, through lifelong learning opportunities, their knowledge for using modern design tools and new technologies in the practice of cybersecurity engineering.    
  4. Secure admission to and succeed in graduate study in internationally recognized universities.

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of the program, student will be able to:
  1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex problems in cybersecurity engineering or related fields by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. Describe ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations, including cyber security threats and attacks, and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5.  Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. Conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.​
  7. Apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies ​​
​​​​
Curriculum and Coursework
Program Structure
RequirementsCompulsoryElectiveTotal
CoursesCredit HoursCoursesCredit HoursCoursesCredit Hours
University Requirements61826824
Program Requirements37
993940108
Total Credit Hours117 ​15 ​132 ​
 
Program Requirements
Study Plan: Course List

 1.​​Compulsory courses (99 credit hours)​

​​The Cybersecurity Engineering core courses are listed in the table below.​​

Course #Title
CreditsPre-/Co-requisites
0402340Engineering Computation and Linear Algebra31501116; 1440261
1430115Physics I3Placement Test or 1430106 Pre/Co1440133
1430116Physics I Lab1Pre/Co1430115
1430117Physics II31430115
1430118Physics II Laboratory11430116; Pre/Co 1430117
1440133Calculus I for Engineers3None
1440161Calculus II for Engineers31440133
1440261Differential Equations for Engineers31440161
1501116Programming I4None
1501211Programming II31501116
1501215Data Structures3Pre/Co 1502111
1502111Discrete Mathematics for Engineers3Pre/Co 1501116
1502170Introduction to Cybersecurity3None
1502201Digital Logic Design3Second year standing
1502202Digital Logic Design Laboratory1Pre: 1502201
1502220Introduction to Probability and Data Analysis for Engineers3Second year standing
1502232Microprocessors and Assembly Language41502201
1502250Introduction to Computer Electronics3Pre/Co: 1430117, 1440261  
1502251Introduction to Computer Electronics Lab1Pre: 1430118
Pre/Co: 1502250
1502270Database Security3Pre:1502111
1502271Introduction to Cryptography3Pre: 1502170, 1502111
1502300Professional, Societal, and Ethical Issues in Engineering13rd Year Standing
1502310Artificial Intelligence for Engineers3Pre: 0402241   or 0402343 
0405221  or  0402242
1502220
1502314Advanced Discrete Mathematics for Engineers31502111  
1502326Computer System Architecture31502232
1502340Data Communications30402241
1502346Computer Communications and Networks3Pre/Co 0402241 or 1502220
1502347Computer Communications and Networks Laboratory11502346
1502370Secure Operating Systems31501215
1502371Secure Software Design and Development31502170    
1502372Introduction to Digital Forensics31502170
1502373Information Security Management31502170  
1502444Computer & Network Security31501215, 1502346
1502450Introduction to Hardware Security
3Pre: 1502250 ,1502170, 1502201
1502494Security Capstone I11502170  
1502495Security Capstone II31502494
1502496Practical Training Cybersecurity Engineering316 Weeks
​ 

2.Elective Courses (9 credit hours)

As part of the program for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering, the student is required to study some technical elective courses. These courses allow the student to focus on a specific area for in depth knowledge and deep understanding. The student can also mix and match elective courses from the different areas to get a wider exposure to the different Cybersecurity Engineering disciplines. The student should select, in cooperation with his/her academic advisor, the list of electives that best meet his/her needs and aspirations. It is highly recommended that the student registers for these courses after completing all department required courses.

The following table shows the list of elective courses.

Course #Title
CreditsPre-/Co-requisites
1502442Network Programming31502346
1502461S. T. in Cyber Security3Senior Standing
1502470Data Confid. and Cloud Secur.31411352, 1502170
1502471Internet ​​and Web Security
31502271
1502473Ethical Hacking31502170
1502474Data Hiding and Steganography3Senior standing
​ ​​
 ​3.University Requirements
​​The university requirements consist of 18 compulsory credit hours and 6 elective credit hours selected from 2 baskets; students select one elective from each basket.T​​he program requires students to take 24 credit hours, 18 of which are compulsory and the 6 are electives. Seven domains are covered:
​​
Every student should take one course from Domain A, one course from Domain B, "Islamic Culture" the sole course in Domain C, "UAE Society" the sole course in Domain D, "Fundamentals of Innovation & Entrepreneurship" the sole course in Domain E, "Introduction to Information Technology" the sole course in Domain F, one course from Domain G, and one course from Domain H.

