Applied Computing Unit 2

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this unit.

Course Description

In this unit students focus on developing an innovative solution to a problem, need or opportunity that they have identified, and develop an understanding of network environments, cyber security risks, threats to networks and strategies to reduce the risks to data and information.

Areas of Study

Innovative Solutions

In this area of study, students work collaboratively to develop an innovative solution to an identified need or opportunity. They apply all stages of the problem-solving methodology to investigate the use of digital devices and emerging technologies and their applications. The innovative solution may take the form of a proof of concept, prototype or product.

Cyber Security

In this area of study, students investigate emerging trends in cyber security and how networks enable data and information to be exchanged locally and globally. Students examine the hardware and software components and procedures required to connect, maintain and protect wired, wireless and mobile communications technologies. They apply this knowledge to develop an understanding of cyber security issues when investigating security threats to data and information on networks. Students examine network vulnerabilities and the strategies for reducing risks and mitigating threats to networks, taking into account key legal and ethical requirements. Frameworks such as Australia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Principles and the Essential Eight enable students to follow current industry practice when considering the use of artificial intelligence and strategies for protecting the security of data and information within networks.

Assessment

Outcomes	Assessment Tasks
Outcomes	(school-assessed coursework)
Identify a need or opportunity that can be met with an innovative digital technology. Apply the stages of the problem-solving methodology to investigate the use of such technology to respond to the identified need or opportunity.	Create a proof of concept, prototype or product using the selected digital technology, and explain how it meets the identified need or opportunity.
Respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine a cyber security incident or a network vulnerability, evaluate the threats to a network, and propose strategies to protect the security of data and information on the network.	A teacher-provided case study with structured questions that investigates a network, its vulnerabilities and how these could be mitigated.

Overall Final Assessment

End of Semester Examination – 1.5 hours.