Bachelor of Science in Mobile Communications and Security

General Information

About You

Students who choose the BSc in Mobile Communications and Security will come from a variety of backgrounds and can have a variety of destinations:if you are interested in computing and networks but also in helping and working with people, you could work as an IT consultant; if you enjoy solving mysteries and doing a bit of detective work you can follow the security and forensics track; if you enjoy designing and creating things you may want to pursue a career in web design and programming; if you are business oriented, perhaps you will move intoWeb and e-commerce.

Introduction

Today, at the start of the 21st century, computers, networks and mobile devices are everywhere.We rely on them for our banking, for our shopping, to store and send all kinds of sensitive and important data. But are they safe? When you use an ATM machine, how do you know that your transaction is secure? When you order groceries, how can you trust the system not to give away your credit card details? Thanks to mobile devices, people can now be contactable wherever they are: at work, at home, on holiday, overseas, or on the beach. Not only that, we can work from many of these locations too. Many people using mobile devices have access to the web from wherever they happen to be, but how can you be sure that someone isn't snooping on your connection? In a wireless-connected world populated by computer viruses, spyware, malware and bots, security is vital.

As the world is becoming increasingly interconnected using telecommunication networks and the internet, there has been a rapid growth in the security software and the electronic communications market. Companies, governments and research organisations in Ireland and across Europe are actively seeking professionals to design, manage and secure networks and telecommunications systems.

Students of this course will be equipped with the expertise to be a leader in the ongoing mobile networking revolution.As a graduate of this course, you will be well placed to build the secure and safe networks and systems of the future and also able to tackle web and computer crime. This degree is about building secure systems to protect vital information, like bank details and medical records. It will teach you the key concepts in computer and web security: forensics, ethical hacking, and encryption. It also will show you how the web and computers work and how they are programmed. You will gain a thorough knowledge of the internet, mobile and wireless devices, computer programming and systems design. Our well equipped laboratory facilities enable you to acquire practical experience that will make you very competitive in today's and tomorrow's job market.

Students of the BSc in Mobile Communications and Security share a common first year with LM080, BSc in Electronics. Transfer between these courses is possible at any stage up to the beginning of second year.

For further details logon to www.ece.ul.ie

Course Structure

The course is divided into two parts. Part 1 consists of the first year and is introductory in nature. Subjects studied include: Electronics, Mathematics and an introduction to Computers and Computer Programming with a strong emphasis on the development of practical hands-on skills. There will also be the opportunity to take general elective material in Business or Humanities.

Part 2 consists of Years 2, 3, and 4, and has several different streams of study.This includes working with and programming computers with modules in Computer Software Computer Systems Architecture and Operating Systems.Another major field of study is Communications and Networking which provides plenty of hands-on practical laboratory experience. Your study of Computer and Network Security modules begins in semester 3 and runs throughout the course – including topics in Cryptography, Computer Forensics, Computer Law and Ethics and Host and Network Security. Finally, you will also studyWeb, Internet and Mobile technologies throughout part 2 of the course.

During the final year, there is the opportunity to take modules from various Specialist Elective streams. Students will also undertake a final year project which develops skills in design, implementation, testing and reporting. Each student will work with the guidance of an individual supervisor.The final year project helps students ‘pull together’ the skills and techniques that have been acquired throughout the course. As with other UL courses, a Cooperative Education placement provides 30 weeks of industrial work experience. In this course, CoOp takes place between in the second semester of 3rd year and through the summer break preceding 4th year.

For further details, go to ECE - Mobile Communications & Security

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English). In addition, applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate, or an approved equivalent:Grade B3 in Ordinary Level Mathematics (Grade D3 in Higher Level Mathematics also suffices) and a Grade D3 at Higher Level, or Grade C3 or above at Ordinary Level, in any one of the following:Applied Mathematics, Physics,Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering,Technical Drawing/Design & Communication Graphics,Technology,Construction Studies,Agricultural Science, Biology.

Students can also enter this programme of study via the Science Choice degree LM117

A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

Career Prospects

There are many possible careers available to graduates from this programme.The knowledge and skills gained in this course are needed in all industries across public and private sectors and at both national and international level. Employment opportunities exist in the development, deployment, maintenance and enhancement of secure networks.This includes computer and related industries, as well as financial services and any medium to large-scale business of the 21st century. For example: major multinationals need people with IT security skills to help protect their vital computer systems, banks will employ them as IT security experts, helping to secure the vital data and networks that are their primary assets, and police forces need people with skills in IT forensics to help detect and prosecute computer crime. Graduates with the skills provided by this programme will help to design and build the safer, more trustworthy computer systems and networks of tomorrow. Example careers include:

• Computer programmer/software developer (who designs and builds new computer applications);
• E-commerce/Web developer (who builds the systems, like Amazon, Facebook, e-Bay, Bebo and Google which allow everyone to use the Internet for business and for fun);
• IT/Networking project manager (who specifies, designs and runs networking projects and installations);
• Network administrator/manager (who keeps the computer networks running);
• IT administrator/manager (who runs or manages the IT department in an organisation);
• Network security analyst/consultant (who designs and maintains computer systems which resist cyberattack);
• Computer crime consultant (who assists in the detection and investigation of cybercrime);
• Advanced study and research (developing the systems of the future).