a)  Compulsory Requirements (18 credit hours); Domains A-F:
​​Domain A: English Language

 Domain B: Arabic Language
 
Domain C: Islamic Studies

 Domain D: UAE Studies
 
Domain E: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
 
Domain F: Information Technology

 ​b)  Elective Requirements (6 credit hours); Domains G-H:
 Domain G: Humanities and Arts

Domain H: Natural and Health Sciences

 Domain A: English Language
Domain B: Arabic Language
Domain C: Islamic Studies
Domain D: UAE Studies
Domain E: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Domain F: Information Technology
Domain G: Humanities and Arts
Domain H: Natural and Health Sciences
​​
Course Distribution
 
First Year
​Fall Semester 
​Spring Semester
Course #Course TitleTypeCr.HrCourse #Course TitleTypeCr.Hr
0201102Arabic LanguageC31501100Introduction to ITC3
1430115Physics IC31501211Programming IIC3
1430116Physics I Lab
C11440161Calculus II for EngineersC3
1440133Calculus I for EngineersC31430117Physics IIC3
0202112English for Academic PurposesC31430118Physics II LabC1
1501116Programming IC41502170Introduction to CybersecurityC3
Total ​ ​17Total ​ ​16
 
Second Year
​Fall Semester
​Spring Semester
Course #Course Title
TypeCr.HrCourse #Course TitleTypeCr.Hr
1502220
Introduction to Probability and Data Analysis for EngineersC31502250Introduction to Computer ElectronicsC3
1440261Differential Equations for EngineersC31502271Introduction to CryptographyC3
1502201Digital Logic DesignC31502202Digital Logic Design LabC1
1501215Data StructuresC31502232Microprocessors & Assembly LanguageC4
1502111Discrete Mathematics for EngineersC31502314Advanced Discrete Mathematics for EngineersC3
    XXXXXXXUniversity Elective 1E3
Total ​ ​15Total ​ ​17
 
Third Year
​Fall Semester
​Spring & Summer Semester
Course #Course TitleTypeCr.HrCourse #Course TitleTypeCr.Hr
1502346Computer Communications and Networks
C31502496

Summer
Practical Training Cybersecurity EngineeringC3
1502251Introduction to Computer Electronics LabC11502372Introduction to Digital ForensicsC3
1502340Data CommunicationsC31502371Secure Software Design and DevelopmentC3
1502326Computer System ArchitectureC31502373Information Security ManagementC3
0402340Engineering Computations & Linear AlgebraC31502370Secure Operating SystemsC3
1502270Database securityC31502444Computer and Network SecurityC3
Total ​ ​16Total ​ ​18
 
Fourth Year
​Fall Semester
​Spring Semester
Course #Course Title
TypeCr.HrCourse #Course TitleTypeCr.Hr
1502347Computer Communications & Networks Laboratory 
C
1
1502300Professional, Social and Ethical Issues in EngineeringC1
1502450Introduction to Hardware SecurityC3
0302200Fundamentals of InnovationC3
XXXXXXXDepartment Elective 1
E30204102UAE SocietyC3
XXXXXXXUniversity Elective 2E31502495Security Capstone IIC3
0104100Islamic Culture
C3XXXXXXXDepartment Elective 2E3
1502494Security Capstone IC1XXXXXXXDepartment Elective 3E3
1502310Artificial Intelligence for EngineersC3    
Total ​ ​17Total ​ ​16
 
Course type:
C: Compulsory
E: Elective

​Course Description

Courses in the proposed program that are offered in the department of Computer Engineering start with (1502). The program of study contains courses that are offered by other colleges. Consistent with the university policies, CE courses in the program will be assigned numbers of the form (1502ABC) where:

AYear (level)
BAreas (as follows)
0: General Cybersecurity Engineering
1: Electromechanical and Power
2: Electromagnetism
3: Control & Instrumentation
4: Communications & Signal Processing
5: Electronics
6: Special Topics
9: Projects and Seminars
CCourse sequence in area

 ​​

1502111Discrete Mathematics for Engineers(3-0:3)
​​In this course, the propositional logic, predicates, and quantifiers are defined. The sets, and its operations, functions are introduced. Different algorithms and their complexity are explored. Proof strategy, induction, recursion; relations, and equivalence relations are explained.  Basic counting techniques are demonstrated.

