Course syllabus - Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Cybersecurity

Objectives

The course aims to provide insight into how to plan, execute, and report on an independent project within the field of cybersecurity. In the project, the student is expected to use and integrate previously acquired knowledge, experiences, and skills. The work should have substantial theoretical depth. 

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 
1. independently plan and execute an advanced project within given parameters, 
2. identify and use appropriate methods to carry out the work and verify solutions, 
3. describe the purpose, rationale, and goals of the project, as well as outline any potential continuation of the project, 
4. apply a critical approach, thereby being able to early identify opportunities and challenges related to the project, 
5. analyze scientific problem statements and report on the "state-of-the-art" (and, if applicable, "state-of-practice") in the field of the thesis, and based on this, evaluate the chosen method and/or solution, 
6. describe the various components of the thesis in a scientific report in a content-wise and structurally correct manner (thus demonstrating that the aforementioned learning outcomes have been achieved) 
7. verbally present the purpose, execution, and results of the thesis to both experts and others and
8. evaluate and provide constructive feedback on others' advanced-level work in the subject, both verbally and in writing. 

Course content

The course consists of an independent project, where the student uses previously acquired knowledge and experiences to solve a given problem. The problem is a research issue or a development issue within the field of cybersecurity. The project should have a substantial theoretical depth that contributes to knowledge development. The work should include both practical and theoretical elements. It should include components such as topic selection, problem formulation, literature review, development, peer review, presentation, and report writing. The thesis can be conducted either within the university, at an external company, or as an independent project. If the thesis is carried out at an external company, a supervisor must also be appointed from the company. The problem statement that forms the basis of the work should be thoroughly documented, and its relevance and proposed solution should be discussed and justified. The thesis should address both relevant foundational theory and previous research, meaning there should be a connection to the "state-of-the-art" (and, if applicable, "state-of-practice"). 

Specific requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits, including at least 60 credits within computer science and/or computer engineering. Completed courses of at least 75 credits, including at least 45 credits in computer science from second cycle courses, of which at least 30 must be within the specialization of the main field of study Cybersecurity, and 7,5 credits in mathematics with minimum level G1F. Completed course Research Methods in Computer Science 7,5 credits. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course A/English course 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 3. 

Examination

Written assignment (INL1), Oral and written opposition to another thesis, 1 credit, examines the learning outcome 8, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). 
Project (PRO1), Completion of the project and written thesis report, 26 credits, examines the learning outcomes 1-6, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). 
Seminar (SEM1), Active participation in seminar and oral presentation of the completed thesis, 3 credits, examines the learning outcome 7, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). 

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass, Fail