APIIT offers a Specialised Degree in Computer Networks and Security

DK: This award aims at producing Computing graduates who are skilled in networking and security related services in the IT world. A variety of topics are covered, including general networking systems, advanced topics in networking, router technologies, computer security, and secure software programming. Being one of the important fields for the future, students will be exposed to cutting- edge applications and networking tools to build secure systems. What kind of subjects will students study in this degree? Will they get practical experience in the subjects? : Apart from learning the foundation of computer systems, programming, and design techniques, the students will learn the tools and techniques used in today’s networking world. This includes routers, IP telephony, LAN/ WAN, switching, network service quality and of course security-related aspects of such networked systems.

The students will gain advanced knowledge on how to build secure hardware and software systems so that the IT world can be made a safer and better place for people to exchange information.

As we all know – everyone needs a computer and Internet connection these days! We have state- ofthe- art laboratories which are well equipped with the latest technologies to learn and experiment with networking and security. OK, so what kinds of jobs are available for Computer Networking and Security graduates? : Opportunities for a CNS graduates are plenty, including working as Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Information Security Technician, System Admin, Security Consultant, Quality Assurance / Test Engineer, Application Developer, Web Developer, etc. These graduates may also work as Systems Analyst, Software Engineer, DBA, Grap h i c s Designer, Web Designer, or Project Manager – depending on their interest. This is good to hear – so students will be well pre- pared to get a job after graduation? : Yes, APIIT students are groomed to become ‘ employable’ graduates, possessing hands on experience, knowledge and skills on par with the industry requirements. Our programmes are structured carefully to offer in- depth knowledge within the area of computing covering computer systems, networking, hardware, software, and information systems. Students are also required to engage in many development projects to help them acquire technical capabilities. This is one of the key reasons why APIIT- Sri Lanka has attracted thousands of students from all parts of Sri Lanka and from overseas. How is your Lecture Panel? Are there any experts in networking and security? : APIIT School of Computing has a very intellectual environment that facilitates sharing of techniques and tools to ensure a high quality learning experience – this is due to the excellent pool of lecturers in the School of Computing. All the lecturers have offices on- campus and students can generally meet with them any time.

We have experts in networking and security who will form the core team to drive this programme. The panel comprises of an academic who holds a MSC from the University of Moratuwa and CCNA, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CHFI ( Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator) professional qualifications in the computer networking and security field.

I also have been involved in several security related projects, during my study at the University of California, and while teaching at Boston University, where I taught I n formation Security and Database Security. My research focuses on P a s s wo r d Management, Cyber Security, and Secure Software Design.

We are also pursuing several research opportunities at APIIT so that our students can develop critical thinking abilities, and get a taste of doing projects that are guided by research experts.

Rest of our Computing team is also very experienced, and all have developed excellent teaching and learning skills over the years – Dr. Gayan Jayakody, Mr. Gamindu Hemachandra, Ms. Nadeera Ahangama, Ms. Oshini Jayatunga, Mr. T. Saravanan, and Mr. Udesh Amarasinghe. The math related modules are handled by Ms. Rangika Peiris and Ms. Pushpanie Subasinghe. Most of our academic staff is also trained in technical areas related to their field of study or research, and they can provide useful guidance to students during and after course delivery. We also closely work with the Applied IT lecturers – Mr. Syed Rehan, Ms. Manesha Peiris and Mr. Eranjan Padumadasa. To sum it up – Why are Networking and Security considered an important and relevant field of study? : We now live in the Information Age – and learning or developing techniques to exchange data and gather information will continue to fascinate us. IT industry and networking companies in particular are growing; this includes companies providing services through Internet, cell- phones, wireless devices, e- commerce, sensors, broadband networks, online shopping, banking, social networking, etc. Developing software, and security features to support these services is essential.

The market demand for professionals who are trained in networking and security will continue to grow, and hence there is a need to develop a high quality programme that will groom top IT professionals in this field. As a leading higher education institute, APIIT will provide this opportunity to the youth – a globa l ly recognised de g ree in Computer Networks and Security.

Students wishing to enrol in the next intake of the Beng ( Hons)/ BSC ( Hons) Computer Networks & Security degree programme scheduled to commence in February 2012, are advised to contact Ms. Yoga on 011 7675107/ 2675060 or info@ apiit. lk for further information and assistance, and invited to visit the APIIT City Campus at 388, Union Place, Colombo 2 to experience the APIIT Advantage.