Network Administration and Security - build your skills in intrusion detection, attacks and defenses
The Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems is a career-enhancement degree designed to increase the depth of knowledge and practical skills of computer system technologists, and to assist them in widening their career opportunities or advancing in their career paths. Graduates are awarded a credential that is highly valued by the industry.
The Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems full-time program is offered as a two year full-time format: including all of the courses and major project requirements for the completion of the degree.
The specialty areas for the September 2010 Intake are:
A minimum of three months of relevant work experience
** Equivalence will be determined based on assessment of the student's academic background by the program head. All required bridging courses are offered through Part-time Studies at BCIT.
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Apply to program
Potential BTech students who are not CST or CIT Diploma graduates should complete a pre-entry evaluation prior to submitting an application. To complete the pre-entry evaluation, please contact the Program Assistant at cstbtech@bcit.ca.
The outcome of this evaluation will indicate which, if any, pre-entry courses are needed to achieve equivalence to the BCIT CST/CIT diploma core. An official list of required pre-entry courses will be sent to you once your information is assessed. All required pre-entry courses must be completed prior to applying for formal admission to the BTech program.
The pre-entry evaluation does NOT apply to BCIT CST/CIT Diploma holders. BCIT CST/CIT Diploma graduates should apply directly to BCIT Admissions, online or by mailing an Application for Admission [PDF, 261 KB].
Application processing
October 1 of the previous year until the program fills. Applications are considered for a specific intake.
costs & supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.
Books and supplies
Term 1: $650; Term 2: $650; Term 3: $250; Term 4: $250
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)
courses
Program matrix
Level 5 (15 weeks)
Credits
COMP 7005
Computer Networks and Protocols
This course will cover the advanced elements of Data Communication and Network Architecture. The TCP/IP protocol suite and its application within the Internet architecture will be examined in depth, and in a practical manner. Also covered will be advanced topics such as ATM networks, Wireless Data Communication, and Security Protocols. Students will be introduced to the Berkeley socket API, and the basics of Client/Server programming will be introduced. Prerequisites: COMP 2654
Introduction to networking and cross platform file sharing using Win32 and Linux tools. Students will learn the basics of NFS, SAMBA, Apache, NIS and DHCP. In depth coverage of TCP/IP and "real world" network traffic analysis using tools such as packet sniffers and tcpdump. Introduction to intrusion detection, attacks and defences.
This course presents critical technical methods for software development. The course is oriented towards the industry practitioner with examples drawn from industry experience.
Develops advanced skills in critical analysis, close reading and composition through lectures, discussion and group activities in which students analyse and evaluate materials from various disciplines. Readings might come from professional journals, reports, newspapers, magazines and literature. Multimedia such as video, music and the Internet may also be included. Prerequisite: equivalent of three credits of university/college composition or six credits BCIT Communication.
Management Elective (3.0 credits): Will be offered in Level 5. Specific course offerings will be determined by the department.
 
Level 6 (15 weeks)
Credits
COMP 8005
Network and Security Applications Development
This course is designed to provide students with a solid set of practical skills in the area of network and system-level programming on the Linux platform. The design and implementation of IPv4/IPv6 Client-Server applications is covered in-depth. Issues such as modularity and efficiency in the implementation of protocols will be covered. The emphasis will be very much the design and implementation of high-performance, robust, and scalable network applications. Security and private data transmission techniques over public networks are covered. Client-Server applications are designed and implemented using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) API. An in-depth coverage of techniques used to design and develop secure code and robust applications will be provided. Please note that COMP8005 is only offered once a year in January. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 7005
This course builds on the foundations established in Comp 7006 and covers more advanced topics in network security and intrusion detection. In depth coverage of perimeter protection and firewall designs. Advanced intrusion detection and IDS signature and analysis. Students will be familiarized with network monitoring and security tools. Introduction to VPN design. Please note that COMP 8006 is offered only once a year in January. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 7006
Presents topics important to managing software development projects. Concentrates on understanding and applying state-of-the-art management techniques, to improve software productivity. Emphasizes management issues- project leadership, communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Please note that COMP 8081 is offered only twice a year in January and September. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 7081
Fosters abilities and values required for ethical decision making at work. Develops skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Examines and applies moral principles to historically famous cases in manufacturing, human resources, management, engineering, health care, and computing. Prerequisite: Equivalent of three credits of university/college composition or six credits of BCIT Communication.
Management Elective (3.0 credits): Will be offered in Level 6. Specific course offerings will be determined by the department.
 
