VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Fall 2015 – EGR 1200 – Cyber CSI Mini-project
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Office Hours:
Dr. Danai Chasaki
Tolentine 435A
610-519-4979
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Office Hours:
Dr. Richard Perry
Tolentine 435
610-519-4969
M/W 11:30-1:00, M 4:30-6:00
COURSE OVERVIEW
The goals of this mini-project are to understand the importance, challenges and limitations of
cybersecurity. Through hands-on lab experiments students will explore the mathematical and
computational aspects of password cracking, the chemical and image-processing techniques used
forensically to analyze fingerprints, the use of security certificates in computer network communications
and aspects of wireless network security.
TEXT
Required: None
Reference: Engineering Interdisciplinary Projects I, Jay B. Brockman, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., ©2009
ISBN 978-0-47073-202-1
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Students may use a combination of Excel, Matlab, and other packages (installed on their VU laptops and
on the engineering network).
PREREQUISITES
EGR 1200 Core Course
COURSE OUTCOMES
At the conclusion of this half-semester course, the student should:
Professional Skills
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Understand the planning and managing of engineering projects by example
Understand “real-life” constraints in engineering
Understand the importance of teamwork and conflict resolution skills
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VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Fall 2015 – EGR 1200 – Cyber CSI Mini-project
Technical Skills






Understand the computational and mathematical aspects behind password and pin strength
Learn how to choose secure credentials
Recognize vulnerable entry points in a computer system/network
Understand that physical security is equally important to cybersecurity
Understand the process of engineering problem solving
Within the context of course assignments and final poster:
o Use mathematical concepts such as number conversion, logarithms,
permutations/combinations
o Solve simple puzzles
o Organize and present data and results
ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION
Attendance is mandatory; roll will be taken in each class. A missed class must be made up the Friday of
the same week, at 2:30 pm in CEER 001 and you must make an appointment with the TA of our class for
this. We will follow the University’s policy for attendance.
Please mark your calendars for the mandatory mini project poster session scheduled for December 8.
LAPTOP AND CELL PHONE ETIQUETTE
Students should demonstrate respect for the instructor and for fellow students during the class period. As
in a professional conference or formal business meeting, students will be expected to refrain from
potentially distracting behavior such as using laptops to surf the Web, play games or check e-mail, or
holding side conversations. Students are asked to turn off cell phones during all classes and special
events. It is the prerogative of each faculty member to set the tone for his or her class, and may set
different standards, if they so choose. The use of laptops should add to the classroom environment, not
detract from it. If students are unsure whether a given activity is appropriate, they are encouraged to ask
their instructor.
POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
It is the policy of Villanova to make reasonable academic accommodations for qualified individuals with
disabilities. The Office of Disability Services collaborates with students, faculty, staff, and community
members to create diverse learning environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable. The
ODS provides Villanova University students with physical disabilities the necessary support to
successfully complete their education and participate in activities available to all students. If you have a
diagnosed disability and plan to utilize academic accommodations, please contact Gregory Hannah,
advisor to students with disabilities @ 610-519-3209 or visit the office on the second floor of the
Connelly Center.
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VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Fall 2015 – EGR 1200 – Cyber CSI Mini-project
QUIZZES
There will be 2-3 quizzes in this class. Any student who misses a quiz and has a valid, universityrecognized excuse (see important weblinks, below) shall take a makeup quiz. If the excuse is not
approved, then a score of 0 (zero) will be recorded.
During a test or quiz, students are prohibited from accessing websites, other materials, or electronic
messaging unless the instructor gives permission.
As part of this course you are to complete the College of Engineering Professional Development (PD)
requirements, which are detailed here:
http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/engineering/undergrad/professionaldevelopment/freshmanDetails.html
Important Weblinks:
Class attendance, excused absences, make-up tests:
http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/vpaa/studentservices/policies/attendance.html
Academic Integrity:
http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/vpaa/studentservices/policies/integrity.html
Grades changes:
http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/vpaa/studentservices/policies/grades.html
GRADING
This course consists of two 75-minute lecture/lab periods per week. Assignments may be accepted up to
one week after the due date, with a 25% late penalty. No assignment will be accepted more than one
week late. For excused absences, missed lab assignments and homeworks are to be made up immediately
upon return. Make-ups may not be allowed or penalties may be assigned if the absence is unexcused. The
responsibility rests with the student to find out about missed assignments.
The mini-project grades will be determined as follows:
Lab assignments
55%
Quizzes
20%
Poster
20%
Class participation
5%
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VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Fall 2015 – EGR 1200 – Cyber CSI Mini-project
Your final EGR 1200 course grade will comprise 50% of the midterm grade (first seven-week mini
project course) and 50% of the discipline specific grade (second seven weeks). The course grading scale
for the mini project is as follows:
Course Grading Scale
93 ≤ A
80 ≤ B- < 83
67 ≤ D+ < 70
90 ≤ A- < 93
77 ≤ C+ < 80
63 ≤ D < 67
87 ≤ B+ < 90
73 ≤ C < 77
60 ≤ D- < 63
83 ≤ B < 87
70 ≤ C- < 73
F < 60
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS
DATE
TOPIC
Oct. 19, 21
Cybersecurity Overview, Logarithms and Bits
Oct. 26, 28
Combinations and Permutations
Nov. 2, 4
PIN Search, PIN Hash
Nov. 9, 11
Good Passwords, Password Cracking, Phishing, Certificates
Nov. 16, 18
Fingerprints and Biometrics
Nov. 23
Wireless security
Nov. 30, Dec. 2
WEP cracking, Puzzles, Poster Preparation
Dec. 7, 8
Poster Preparation, Poster Sessions
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