Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Cyber Security program at Universal Ai University Maharashtra is meticulously designed to provide students with a robust foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of information security. The program spans eight semesters, each offering a blend of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions that progressively build technical expertise and analytical capabilities.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CS101 | Introduction to Programming | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CS102 | Discrete Mathematics | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | CS103 | Digital Logic Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CS104 | Computer Organization and Architecture | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | CS105 | Mathematics for Computer Science | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | CS106 | English Communication Skills | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 2 | CS201 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4-0-0-4 | CS101 |
| 2 | CS202 | Database Management Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS101 |
| 2 | CS203 | Operating Systems | 4-0-0-4 | CS103 |
| 2 | CS204 | Computer Networks | 4-0-0-4 | CS103 |
| 2 | CS205 | Software Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | CS201 |
| 2 | CS206 | Probability and Statistics for CS | 4-0-0-4 | CS105 |
| 3 | CS301 | Cryptography and Network Security | 4-0-0-4 | CS204 |
| 3 | CS302 | Security Policies and Standards | 3-0-0-3 | CS205 |
| 3 | CS303 | Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering | 4-0-0-4 | CS201 |
| 3 | CS304 | Network Forensics | 3-0-0-3 | CS204 |
| 3 | CS305 | Risk Management and Business Continuity | 3-0-0-3 | CS205 |
| 3 | CS306 | Introduction to Ethical Hacking | 3-0-0-3 | CS204 |
| 4 | CS401 | Advanced Threat Modeling | 4-0-0-4 | CS301 |
| 4 | CS402 | Secure Software Development Lifecycle | 3-0-0-3 | CS205 |
| 4 | CS403 | Privacy by Design and Compliance | 3-0-0-3 | CS302 |
| 4 | CS404 | Incident Response and Forensic Analysis | 4-0-0-4 | CS304 |
| 4 | CS405 | Cloud Security Architecture | 3-0-0-3 | CS204 |
| 4 | CS406 | Security Operations Center (SOC) Management | 3-0-0-3 | CS301 |
| 5 | CS501 | AI for Cyber Security | 4-0-0-4 | CS201 |
| 5 | CS502 | Quantum Cryptography and Post-Quantum Algorithms | 3-0-0-3 | CS301 |
| 5 | CS503 | Blockchain Security | 3-0-0-3 | CS205 |
| 5 | CS504 | Mobile and IoT Security | 3-0-0-3 | CS204 |
| 5 | CS505 | Security Testing and Auditing | 3-0-0-3 | CS205 |
| 5 | CS506 | Advanced Network Security | 4-0-0-4 | CS301 |
| 6 | CS601 | Threat Intelligence and Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | CS501 |
| 6 | CS602 | Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment | 4-0-0-4 | CS306 |
| 6 | CS603 | Security Governance and Risk Management | 3-0-0-3 | CS302 |
| 6 | CS604 | Advanced Malware Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | CS303 |
| 6 | CS605 | Cybersecurity in Financial Services | 3-0-0-3 | CS204 |
| 6 | CS606 | Secure Communication Protocols | 3-0-0-3 | CS301 |
| 7 | CS701 | Cybersecurity Capstone Project | 4-0-0-4 | All prior semesters |
| 7 | CS702 | Research Methodology in Cyber Security | 2-0-0-2 | CS301 |
| 7 | CS703 | Security Architecture and Design | 4-0-0-4 | CS402 |
| 7 | CS704 | Advanced Forensic Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | CS304 |
| 7 | CS705 | Security Testing and Validation | 3-0-0-3 | CS602 |
| 7 | CS706 | Internship in Cyber Security | 2-0-0-2 | CS601 |
| 8 | CS801 | Final Year Thesis | 6-0-0-6 | CS701 |
| 8 | CS802 | Advanced Topics in Cyber Security | 3-0-0-3 | CS701 |
| 8 | CS803 | Industry Collaboration Projects | 4-0-0-4 | CS701 |
| 8 | CS804 | Professional Development and Career Guidance | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 8 | CS805 | Entrepreneurship in Cyber Security | 3-0-0-3 | CS701 |
| 8 | CS806 | Final Project Presentation and Defense | 2-0-0-2 | CS801 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Departmental electives in the Cyber Security program are designed to offer students specialized knowledge and skills tailored to emerging trends and career paths. Here is a detailed look at some of the advanced courses:
AI for Cyber Security (CS501)
This course explores how artificial intelligence can be applied to enhance security mechanisms. Topics include machine learning algorithms for anomaly detection, neural networks for malware classification, and deep learning models for intrusion detection systems. Students will gain hands-on experience using tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch in real-world scenarios.
Quantum Cryptography and Post-Quantum Algorithms (CS502)
As quantum computing advances, traditional cryptographic methods become vulnerable. This course examines post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, lattice-based cryptography, and quantum key distribution protocols. Students will understand the implications of quantum threats and learn to design systems that remain secure even in a post-quantum world.
Blockchain Security (CS503)
Blockchain technology introduces new security challenges and opportunities. This course covers consensus mechanisms, smart contract vulnerabilities, and decentralized identity management. Students will explore real-world applications of blockchain security and develop secure solutions for distributed systems.
Mobile and IoT Security (CS504)
With the proliferation of mobile devices and IoT ecosystems, securing these platforms is critical. This course covers mobile application security, embedded system vulnerabilities, and secure communication in resource-constrained environments. Students will analyze current threats and implement mitigation strategies.
Security Testing and Auditing (CS505)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of security testing methodologies and auditing practices. Students will learn about automated vulnerability scanners, manual penetration testing techniques, compliance frameworks, and audit reporting. Practical sessions include working with tools like Nessus, Burp Suite, and OpenVAS.
Advanced Network Security (CS506)
This course delves into complex network security challenges, including advanced persistent threats (APTs), zero-day exploits, and secure routing protocols. Students will simulate large-scale network environments and deploy advanced detection and mitigation tools.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department strongly believes in experiential learning through project-based assignments. Mini-projects are assigned in the third year to encourage collaborative problem-solving and reinforce theoretical concepts. These projects typically involve real-world datasets or simulated scenarios that mirror industry challenges.
Final-year capstone projects require students to identify a relevant security challenge, conduct research, design a solution, and present their findings to faculty and industry experts. Projects are supervised by faculty mentors who guide students throughout the development process.
The evaluation criteria for these projects include technical depth, innovation, presentation quality, and team collaboration. Students are encouraged to publish their results in conferences or journals to further enhance their academic profile.