Prerequisites: Pre/Co: 1501116-Programming I.

 ​

1502170Introduction to Cybersecurity     Engineering                      (3-0:3)

This course will introduce all aspects of cyber-security including business, policy and procedures, communications security, network security, security management, legal issues, political issues, technical issues, job and market prospects in cyber security. This serves as the introduction to the cyber security track in computer engineering department.​​

Prerequisites: None.



1502201Digital Logic Design(3-0:3)
This course covers topics related to nu​​​mber systems and conversion between systems based on different radices. The course introduces Boolean algebra and its application in the analysis and design of logic circuits. Then, common logic gates and their operation is introduced. The course then goes through different techniques for analysis and synthesis of combinational and sequential logic systems.

Prerequisites: Second year Standing

 

1502202Digital Logic Design Laboratory​(0-3:1)

This course presents the operation of basic logic gates as well as some combinational and sequential circuits. The course illustrates how to design and implement different logic circuits such as adders, subtractors, decoders, encoders, flip-flops, counters, and shift registers. The design and implementation of the logic circuits will be accomplished practically in the lab by using Hardware Description Language (HDL) and circuit boards.

Prerequisites:  1502201 Digital  Logic Design.

 

1502220Introduction to Probability and Data Analysis for Engineers(3-0:3)

This course introduces the students to the role of probability theory, statistics and data analysis in engineering. From the probability theory side, the course covers basic probability concepts and calculations, discrete random variables and probability distributions, continuous random variables and probability distributions, and joint random variables and probability distributions. From the statistics and data analysis side, the course covers descriptive statistics, parameter estimation and linear regression.

 Prerequisites:  Second year standing

 

1502250 Introduction to Computer Electronics 
(3-0:3)

​Introduction to basic electrical and electronic circuit analysis. The course covers operations of circuits comprised of resistors, capacitors, inductors, and independent and dependent sources. Circuits will be considered under static and transient operation as well as under DC and AC excitation. The course will also introduce basic concepts of MOSFET transistors, amplifier circuits, and time and frequency design and analysis of electronic circuits. Finally, the course will introduce basic concepts of analog and digital circuits.

Prerequisites:  1430117- Physics II , 1440261 -Differential Equations for Engineers

 

1502251 Introduction to Computer Electronics Lab​(1-0:1)

​Fundamentals of DC circuits. Experiments about the behavior of DC networks under transient and steady state excitations. Modelling of circuits using SPICE as well as the use of test and measurement equipment such as function generators and oscilloscopes. Determining the characteristics and DC biasing circuits for MOS transistor. Spice simulation of MOSFET based digital circuits and experiments using discrete components and transistor arrays.

Prerequisites:   1430118  - Physics II Lab

 ​

1502270 Database Security(3-0:3)

​ ​The course covers basic concepts of database management systems and known security threats on the data confidentiality and integrity. The topics include database models, SQL, mandatory and recommended access controls mechanisms, design of database with security in mind, protecting the integrity of data, protecting the security of database transactions, and database integrity rules. Topics on security of distributed databases and cloud databases will also be addressed.

Prerequisites:  1502111 - Discrete Mathematics for Engineers

​ ​

​ 

1502271 Introduction to Cryptography(3-0:3)

​The course focuses on how to secure computer systems. More specifically, students learn how to design and deploy confidentiality services, integrity verification services and access control services to both computer and communication systems. Cryptographic hashing, symmetric and public key cryptosystems are covered in details. Mathematical principles underlying encryption and various codebreaking techniques are also covered. The course also covers the deployment of cryptographic products and protocols in digital systems and metrics to quantify their effectiveness in protecting the system.

Prerequisites:  1502170 - Introduction to Cyber Security, 1502111 - Discrete Mathematics for Engineers


1502300​Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues  in Engineering(1-0:1)

​An examination of the social impact of engineering and technology and its relationship to ethics, with the objective of identifying and clarifying obli​gations that might arise in technological research and its applications. The course will survey a variety of moral theories, as well as engineering codes of ethics. The case study method will be used: source will include the history of science and technology, and reports from professional societies. Topics covered include whistle blowing, environmental, safety, and privacy issues.

Prerequisites: 3rd year standing.

​ 

1502472 
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics for Security​
(3-0:3)

​This course will focus on employing Data Analytics models to solve engineering problems in Cyber Security. Such models are developed using Artificial Intelligence and statistical techniques such as fuzzy logic, neural networks, decision trees and regression analysis. These models will be evaluated empirically using real data and appropriate statistical tests. MATLAB, Weka, Minitab, R and similar tools will be used in this course.

