2020 Fall Term

Pitt offers a range of cyber-related courses across disciplines throughout the University. 

Featured Courses

Here are a few highlighted courses in Fall 2020 from Pitt Cyber Affiliate Scholars:

Big Ideas in Computing and Information (CMPINF-0010)

Instructor: Matthew Burton

Computing and information systems underlie nearly every facet of life in today's highly-networked societies. Accordingly, there are many paths through the degree programs offered by the School of Computing and Information, each focusing on different aspects of the theories, practices, and applications of computing and information. This course will introduce students to a variety of core principles and important themes that cross-cut this array of computing- and information-oriented disciplines, as well as explore the types of work that individuals educated in these disciplines engage in.

Data Communication and Computer Networks (CS-1652)

Instructor: John Lange

This course will include basic principles and topics of computer communications. An overview of interfaces that interconnect hardware and software components, describing the procedures and rules involved in the communication process and the software which controls computers communication. Discussion on network architectures, design principles, basic protocol suites, and the concept of internetworking.

Security and Privacy (INFSCI 1600)

Instructor: Prashant Krishnamurthy

The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of information security ranging from threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks to protection, detection, and response. Students will develop the ability to converse with the terminology used in information security (e.g., confidentiality, authentication, integrity, availability). The course will cover the basics of security issues in operating systems, applications, and databases. This is followed by an examination of the architecture and generalized protocol/operational aspects of information networks to identify how security attacks (e.g., denial of service) are possible. Basics of security mechanisms such as cryptography, firewalls, and secure protocols for networks will be presented. The course will include a discussion of privacy and human factors in security (e.g., usable security).

Ethics and Policy in Cyber Space (PIA-2156)

Instructor: Lisa Nelson 

Information technology and the information that it generates has increasingly become part of our daily lives shaping our practices, discourses, and institutions in fundamental ways. Personal information is used by consumers, professionals, and organizations to a variety of ends and in a number of different settings. The growing reliance on personal information not only challenges long-standing demarcations between public and private institution in terms of responsibilities, obligations, and limits, but also calls for a reconsideration of how to ensure the protection of long standing civil liberties and civil rights. This course will consider the impact of emerging technologies within existing constitutional, statutory, and international guidelines and will then explore a range of policy solutions for managing the use of personal information in our public and private sectors.

Looking for something else? 

View a more comprehensive list of cyber-related courses.