Level 7 (15 weeks)
Credits
COMP 7036
Applied Research Methods in Software Development
Introduces principles and procedures of standard research methodologies in the context of software development and includes the relationship between software development and fields such as MIS, systems analysis and design, data processing, knowledge engineering, and decision theory; theories, paradigms and frameworks in software development; the role and importance of models, theories and conceptual frameworks; (prescriptive and descriptive models; scientific tradition; inference; deductive, inductive and abductive reasoning), traditional empirical research methods survey, experiment, case study and implementation (generate and test); measurement and evaluation, reliability, validity; literature exploration and criticism.
The topic for the Summer 2010 term is Network Exploits and Vulnerabilities. This course covers a broad range of topics in network security in a practical, hands-on environment. Familiarity will be gained with common exploits and attacks. Students will analyze and understand commonly available malicious code, hacking tools, and reconnaissance tools. Students will be familiarized with network monitoring and security tools.
Special Topics in Network and Security Development
This course is a study of topics of particular interest to advanced B. Tech students in the area of Network software development and Network security. The focus will be on the research and application of advanced TCP/IP programming techniques and covert channels. Please note that COMP8505 is only offered once a year in April. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 8005
Special Topics in Network Design and Implementation
Students will apply the skill acquired in the previous level 1 and 2 courses in the design and performance analysis of networks. Detailed and complete LAN designs will be discussed and analyzed. Focus will be on performance and security issues. Students will learn to identify vulnerabilities in LAN designs and understand how these holes can be exploited and how to protect networks against attacks. Please note that COMP 8506 is offered only once a year in April. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 8006
Liberal Studies Elective (3.0 credits): Will be offered in Level 7. Specific course offerings will be determined by the department.
* Topic for COMP 7615 to be determined by the department.
 
Level 8 (15 weeks)
Credits
COMP 7481
Selected Topics for Combined Electives*
This course is a cross listing of either COMP 7401 (Advanced Topics in Programming Methodology) or COMP 7615 (Selected Topics in Computer Systems) or COMP 7881 (Advanced Topics in Software Engineering). Only CST Btech students who wish to take multiple offerings of either of these courses should register into this course. Students will not be given credit for taking the same topic twice. For more information, please call the program assistant for the Bachelor of Technology program in Computer Systems at 604-432-8644.
Provides for practical application of computing knowledge and skills preferably in a workplace setting and with projects that involve applied research or technology transfer. Should produce a product that is innovative, experimental or exploratory in nature. Ranges from directed study projects to the preparation of proposal or project plan and includes the development of formal deliverables, including a final report. The contact hours are approximate and will vary from student to student. Please refer to the policy and requirements for the major project as described in: http://technology.cas.bcit.ca/btech/Documents/MajorProjectsGuidelines.pdf To view examples of past proposals and final reports you may schedule an appointment with the Program Assistant 604-432-8644. Prerequisite: Completion of all 7000 and 8000 level Bachelor of Technology courses, with the exception of the last 8000 level specialization course, which can be taken concurrently, and permission of the Program Head.
Liberal Studies Elective: (3.0 credits): Will be offered in Level 8. Specific course offerings will be determined by the department.
* Topic for COMP 7481 to be determined by the department.
Total Credits:
60.0
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
Program length
Two years, full-time
Although the full-time program is two years in length, students have up to seven (7) years to complete the bachelor program starting from the date of their first technical degree-level course or the date of acceptance to the bachelor program, whichever comes first. Management electives older than five (5) years from the date of acceptance cannot be used toward the degree.
Grading
A minimum passing grade of 60% is required for all COMP courses at the 7000 and 8000 level.
For more information regarding the Management Electives, Technical Electives and the Liberal Studies component please contact the BTech program assistant at cstbtech@bcit.ca or at 604-432-8644.
graduating & jobs
Graduate employment outcomes
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2007-2009 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2006-2008 Graduates. Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Complete the following form and we'll send you a starter-package with information about
BCIT and your programs of interest. You'll get a printed package in the mail, followed
by a series of emails with helpful information for prospective students like yourself.
We won't share your personal information and you can unsubscribe at any time.
(for mailing addresses within North America only)
As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.