Second Major in Information Security

The School of Computing offers a second major in Information Security (InfoSec) for non-SoC students. 

Objective

The objectives for a Second Major in InfoSec are as follows: 

• To provide an information security programme within NUS for non-computing students;
• To contribute to the national focus on growing the pool of cyber security professionals in Singapore; and 
• To produce graduates who are able to understand information security issues and practices from an inter-disciplinary point of view. 

Student Learning Outcomes

The Second Major in InfoSec enables students to attain, by the time of graduation: 

1. Strong knowledge of computer science foundations and fundamentals, including (a) familiarity with common computer science themes and principles, (b) high-level understanding of systems as a whole, (c) understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of computer science and their influences in practice. 
2. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, components, or program to meet the security needs.
3. An ability to function effectively in teams to accomplish a common goal. 
4. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development 
5. An ability to use the current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for information security practice. 

Admission Requirements

For direct admission, students applying for the Second Major in InfoSec must meet the entry requirement: 

• For diploma holders: Diploma with at least an A2 grade in GCE O-level Elementary Mathematics or at least a B4 grade in GCE O level Additional Mathematics. 
• For A-Level Holders: H2 pass in Computing or Mathematics or Physics; OR a good pass in H1 Mathematics.

Students from cohort 2017-18 or beyond may apply into the Second Major in InfoSec after completing CS2040/C,  and CS2107 with B+ or above in each of the courses.

Existing students from cohort 2016/17 or earlier may apply into the Second Major in InfoSec after completing CS1020 (or its equivalent), and CS2107 with B+ or above in each of the modules.  Those who have not completed CS1020/E yet can apply using CS2040/C with a grade B+ or above in place of CS1020/E. 

Application

SoC Minor/Second major are restricted programmes which students must apply during the prescribed application window specified by the School via EduRec. Students will not be able to declare themselves in the Academic Plan Declaration Exercise (APAD) before ModReg begins for each semester. APAD is only for open minors/second majors which do not require special approval from the host department to approve.

To apply for SoC minor/second major programme, students must submit their application to the School of Computing by the 4th semester of study, for enrolment at the start of their 5th semester of study.

With the recent revision to total unit requirements for Minor and Second Major programmes, the School is making special provision to allow students from Cohort 2019 a final application round to apply for SoC minor/second major programmes in Sem 1 AY21-22 only, for enrolment at the start of Sem 2 AY21-22. Any late request to enroll after our application window has closed will not be entertained.

Please take note that the application date will typically be from the Friday (9:00 AM) before reading week of each regular semester till end of first week of examinations on Sunday (11:59 PM), based on NUS academic calendar here. Kindly refer here for more information on the application procedure for restricted programmes.

Structure

Please click here for the university's framework for completing of a second major for different cohorts. No triple counting is allowed.

Continuation and Graduation Requirements

The Second Major in InfoSec is a non-Honours major programme.

Students must complete CS2040/C, and CS2107 with a grade of at least B+ or above in each of the courses to continue the Second Major in InfoSec programme.

The Second Major in InfoSec will be awarded to students who have completed the total unit requirement of second major requirements they belong to.  It would be either 48 units and 40 units respectively for the cohort they belong to.  That is, 48 units for Cohort before 2019 and 40 units for Cohorts 2019  onwards. Students will need to complete the primary major requirements to graduate.

The School of Computing offers a second major in Information Security (InfoSec) for non-SoC students. 

Objective

The objectives for a Second Major in InfoSec are as follows: 

• To provide an information security programme within NUS for non-computing students;
• To contribute to the national focus on growing the pool of cyber security professionals in Singapore; and 
• To produce graduates who are able to understand information security issues and practices from an inter-disciplinary point of view. 

 

Student Learning Outcomes

The Second Major in InfoSec enables students to attain, by the time of graduation: 

1. Strong knowledge of computer science foundations and fundamentals, including (a) familiarity with common computer science themes and principles, (b) high-level understanding of systems as a whole, (c) understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of computer science and their influences in practice. 
2. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, components, or program to meet the security needs.
3. An ability to function effectively in teams to accomplish a common goal. 
4. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development 
5. An ability to use the current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for information security practice. 

 

Admission Requirements

For direct admission, students applying for the Second Major in InfoSec must meet the entry requirement: 

• For diploma holders: Diploma with at least an A2 grade in GCE O-level Elementary Mathematics or at least a B4 grade in GCE O level Additional Mathematics. 
• For A-Level Holders: H2 pass in Computing or Mathematics or Physics; OR a good pass in H1 Mathematics.

Students from cohort 2017-18 or beyond may apply into the Second Major in InfoSec after completing CS2040/C,  and CS2107 with B+ or above in each of the courses.

Existing students from cohort 2016/17 or earlier may apply into the Second Major in InfoSec after completing CS1020 (or its equivalent), and CS2107 with B+ or above in each of the modules.  Those who have not completed CS1020/E yet can apply using CS2040/C with a grade B+ or above in place of CS1020/E. 

 

Application

SoC Minor/Second major are restricted programmes which students must apply during the prescribed application window specified by the School via EduRec. Students will not be able to declare themselves in the Academic Plan Declaration Exercise (APAD) before ModReg begins for each semester. APAD is only for open minors/second majors which do not require special approval from the host department to approve.

To apply for SoC minor/second major programme, students must submit their application to the School of Computing by the 4th semester of study, for enrolment at the start of their 5th semester of study.

With the recent revision to total unit requirements for Minor and Second Major programmes, the School is making special provision to allow students from Cohort 2019 a final application round to apply for SoC minor/second major programmes in Sem 1 AY21-22 only, for enrolment at the start of Sem 2 AY21-22. Any late request to enroll after our application window has closed will not be entertained.

Please take note that the application date will typically be from the Friday (9:00 AM) before reading week of each regular semester till end of first week of examinations on Sunday (11:59 PM), based on NUS academic calendar here. Kindly refer here for more information on the application procedure for restricted programmes.

 

Structure

Please click here for the university's framework for completing of a second major for different cohorts. No triple counting is allowed.

 

Continuation and Graduation Requirements

The Second Major in InfoSec is a non-Honours major programme.

Students must complete CS2040/C, and CS2107 with a grade of at least B+ or above in each of the courses to continue the Second Major in InfoSec programme.

The Second Major in InfoSec will be awarded to students who have completed the total unit requirement of second major requirements they belong to.  It would be either 48 units and 40 units respectively for the cohort they belong to.  That is, 48 units for Cohort before 2019 and 40 units for Cohorts 2019  onwards. Students will need to complete the primary major requirements to graduate.

Cohorts 2021/22 onwards

The programme structure for Cohort 2021 onwards is given below.

The second major in InfoSec is structured as follows: 

• Computing Foundations = 20 units 
• Information Security Foundations = 8 units 
• Information Security Electives = 12 units 

The requirement of 40 units for graduation are broken down as follows: 

• Core courses = 28 units 
• Elective courses = 12 units

  

Programme Structure	Units
Computing Foundations	20
CS1010 Programming Methodology or its equivalent 1	4
CS2040/C Data Structures and Algorithms	4
CS2100 Computer Organisation2	4
CS2105 Introduction to Computer Networks3	4
CS2106 Introduction to Operating Systems4	4
Information Security Foundations	8
CS2107 Introduction to Information Security	4
CS3235 Computer Security	4
Information Security Electives	12
Complete 12 units of courses from the following list of security electives, with at least 8 units at level-3000 or above: CS-coded Courses CS1231S Discrete Structures 5 CS4211 Formal Methods for Software Engineering CS3236 Introduction to Information Theory CS4236 Cryptography Theory and Practice 6 CS4238 Computer Security Practice CS4257 Algorithmic Foundations of Privacy CS4276 IoT Security IS-coded Courses: IS1103 Ethics in Computing IS4231 Information Security Management IS4234 Compliance and Regulation Technology IS4302 Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies IFS-coded Courses: IFS4101 Legal Aspects of Information Security IFS4102: Digital Forensic IFS4205 Information Security Capstone Project	4 units each (except IFS4205 which is 8 units)
Grand Total	40

 

1. Students who are waived from completing CS1010 or its equivalent must complete another 4 units of courses listed under the Information Security electives.
2. EE2024 Programming for Computer Interfaces or EE2028 Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing and its prerequisite EE2026 Digital Design can be used in place of CS2100 Computer Organisation.
3. EE3204/E Computer Communication Networks I or EE4204/E Computer Networks can be used in place of CS2105.
4. CG2271 Real-Time Operating Systems can be used in place of CS2106.
5. MA1100 and CS1231 can be used in place of CS1231S. Students without A-level mathematics are required to complete MA1301 Introductory Mathematics before completing CS1231.
6. MA4261 Coding and Cryptography can be used in place of CS4236.

 

Cohorts 2019/20 to 2020/21

The programme structure for Cohorts 2019/20 to 2020/21 is given below.

The second major in InfoSec is structured as follows: 

• Computing Foundations = 20 units 
• Information Security Foundations = 8 units
• Information Security Electives = 12 units

The 40 Units for graduation requirements are broken down as follows: 

• Core Courses = 28 units
• Elective Courses = 12 units

  

Programme Structure	Units
Computing Foundations	20
CS1010 Programming Methodology or its equivalent 1	4
CS2040/C Data Structures and Algorithms	4
CS2100 Computer Organisation2	4
CS2105 Introduction to Computer Networks3	4
CS2106 Introduction to Operating Systems4	4
Information Security Foundations	8
CS2107 Introduction to Information Security	4
CS3235 Computer Security	4
Information Security Electives	12
Complete 12 units of modules from the following list of security electives, with at least 8 units at level-3000 or above. CS-coded Courses CS1231S Discrete Structures 5 CS4211 Formal Methods for Software Engineering CS4236 Cryptography Theory and Practice 6 CS4238 Computer Security Practice CS4257 Algorithmic Foundations of Privacy CS4276 IoT Security IS-coded Courses: IS1103 Ethics in Computing IS4231 Information Security Management IS4234 Compliance and Regulation Technology IS4302 Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies IFS-coded Courses: IFS4101 Legal Aspects of Information Security IFS4102: Digital Forensic IFS4205 Information Security Capstone Project Legacy Electives: CS2102 Database Systems CS2113 Software Engineering and Object-oriented Programming CS3236 Introduction to Information Theory IS3103 Information Systems Leadership and Communication If students have taken any of the above legacy electives before AY2021-22 Semester 1, they can use it towards the second major but must ensure that there are at least 8 units at level-3000 or above for this category.	4 units each (except IFS4205 which is 8 units)
Grand Total	40

 

1. Students who are waived from completing CS1010 or its equivalent must complete another 4 units of courses listed under the Information Security electives.
2. EE2024 Programming for Computer Interfaces or EE2028 Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing and its prerequisite EE2026 Digital Design can be used in place of CS2100 Computer Organisation.
3. EE3204/E Computer Communication Networks I or EE4204/E Computer Networks can be used in place of CS2105.
4. CG2271 Real-Time Operating Systems can be used in place of CS2106.
5. MA1100 and CS1231 can be used in place of CS1231S. Students without A-level mathematics are required to complete MA1301 Introductory Mathematics before completing CS1231.
6. MA4261 Coding and Cryptography can be used in place of CS4236.

 

Cohorts 2017/18 to 2018/19

The programme structure for Cohorts 2017 till 2018 is given below.

The second major in InfoSec is structured as follows: 

• Computing Foundation = 20 units
• Information Security Foundation = 8 units
• Capstone Project = 8 units
• Information Security Electives = 12 units

The 48 units for graduation requirement  are broken down as follows: 

• Core courses = 36 units
• Elective courses = 12 units

  

Courses	Units
Computing Foundation	20
CS1010 Programming Methodology or its equivalent 1	4
CS1020/E Data Structures and Algorithms I or CS2040/C Data Structures and Algorithms2	4
CS2100 Computer Organisation3	4
CS2105 Introduction to Computer Networks4	4
CS2106 Introduction to Operating Systems5	4
Information Security Requirements	16
CS2107 Introduction to Information Security	4
CS3235 Computer Security	4
CS3205/IFS4205 Information Security Capstone Project	8
Information Security Electives	12
Complete 12 units of courses from one of the following group, with at least 4 units at level-3000 or above. Group I: Data and Software Security CS2010 Data Structures and Algorithms II6 {discontinued in AY2019-20} CS2102 Database Systems CS2113 Software Engineering and Object-oriented Programming2 CS4239 Software Security Group II: Foundation of Information Security CS1231S Discrete Structures 7 CS2010 Data Structures and Algorithms II6 {discontinued in AY2019-20} CS3236 Introduction to Information Theory CS4236 Cryptography Theory and Practice 8 Group   III: Information Systems and Security Management IS1103/FC/X IS Innovations in Organisation and Society (old title: Computing and Society) IS1105 Strategic IT Applications {discontinued in AY2018-19} IS3103 Information Systems Leadership and Communication  IS4231 Information Security Management
Grand Total	48

 

1. Students who are waived from completing CS1010 or its equivalent must complete another 4 units of courses listed under the Information Security electives.
2. Students from cohort 2016 or earlier should take CS2103 in place of CS2113 if they have already taken CS1020/E. They can also take CS2020 Data Structures and Algorithms Accelerated in place of CS1020/E.  They may take CS2010 as subsequent course in Group I or Group II elective after completing CS1020/E.  Cohort 2017 and beyond should take CS2040/C Data Structures and Algorithms instead of CS1020/E for the minor.  CS2010 is not applicable to cohort 2017 and beyond.
3. EE2024 Programming for Computer Interfaces or EE2028 Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing and its prerequisite EE2026 Digital Design can be used in place of CS2100 Computer Organisation.
4. EE3204/E Computer Communication Networks I or EE4204/E Computer Networks can be used in place of CS2105.
5. CG2271 Real-Time Operating Systems can be used in place of CS2106.
6. Cohort 2016 or earlier should take CS2010 as subsequent course in Group I or Group II elective if they have taken CS1020/E. CS2010 is no longer offered with effect from AY2019-2020.
7. MA1100 and CS1231 can be used in place of CS1231S. Students without A-level mathematics are required to complete MA1301 Introductory Mathematics before completing CS1231.
8. MA4261 Coding and Cryptography can be used in place of CS4236. 

 

Cohorts 2016/17 and before

The second major in InfoSec to be structured as follows: 

• Computing Foundation = 20 units
• Information Security Foundation = 8 units
• Capstone Project = 8 units 
• Information Security Electives = 12 units

The 48 units for graduation requirement are broken down as follows: 

• Core courses = 36 units 
• Elective courses = 12 units

  

Courses	Units
Computing Foundation	20
CS1010 Programming Methodology or its equivalent 1	4
CS1020/E Data Structures and Algorithms I or CS2040/C Data Structures and Algorithms2	4
CS2100 Computer Organisation3	4
CS2105 Introduction to Computer Networks4	4
CS2106 Introduction to Operating Systems5	4
Information Security Requirements	16
CS2107 Introduction to Information Security	4
CS3235 Computer Security	4
CS3205/IFS4205 Information Security Capstone Project	8
Information Security Electives	12
Complete 12 units of courses from one of the following groups, with at least 4 units at level-3000 or above. Group I: Data and Software Security CS2010 Data Structures and Algorithms II6 {discontinued in AY2019-20} CS2102 Database Systems CS2113 Software Engineering and Object-oriented Programming2 CS4239 Software Security Group II: Foundation of Information Security CS1231S Discrete Structures 7 CS2010 Data Structures and Algorithms II6 {discontinued in AY2019-20} CS3236 Introduction to Information Theory CS4236 Cryptography Theory and Practice 8 Group   III: Information Systems and Security Management IS1103/FC/X IS Innovations in Organisation and Society (old title: Computing and Society) IS1105 Strategic IT Applications {discontinued in AY2018-19} IS3103 Information Systems Leadership and Communication  IS4231 Information Security Management
Grand Total	48

 

1. Students who are waived from completing CS1010 or its equivalent must complete another 4 units of courses listed under the Information Security electives.
2. Students from cohort 2016 or earlier should take CS2103 in place of CS2113 if they have already taken CS1020/E. They can also take CS2020 Data Structures and Algorithms Accelerated in place of CS1020/E.  They may take CS2010 as subsequent course in Group I or Group II elective after completing CS1020/E.  Cohort 2017 and beyond should take CS2040/C Data Structures and Algorithms instead of CS1020/E for the minor.  CS2010 is not applicable to cohort 2017 and beyond.
3. EE2024 Programming for Computer Interfaces or EE2028 Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing and its prerequisite EE2026 Digital Design can be used in place of CS2100 Computer Organisation.
4. EE3204/E Computer Communication Networks I or EE4204/E Computer Networks can be used in place of CS2105.
5. CG2271 Real-Time Operating Systems can be used in place of CS2106.
6. Cohort 2016 or earlier should take CS2010 as subsequent course in Group I or Group II elective if they have taken CS1020/E. CS2010 is no longer offered with effect from AY2019-2020.
7. MA1100 and CS1231 can be used in place of CS1231S. Students without A-level mathematics are required to complete MA1301 Introductory Mathematics before completing CS1231.
8. MA4261 Coding and Cryptography can be used in place of CS4236.