Large Research Project in Computer Security

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/XM_0126

Course Objective

The objectives of the course are:
- [Applying Knowledge and Understanding] After completing the course, the student will be able to execute a computer security project in the context of ongoing research.
- [Making judgements] The student will be able to evaluate their own approach and results w.r.t. novelty and efficacy.
- [Communication] The student will be able to communicate their results and findings in a scientific report.
- [Lifelong learning skills] The student will be trained in applying their existing knowledge and skills in the context of ongoing research.

Course Content

The aim of the course is to give very motivated students the opportunity to work on a challenging, research-oriented project, with a strong focus on strong computer security conceptual and/or practical work. The content of the project is to be negotiated individually with a VU Computer Science lecturer, who will supervise and grade it. This must be done before the project starts. In principle, only few students (the ones that submit a convincing project proposal) will be allowed to take this course. The project can be carried out as a ‘duo project’, in which case the proposal should indicate the individual contribution of each student. The project is supposed to apply state-of-the-art concepts, methodologies and/or technology and requires an original contribution by the student/s. It must be challenging, and allow a clear assessment of the student's own contribution. At the end of the project, the student submits a written report to the supervisor, describing the work, the lessons learned, and the insights gained from applying study contents in a research-oriented computer security project. The report contains a description of the project, including the problem description, the student’s solution, and an evaluation of the results. The report also contains a reflection on the novelty of the achieved research results, a comparison with related work, and what the student has learned during the project. In case of a duo project, the report should clearly explain the individual contribution of each student so as to personalize their contribution to the relevant parts.

Teaching Methods

Guided project work.

Method of Assessment

The overall grade is based on two components: research work (70%) and the quality of the written report (30%). Each component must be passed with a grade >= 5.5. The final grade is the weighted average of the components’ grades. The report will be evaluated by the supervisor and by a second reader. For grading, there is a special evaluation form on Canvas (uploaded on the Master Computer Security Canvas page). We ensure that each student individually demonstrates their abilities through close supervision of the research/writing work.

Literature

To be distributed individually, by the project supervisor.

Target Audience

MSc Computer Security

Custom Course Registration

For being accepted, students must contact their prospective supervisor directly.

Additional Information

The Research Project in Computer Security and the Large Research Projectin Computer Security are identical, except for the size (and EC) of the student project. Students can follow either one, or both.

Recommended background knowledge

The student should have completed at least 42 credits of their Master programme, so that there is sufficient study content to be applied in the project.