Prerequisites:  0402241 Random Signal Theory

 ​​

1502340 Data Communications(3-0:3)

​This course introduces students to the basic principles of how to represent, manipulate, and transmit communication signals. Students will be exposed to the time-domain and frequency-domain representation and processing of data signals, as well as the building blocks of communication systems. Topics covered in this course include analog modulation techniques, digitization of analog signals, digital data transmission and modulation techniques, and an introduction to information theory.

Prerequisites:  1502220 - Introduction to Probability and Data Analysis for Engineers

 

1502346Computer Communications and Networks(3-0:3)

​This course focuses on protocols, mechanisms and technologies for computer and communication networks, with a focus on the Internet. Topics related to protocols and technologies include Ethernet, the Internet protocol (IP), and the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). Topics related to network mechanisms include layered network architecture, error-control, medium access control, switching and routing, addressing, subnetting and congestion control. 

Prerequisites: 0402241 Random Signal Theory or 1502220 - Introduction to Probability and Data Analysis for Engineers

 

1502347Computer Communications and Networks Laboratory(0-3:1)

​This laboratory provides hands-on experience essential to the real understanding of computer networking and the devices used in building these networks. The goal is to give the student practical aspects of network topologies, network operating systems including the setup of dynamic host configuration (DHCP) and domain name system (DNS) services, peer to peer and server based networking, switch setup and VLANs, basics of IP addressing, subnetting and router configuration. Lab experiments are conducted in teams of students.

Prerequisites: 1502346 Computer Communications and Networks.

 

1502373 Information Security Management(3-0:3)

​This course provides students with an insight into the fundamentals of managing modern information systems and their security operations. Topics include security policies and procedures, models and programs for designing and implementing security, risk management, access management and investigation, as well as legal and ethical implications of security management.

Prerequisites: 1502170 - Introduction to Cyber Security      

​ 

1502370 Secure Operating Systems(3-0:3)

This course covers various topics in operating systems with a focus on the security aspect of operating system components. Topics include overview of basic concepts related to operating systems such as resource management, processes and their interaction, scheduling, synch​​​​ronization, multithreading and file system along with the main algorithms used in modern operating systems. The course also covers the detection of threats posed against various components of operating systems and defense strategies adopted to counteract these threats. The course also includes case studies of contemporary operating systems and a project.

Prerequisites:  1501215 - Data Structures​


1502371 Secure Software Design and Development(3-0:3)

​This course covers the design and implementation of secure software. Some of the topics covered are the characteristics of secure software, the role of security in the development lifecycle, designing secure software, and best security programming practices. Security for web and mobile applications will be covered.

Prerequisites: 1502170 - Introduction to Cyber Security    

 

1502372  Introduction to Digital Forensics(3-0:3)

​This course introduces digital forensics and cybercrime investigations. It covers the basic steps to conduct a digital forensic investigation, such as evidence gathering, preservation and analysis and presenting digital evidence to legal authorities. It also presents the tools used to find and analyze digital evidence on a variety of devices. Topics also cover laws and regulations in digital forensics.

Prerequisites:   1502170 - Introduction to Cyber Security

  ​

1502444Computer and Network Security(3-0:3)

​Concepts and techniques for access to computer systems and network resources. Identification and authentication. Protection of information against intentional and uninte​​ntional attacks and threats. Cryptography and encryption of data. Encryption algorithms and their information theory foundations. Computer hardware and software for data encryption.

Prerequisites: 1501215 - Data Structures; Pre/Co: 1502346 - Computer Communications and Networks.

 

1502450Introduction to Hardware Security(3-0:3)

​Fundamentals of hardware security for electronic circuits. Cryptographic hardware, invasive and noninvasive attacks, side-channel attacks, physically unclonable functions (PUFs), true random number generation (TRNG), FPGA security, watermarking of Intellectual Property (IP) blocks, counterfeit hardware, hardware Trojans in electronic circuits.

Prerequisites:  1502250 - Introduction to Computer Electronics, 1502170 - Introduction to Cyber Security, 1502201 - Digital Logic Design​


1502494Security Capstone I(1-0:1)

​This is the first phase of the capstone project, which, consists of two courses Senior Design

Prerequisites: Senior standing in Cybersecurity Engineering; 

 

1502495Security Capstone II(3-0:3)

​​This is second phase of the capstone project, which consists of two courses Senior Design Project I and Senior Design Project II. During this phase, students are expected to implement.

