Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC482
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In this hands-on unit, you will gain experience in ethical hacking and penetration testing to expose vulnerabilities in a system.
You will be introduced to both network attack strategies, such as denial of service attacks, and application-level attacks, such as injection.
Using this knowledge, you will learn how to develop crucial countermeasures to mitigate cybersecurity risks and ensure your future as a vital cybersecurity specialist.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of ethical hacking principles;
- develop attack vectors to exploit discovered vulnerabilities and design countermeasures;
- conduct penetration testing and demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of penetration testing methodologies; and
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity countermeasures, and the ability to design and deploy them to mitigate the discovered risks.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Assignment |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Metasploit: The Penetration Tester’s Guide
ISBN: 9781718502987
David Kennedy, Jim O'Gorman, Devon Kearns, and Mati Aharoni, No Starch Press 2nd ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker's Handbook, Sixth Edition
ISBN: 9781264268948
Allen Harper, Ryan Linn, Stephen Sims, Michael Baucom, Huascar Tejeda, Daniel Fernandez, Moses Frost, McGraw Hill 6th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Linux Basics For Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali
ISBN: 9781593278557
OCCUPYTHEWEB, NO STARCH 1st ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
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