Computer and Network Security

Overview

Computer and Network Security field, also known as Cybersecurity, is the study of the systems and techniques developed to prevent and mitigate online threats coming from various sources of attack. It is one of the most important information security branches, which in turn is one of the most vital areas of information technology. A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science with a major Computer and Network Security prepares students to recognize, understand, and practice a wide range of computer and network security issues and cyber-attacks.

The developed BS program will help students to create protected computing systems for corporations, hospitals, government offices as well as any organization with IT based infrastructure. Graduates will gain the skills to explore different network and system vulnerabilities from the perspective of hackers, which is crucial to developing a security strategy, while building solutions to prevent malicious attacks and the forensic knowledge to show where attacks have occurred and identify their origins.

The main aim of this major is to build a strong knowledge base and skills of computer security, cryptography, web application security, information system and database security, system and network administration, digital forensics, networking and network security, etc. Furthermore, by the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to earn several certifications from CISCO and EC-Council such as CCNA, CCNA security, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).

Courses of the Curricula

University Requirements & Electives (22 credits)

Code

Subject

Credits

GENR201

Religion and Public Life

1 credit

ENGL201

English Communication Skills I 

3 credits

ENGL202

English Communication Skills II 

3 credits

ARAB201

Arabic Communication Skills I 

3 credits

 

General elective 1

3 credits

 

General elective 2

3 credits

 

Department elective 1

3 credits

 

Department elective 2

3 credits

Total

22

Core Courses (52 credits)

Code

Subject

Credits

MATH203 

Linear Algebra

3 credits

MATH201

Calculus

3 credits

MATH210

Discrete Mathematics

3 credits

MATH204

Probability and Statistics I

3 credits

CSCI205

Computer Science Overview

3 credits

CSCI206

Introduction to Programming

4 credits (3;1)

CSCI207

Object Oriented Programming

4 credits (3;1)

CSCI210

Computer Architecture and Logic Design

3 credits

CSCI212

Computer Networks I

3 credits

CSCI311

Introduction to Database Systems

3 credits

CSCI315

Web development

4 credits (3;1)

CSCI316

Data Structure and Algorithms

3 credits

CSCI317

Software Engineering

3 credits

CSCI320

Operating Systems

4 credits (3;1)

CSCI410

Artificial intelligence and Machine learning

3 credits

CSCI420

Final Year Project

3 credits

Total

52

Major / Concentration courses (30 courses)

Code

Subject

Credits

SECU301

Introduction to Computer Security

3 credits

COMP301

Introduction to Linux

3 credits

SECU313

Computer Networks II : Routing and Switching Essentials

3 credits

SECU314

Computer Networks III : Scaling and Connecting Networks

4 credits

SECU316

Systems and Network Administration

3 credits

SECU420

Network Security

3 credits

SECU422

Web Application Security

3 credits

SECU424

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

3 credits

SECU426

Information Security Management

3 credits

SECU430

Introduction to Digital Forensics

2 credit

Total

30

Courses Distribution Plan

  • First Year - Fall
  • First Year - Spring
  • First Year - Summer
  • Second Year - Fall
  • Second Year - Spring
  • Second Year - Summer
  • Third Year - Fall
  • Third Year - Spring
First Year - Fall
CodeCourse Name# of weeks# of Lecture hours# of labs hoursCredits
GENR201Religion and Public Life1515-1
MATH203 Linear Algebra1545-3
ENGL201English Communication Skills I1545-3
ARAB201Arabic Communication Skills1545-3
CSCI206Introduction to Programming1545304 (3; 1)
CSCI205Computer Science Overview1545-3
Total17
First Year - Spring
CodeCourse Name# of weeks# of Lecture hours# of labs hourscredits
MATH210Discrete Mathematics1545-3
ENGL202English Communication Skills II1545-3
CSCI207Object Oriented Programming1545304 (3; 1)
CSCI210Computer Architecture and Organization1545-3
MATH201Calculus1545-3
Total16
First Year - Summer
Code Course Name # of weeks # of Lecture hours # of labs hours credits
CSCI212 Computer Networks I : Networking fundamentals 8 45 - 3
GE / DE Elective I 8 45 - 3
Total 6
Second Year - Fall
CodeCourse Name# of weeks# of Lecture hours# of labs hourscredits
CSCI311Introduction to Database Systems1545-3
CSCI316Data Structure and Algorithms1545-3
MATH204Probability and Statistics I1545-3
SECU301Introduction to Computer Security1545-3
SECU313Computer Networks – II : Routing and Switching1545-3
Total15
Second Year - Spring
Code Course Name # of weeks # of Lecture hours # of labs hours credits
SECU314 Computer Networks – III : Scaling and Connecting Networks 15 45 30 4(3;1)
CSCI315 Web Development 15 45 30 4(3; 1)
CSCI317 Software Engineering 15 45 - 3
CSCI320 Operating Systems 15 45 30 4(3;1)
GE / DE Elective II 15 45 - 3
Total 18
Second Year - Summer
CodeCourse Name# of weeks# of Lecture hours# of labs hourscredits
GE / DEElective III845-3
COMP301Introduction to Linux845-3
Total6
Third Year - Fall
CodeCourse Name# of weeks# of Lecture hours# of labs hourscredits
SECU420Network Security1530303
CSCI410Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning1545-3
SECU316Systems and Network Administration1530303
SECU422Web Application Security1545-3
GE/DEElective IV1545-3
Total15
Third Year - Spring
CodeCourse Name# of weeks# of Lecture hours# of labs hourscredits
SECU424Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing1530303
CSCI420Final Year Project---3
SECU426Information Security Management1545-3
SECU430Introduction to Digital Forensics1545-2
Total11

Scholarship Programs

At USAL, we provide accessible funding and resources that help alleviate the cost of education, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career aspirations.

FORM

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