Students
PICT8033 – Cyber Threat Intelligence
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Ben Scott
Jeffrey Foster
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MCyberSecAnalysis OR MStrategySec OR MInfoTechCyberSec OR GradCertStrategicPolicy
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
As cyberattacks grow in speed and sophistication, effective threat intelligence is essential for proactive defence. This unit examines the tools, techniques, and frameworks used to detect, analyse, and respond to emerging cyber threats. Students will gain hands-on experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs) to investigate malicious activity and correlate threat data across sources. The unit explores the role of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), threat feeds, and intelligence sharing mechanisms in understanding attacker behaviour and anticipating system vulnerabilities. Students will engage with the threat intelligence lifecycle and learn to transform complex technical data into actionable insights that support both operational security and strategic planning. Through applied exercises and real-world scenarios, students will build the technical and analytical skills needed to contribute to organisational and national security, producing clear, targeted intelligence products for diverse stakeholders in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
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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: Apply investigative tools, including SIEM systems and threat intelligence platforms, to detect and interpret malicious activity.
- ULO2: Evaluate vulnerability information, such as Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and threat feeds, to assess risk and prioritise defensive actions.
- ULO3: Produce clear, concise, and actionable cyber threat intelligence reports for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- ULO4: Demonstrate working knowledge of enterprise-grade security technologies and their role in threat detection and response.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Threat Intelligence Report | 50% | No | 3 May, 2026 @ 11:59PM | Individual | No | Open |
| SIEM Simulation Exercise | 50% | No | 12 June, 2026 @ 11:59PM | Individual | No | Observed |
Threat Intelligence Report
Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 49 hours
Due: 3 May, 2026 @ 11:59PM
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
Students will complete a major threat intelligence report.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate vulnerability information, such as Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and threat feeds, to assess risk and prioritise defensive actions.
- Produce clear, concise, and actionable cyber threat intelligence reports for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
SIEM Simulation Exercise
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 49 hours
Due: 12 June, 2026 @ 11:59PM
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
Students will participate in a SIEMs simulation exercise.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply investigative tools, including SIEM systems and threat intelligence platforms, to detect and interpret malicious activity.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of enterprise-grade security technologies and their role in threat detection and response.
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
DELIVERY AND RESOURCES
UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
Students should plan to spend around 10 hours per week on average for this unit to achieve an average result. This includes attending or watching weekly lectures, completing readings, participating in iLearn activities and discussions, and preparing assessment tasks.
The word average is important; Some students may need less time, while others may need more depending on prior knowledge, study habits and the mark they are aiming for.
The unit is delivered through a weekly two-hour lecture. Students are strongly encouraged to attend in person wherever possible, as much of the learning comes from discussion, examples, and interaction during class.
For flexibility, seminars are also live-streamed and recorded, with recordings made available on iLearn for students who cannot attend or who wish to review the material later.
Internal students are expected to attend seminars regularly, while external students are expected to make meaningful contributions to online activities and discussions.
In most cases, students are required to attempt and submit all major assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.
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REQUIRED READINGS
All required readings are listed on the unit iLearn site and are available through the Macquarie University Library. Electronic copies can be accessed through the library or provided through other approved means.
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TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
Reliable computer and internet access are essential for participation in this unit. Basic computer literacy and word-processing skills are expected.
This unit has an online presence via iLearn: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
Students must have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient for completing all unit activities and assessments.
Information about university IT services is available at: http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/
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SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS
All assessments must be submitted electronically via the unit iLearn site, where they will be marked and returned.
Assessment tasks must be submitted by the stated due date.
Most written assessments will automatically be processed through Turnitin as part of the submission process.
Extensions are managed through the University’s Special Consideration process. Unit conveners and tutors cannot grant extensions directly. Applications must be lodged via: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
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LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS
Unless a Special Consideration request has been approved, a late penalty of 5% of the total possible mark will apply for each day an assessment is late (including weekends), up to seven days. After seven days, a mark of zero (0) will be awarded even if the work is submitted.
Submission time for written assessments is 11:59 pm.
These penalties apply to non-time-sensitive tasks (for example: essays, reports, portfolios, journals, recordings, and similar assessments). Late submission of time-sensitive assessments (such as exams, presentations, tests, or scheduled practical activities) can only be considered through Special Consideration. Outcomes may include an alternative question or task.
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REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER
Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy for cases where students believe their work has been graded inappropriately: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
In accordance with university policy, individual pieces of work are not subject to regrading.
Unit Schedule
|
Week |
Date |
Topic |
|
3 |
11 Mar 2026 |
Introduction to Cyber Threat Intelligence |
|
4 |
18 Mar 2026 |
Cyber Risk & Security Models |
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5 |
25 Mar 2026 |
CTI: Sources and Application |
|
6 |
1 Apr 2026 |
From Attacks to Intelligence |
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Break |
8 Apr 2026 |
|
|
Break |
15 Apr 2026 |
|
|
7 |
22 Apr 2026 |
Data Protection & Malware Threats |
|
8 |
29 Apr 2026 |
Security Monitoring and Threat Hunting |
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9 |
6 May 2026 |
SIEM I |
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10 |
13 May 2026 |
SIEM II |
|
11 |
20 May 2026 |
SIEM III |
|
12 |
27 May 2026 |
SIEM IV |
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13 |
3 Jun 2026 |
Current Directions in Cyber Intelligence |
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
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:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
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 http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
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 2026.06 of the Handbook