Course information
A2 · Higher Level

Networks & cybersecurity

Explain how computers communicate and how communication is protected.

DP1 · January–February 2027 · proposed

Learning goals

  • Describe network components, protocols and packet transmission.
  • Explain threats and appropriate countermeasures.
  • Justify network decisions against a scenario’s requirements.

In practice

  1. Trace a message through a network model.
  2. Compare network designs and security controls.
  3. Investigate network behaviour in a supervised practical.

Show understanding

A labelled network explanation and a justified security recommendation.

Predict first. Implement second. Test deliberately. Explain what the evidence shows.

In the weekly plan

Textbook: Baumgarten, Ganea & Turland. Topic codes follow the course; the book’s teaching order is not strictly numerical. Exact reading and submission requirements are set with each assignment.