Students

PICX3011 – Cyber Security in Practice

2026 – Session 2, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Ben Scott
ben.scott@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
50cp at 2000 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

Computer systems and networks, and the applications that they support, are essential to information flows, economic transactions and critical infrastructure in the twenty-first century. This unit will present an overview of modern cyber security with reference to both public and private sector organisations. The unit will look at the motives and perpetrators of cybercrime. It will explore how individuals and organisations face specific threats from their use of technology and identify challenges in maintaining cyber and information security. It further examines the protective security measures required to protect physical and digital access to information through people, infrastructure and computer systems.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Integrate and analyse relevant theoretical and case-based literature to present a sustained, coherent and logical consideration to cybercrime and cyber security
  • ULO2: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key procedures and practices relevant to the management of cyber security risks and countermeasures
  • ULO3: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of threats to computer networks and physical infrastructure.
  • ULO4: Critique and evaluate key security vulnerabilities of data storage infrastructure.
  • ULO5: Apply advanced cyber hygiene practices to improve both personal and professional security 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Powerpoint Presentation 40% No 13/09/2026 Individual No Observed
Reflections 20% No 05/10/2026 Individual Yes Open
Research Essay 40% No 01/11/2026 Individual Yes Open

Powerpoint Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 33 hours
Due: 13/09/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

A presentation to be designed and recorded by all students based on topics within the course.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key procedures and practices relevant to the management of cyber security risks and countermeasures
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of threats to computer networks and physical infrastructure.
  • Critique and evaluate key security vulnerabilities of data storage infrastructure.
  • Apply advanced cyber hygiene practices to improve both personal and professional security 

Reflections

Assessment Type 1: Reflection task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13 hours
Due: 05/10/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

Students will submit reflections based on the unit content.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key procedures and practices relevant to the management of cyber security risks and countermeasures
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of threats to computer networks and physical infrastructure.
  • Critique and evaluate key security vulnerabilities of data storage infrastructure.
  • Apply advanced cyber hygiene practices to improve both personal and professional security 

Research Essay

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 01/11/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

Students will complete an essay on a provided question.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Integrate and analyse relevant theoretical and case-based literature to present a sustained, coherent and logical consideration to cybercrime and cyber security
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key procedures and practices relevant to the management of cyber security risks and countermeasures
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of threats to computer networks and physical infrastructure.
  • Critique and evaluate key security vulnerabilities of data storage infrastructure.
  • Apply advanced cyber hygiene practices to improve both personal and professional security 

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Presentation

A professional presentation to be designed and recorded by all students based on a realistic organisational cybersecurity case study.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Analyse cybersecurity threats, risks and organisational vulnerabilities within a real-world business context.
  • Evaluate and communicate appropriate cybersecurity risk treatment strategies and recommendations.
  • Demonstrate the ability to present complex cybersecurity concepts clearly and professionally to a business audience

Reflection

A reflective piece completed by all students examining their learning, professional development, and application of cybersecurity concepts to that stage the unit.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Critically reflect on the development of your cybersecurity knowledge and professional judgement.
  • Evaluate how cybersecurity concepts can be applied to organisational practice and decision-making.
  • Identify opportunities for continued professional development in cybersecurity.

Essay

A 2,500-word research essay to be completed by all students on one of the prescribed cybersecurity topics.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse contemporary cybersecurity issues, policies and emerging technologies.
  • Research and synthesise evidence from academic, government and industry sources.
  • Construct a well-supported argument that evaluates cybersecurity challenges and their implications.
  • Communicate complex cybersecurity concepts effectively using appropriate academic conventions.

Assessment support and notes

If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • The academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment.
  • The Writing Centre for academic skills support.

Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.  

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/service-desk. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook