Course code: INF-3310

Advanced Computer Security

Apply between July 20 and August 9
Campus Tromsø
Semester / Year Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Level Høyere grads nivå
Credits 10

About the course

The course can be taken as a singular master's level course. The course is given every autumn semester.

This course teaches advanced principles, algorithms, and protocols in computer security. Topics include mandatory access-control systems, information-flow control, side-channel vulnerabilities, provenance analysis, fuzz testing and verification tools.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements: Higher Education Entrance Requirement + Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or similar education. The Bachelor degree must contain a specialization in Computer Science worth the equivalent of not less than 80 ECTS credits. Application code: 9371 - Singular courses at master's level

Objectives of the course

Knowledge - The candidate has knowledge of

  • mandatory access control and information flow systems (BellLaPadula);
  • side-channel attacks (e.g., Spectre attck);
  • provenance analyses at different software abstraction layers;
  • the functionality of fuzz testing and verification tools (e.g., Dafny).

Skills - The candidate can

  • reason about how information flows within a computer system;
  • use information flow control tools;
  • identify and prevent side channel vulnerabilities;
  • apply provenance analysis; and
  • use fuzz testing and verification tools to increase assurance of code correctness.

General competence - The candidate can

  • develop and extend own competence and expertise;
  • participate actively in professional discussions (oral or written);
  • read and analyze scientific articles;
  • write scientific and technical reports;
  • develop and test robust and secure software systems; and
  • apply security-by-design principles

Prerequisites

Anbefalte forkunnskaper

INF-2310 Security in distributed systems

Credit reduction

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

  • INF-8310 Advanced Computer Security 8 ects

Teaching methods

Lectures: 30 hours, Colloquium: 30 hours, Laboratory: 30 hours.

Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English, and the syllabus material is in English. The examinations will also be in English and must be answered in English.

Schedule

The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.

It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.

Information to incoming exchange students

This course is open to incoming exchange students.

Study Level: Master's

Admission prerequisites:
To take this course, you must first meet the requirements listed in the “Admission requirements” section above.

For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.

Examination

Exams
Oral exam Duration: 25 Minutes Grade:
A–E, fail F
Coursework requirements

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements

Written assignments and oral presentation(s) Grade:
Approved – not approved

Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage

More info about the coursework requirements

The coursework includes 4 written assignments and 1 oral presentation, individually graded approved / not approved.

More info about the oral exam

Individual oral exam.

Re-sit examination

A re-sit exam will not be held.

Previous years and semesters

Kontakt oss

Responsible unit: Institutt for informatikk
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Førsteamanuensis
elisavet.kozyri@uit.no