Admission requirements
Regular access to a computer is needed to complete this course.
Description
Programming ability is fast becoming a required skill. A decade ago, the ability to code was considered more of a specialist skill. As the digital world increases in importance, we are beginning to see a shift in our understanding of programming as a skill; from a specialist skill to a basic one. In the context of cyber security, having an understanding of how computer programs are designed and how computers process information is of critical importance to understanding how we defend against digital threats.
We will use Python to learn programming. Python is multi-functional language and is user friendly, especially for those new to programming. The skills learned in this course with Python can be used more broadly in different contexts and with different programming languages.
Course objectives
Students will define and apply of the main concepts in programming.
- Define the key vocabulary
- Explain how computers follow instructions
- Employ basic data structures
Students will be able to create small, meaningful programs that can solve basic computational problem, small games, etc.
- Students can implement required functions as needed
Students will connect concepts between programming and the wider cyber security context
Timetable
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have sucessfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go the the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different timetables into one. This video explains how to do this.
Mode of instruction
In person lectures.
Practical Sessions
There will be practical sessions which is an opportunity to ask questions and practice concepts. No new information will be introduced in the practical sessions, but there will be a small guided project in each session to develop the skills introduced in lecture. Additionally, there is an opportunity to earn bonus points for the exam in the practical sessions.
Assessment method
The final grade for the course will be the weighted average of 50% examination, 20% final project and 30% assignments. A 5.5 is needed on the examination, and a 5.5 is needed across both the final project and the assignment in order to pass the course.
Exam
There will be an in-person written, closed-book examination with both open and short questions.
If possible, this exam will use ANS and be taken under controlled conditions.
It will be allowed to bring a single A4 page of handwritten notes to the final exam. Anything can be written on this page so long as it is written by the student by hand.
It will be possible to retake the exam. This retake will be in the same form as the regular exam, with the possibility of an alternate form if circumstances require it.
Final Project
The will be a final project which consists of a programming project.
The final project must be submitted via Brightspace. Submissions via email will not be accepted.
It will not be possible to resubmit the final project. The final project can be turned in up to 2 days late with an increasing penalty.
All assignments must be representative of a student's own work, plagiarized submissions will be referred to the LIACS Board of Examiners for sanctions.
Final projects that are not submitted on time will result in a 0 on that assignment.
The teacher will inform the students how the inspection of and follow-up discussion of the exams will take place.
Assignments
There will be be regular assignments that must be submitted via Brightspace. Alternative submissions will not be accepted.
These assignments will consist of Brightspace quizzes and submitted python assignments.
There are weekly homework assignments. The lowest 3 assignments (not final project) will automatically be dropped from the grade calculation.
It will not be possible to resubmit assignments. Late assignments will not be accepted.
Assignments that are not submitted on time will result in a 0 on that assignment.
All assignments must be representative of a student's own work, plagiarized submissions will be referred to the LIACS Board of Examiners for sanctions.
Reading list
There is no required textbook or reading list for this course.
Automate the boring stuff is recommended as an assistive resource. Python for Everybody is another recommend assistive resource.
Other literature and reading materials will be announced during the course.
Registration
Note: Registration in EduXcange does not directly mean that you can participate in the minor. You will receive an e-mail that confirms your registration and placement.
Questions about registration should be sent to minorCSGE@liacs.leidenuniv.nl
Contact
The primary contact for this course is N.D. Schiele.
Additionally, Dr. O. Gadyatskaya can be contacted.
Please direct all questions about registration to minorCSGE@liacs.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
It is assumed that students have no previous computer programming experience.
When you register for a certain course, you automatically receive access to the environment of this course via Brightspace.
For more information about Brightspace, click on this link to view the university manuals. If you have any other questions or problems, you can contact the helpdesk of Leiden University.