Prerequisites: 1502494 -  Security Capstone I. 


Elective Courses

Descriptions of the elective courses are given below:

1502442Network Programming(3-0:3)

​This course provides a review of network protocols and topologies, TCP/IP, and RFCs with a focus on communication across different network layers. It illustrates the p​​eer-to-peer and client-server communication models and demonstrates how to programmatically implement sockets to develop network applications using either TCP streams or UDP datagrams. Moreover, the course teaches students how to develop single-threaded and multi-threaded network applications like file-sharing, chat-server, http-client-server, etc. and how to handle Inter-Process Communications, Concurrency, and Synchronization.

Prerequisites: 1502346 - Computer Communications and Networks.

 

 1502470  Data Confidentiality and Cloud Security(3-0:3)

This course covers the basic concepts of cloud architectural principles and design practices with the focus of the Cloud Security and confidentiality. The course addresses critical requirements of secured Cloud services. The course identifies and mitigates the aspects of Cloud risks, isolation between physical and logical sides. Cloud components including compute, network and storage are all considered. The course will also explore and discuss the identity management, access control, and data protection.

Prerequisites: 1411352 - Operating Systems, 1502170 - Introduction to Cyber Security

​ 

1502461  Special Topics in Cyber Security(3-0:3)

​This course covers emerging and advanced topics in cyber security. The contents will vary depending on the topic.

Prerequisites: Senior Standing

 

1502471   Internet and Web Security(3-0:3)

 The course provides an overview of the methodologies for developing secure web-based applications. More specifically, the course addresses various security vulnerabilities of web applications and how to protect web-based applications from cyber-attacks. Topics covered in this course includes: web application developments, basic network security mechanisms and tools, webservers and how to secure them, and securing e-commerce applications. Additionally, security issues related to web databases applications and collaborative Web applications, will be studied.

Prerequisites:  1502271 - Introduction to Cryptography

 

1502473   Ethical Hacking(3-0:3)

 This course provides a basic understanding of penetration testing and ethical hacking techniques.  In security testing, an ethical hacker with legal permissions attempts to penetrate a system or systems to find a weak link and then analyze ways to correct the security flaws. Students will learn some of the exploitation techniques and tools used for ethical hacking. The course also covers recommended solutions to correct these flaws and protect systems and networks from potential attacks.

Prerequisites:  1502170 - Introduction to Cyber Security​ ​

 

1502474Data Hiding and Steganography(3-0:3)

 This course introduces the main properties of data hiding, steganographic and steganalysis systems. More specifically, students will learn about the embedding capacity, embedding efficiency, data payload and the traditional trade-off triangle: capacity-robustness-imperceptibility. Students will learn the differences between blind steganography and the private (non-blind) steganography. At the end of this course, students will be able to evaluate the robustness and the security of the stego-media using metrics like targeted steganalysis and statistical undetectability. Information theory fundamentals like entropy and redundancy will also be covered.

Prerequisites:  Senior standing

​​ 

Duration:

The normal duration of the program is eight semesters (four years).


Mode of Study:

Full-time


Degree Requirements:

A minimum of 132 credit hours are required to complete the program including 99 credit hours of major core requirements and 9 credit hours of major electives. In addition to the University courses for general education.

Employability:

Demand in the cybersecurity job market is soaring while supply is running critically low. Cyber security engineers are responsible for protecting the networks and systems of an organization against threats from adversaries in cyberspace. The functions of cyber security engineers include performing assessments and penetration testing, development and implementation of secure network solutions. Cybersecurity engineers can apply for the following jobs:
IT Security Engineer, Network Security Engineer, Cybersecurity Architect and Consultant


Entry Requirement:

  1. attain a minimum overall average of 75% in the UAE Secondary School Science Certificate or its equivalent. Holders of UAE Industrial Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent with a minimum average of 85% may apply to join the Cybersecurity Engineering Program.
  2. Attain a TOEFL score of no less than 500. Applicants who do not sit for the TOEFL or who score less than 500 are admitted into the Intensive English Program (IEP). Details of the IEP program.
  3. The applicant should not have been expelled from the UoS or any other institution for academic or disciplinary reasons.


Contact Information:

CCI : +97165050514
Email: cci@sharjah.ac.ae