MS in Computer Science, Computer Networks Concentration

Prerequisites: (MET CS 232 or MET LB 100) and (MET CS 248 or MET LB 101). Or consent of instructor. This course introduces fundamental and advanced data structures and their practical use in software development. Topics include linear structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues), priority queues, trees and balanced trees, heaps, hashing and maps, and graph representations. Emphasis is placed on abstract data types (ADTs), implementation techniques, and selecting appropriate data structures for real-world problem solving.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: (MET CS 232 or MET LB 100) and (MET CS 248 or MET LB 101). Or consent of instructor. Examines the fundamental principles of computer architecture, from instruction set design to modern secure and high-performance processors. Topics include number systems, ISA concepts, datapath and control design, pipelining and speculative execution, memory hierarchy and virtual memory, parallel and multicore systems, and advanced architectural features such as superscalar execution and hardware-based security mechanisms. The course emphasizes the interaction between hardware, operating systems, and software, as well as performance and security trade-offs in modern processor design.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: MET CS 342 or MET CS 526 or consent of instructor. Learn methods for designing and analyzing algorithms while practicing hands-on programming skills. Topics include divide-and-conquer, sorting, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, advanced data structures, graph algorithms (shortest path, spanning trees, tree traversals), matrix operations, and NP-completeness.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: MET CS 472 or MET CS 572 or consent of instructor. Overview of operating system characteristics, design objectives, and structures. Topics include concurrent processes, coordination of asynchronous events, file systems, resource sharing, memory management, security, scheduling, and deadlock problems.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: MET CS 566 or consent of instructor. Theory of finite automata, regular expressions, and properties of regular sets. Context- free grammars, context-free languages, and pushdown automata. Turing machines, undecidability problems, and the Chomsky hierarchy. Introduction to computational complexity theory and the study of NP-complete problems.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisite: MET CS 575 or consent of instructor. Provides a robust understanding of networking. You will learn the fundamentals of networking systems, their architecture, function, and operation, and how these are reflected in current network technologies. As well as the principles that underlie all networks and their application (or not) to current network protocols and systems. Discover how layers of different scope are combined to create a network and receive a basic introduction to Physical Media, the functions that make up protocols, such as error detection, delimiting, lost and duplicate detection; and the synchronization required for the feedback mechanisms: flow and retransmission control, etc. In addition, learn how these functions are used in current protocols, such as Ethernet, WiFi, VLANs, TCP/IP, wireless communication, routing, congestion management, QoS, network management, security, and the common network applications, as well as some past applications with unique design solutions. Restrictions: This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 625 or MET CS 425 (undergraduate). Only one of these courses can be counted toward degree requirements.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisite: MET CS 232 or consent of instructor. A theoretical yet modern presentation of database topics ranging from data and object modeling, relational algebra and normalization, to advanced topics such as how to develop web-based database applications. Other topics include relational data modeling, SQL, and manipulating relational data; applications programming for relational databases; physical characteristics of databases; achieving performance and reliability with database systems; and object-oriented database systems. Restrictions: This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 469 (undergraduate) or MET CS 669. Refer to your department for further details.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: METCS535 or METCS625 or consent of instructor. Explore network design and management principles as you work through specific design areas within a Content Delivery Network (CDN). You will start with an in-depth understanding of customer needs and requirements gathering as it relates to today’s implementation of Voice, Video, and Data services delivered via a CDN. This design will encompass transmission and modulation techniques such as payload structure for Optical and multi-GigaBit Ethernet circuits. The FCAPS Network Management model will also be implemented in a real world architecture.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: (MET CS 535 or MET CS 625) and (MET CS 595 or MET CY 100) or consent of instructor. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles, technologies, and best practices to secure both computer networks and clouds. Topics include an overview of network threats, SSL/TLS, Kerberos, PKI, IPsec, DNSsec, SSH, Firewall, IDS, VPD, electronic mail security, wireless network security, Blockchain, TOR, Cloud architecture, an overview of cloud threats, architecture protection, and data protection in Cloud, IAM, security best practices, etc. Upon the completion of the course, students are expected to know the threats and vulnerabilities that networks and cloud systems face, along with the strategies and tools used to mitigate those risks. Hands-on labs based on existing tools are provided and required.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: MET CS 535 or consent of instructor - This seminar course provides a strong foundation in networking and Internet architecture, data transfer protocols, including TCP, SCTP, QUIC, and IPv6, and a deep look at network resource allocation with an emphasis on protocol- independent hardware for Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and congestion management. The course goes into greater depth of current topics such as: naming and addressing, synchronization, congestion management and resource allocation (routing) and how they manifest in different environments. There will be assigned readings from the professor that require considerable class participation, both in presenting material and discussing it.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisite: METCS535 or METCS625 or instructor's consent. In this course, you will be introduced to fundamental concepts and principles of cybersecurity and how to apply them in developing security mechanisms and policies. Explore topics such as basic risk assessment and management, legal and ethical issues, cyber attack defense methods and tools, security principles, models, and components. You will also learn about different crypto protocols, techniques, and tools, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, hashing, public key infrastructure, and how they can be used. You will learn to identify security threats and techniques to defend hardware, operating systems, networks, and applications in modern computing environments. Hands-on labs using current tools will also be completed as part of the required coursework.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: (MET CS 342 or equivalent knowledge of Java) or (MET CS 521 and MET CS 526) or consent of instructor. Polymorphism, containers, libraries, method specifications, large-scale code management, use of exceptions, concurrent programming, functional programming, programming tests. Java is used to illustrate these concepts. Students implement a project or projects of their own choosing, in Java, since some concepts are expressible only in Java. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking.  [ 4 cr. ]

Provides a comprehensive understanding of digital forensics and investigation tools and techniques. Learn what computer forensics and investigation is as a profession and gain an understanding of the overall investigative process. Operating system architectures and disk structures are discussed. Studies how to set up an investigator's office and laboratory, as well as what computer forensic hardware and software tools are available. Other topics covered include importance of digital evidence controls and how to process crime and incident scenes, details of data acquisition, computer forensic analysis, e-mail investigations, image file recovery, investigative report writing, and expert witness requirements. Provides a range of laboratory and hands-on assignments either in solo or in teams. With rapid growth of computer systems and digital data this area has grown in importance. Prereq: Working knowledge of windows computers, including installing and removing software. Access to a PC meeting the minimum system requirements defined in the course syllabus.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: At least two programming-intensive or software development courses or consent of instructor. You should be proficient in at least one high-level programming language. Completion of MET CS 673 is preferred. - An overview of techniques and tools to develop secure software. You will focus on the application of security with topics including secure software development processes, DevSecOps, threat modeling, secure requirements and architectures, vulnerability and malware analysis using static code analysis and dynamic analysis tools, and vulnerabilities in C/C ++ and Java programs, Crypto and secure APIs, vulnerabilities in web applications and mobile applications, and security testing will also be covered. You will complete the required hands-on lab and programming exercises using current tools.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: METCS579 or METCS669 or consent of the instructor - Investigate advanced aspects of database management including normalization and denormalization, query optimization, distributed databases, data warehousing, and big data. There is extensive coverage and hands on work with SQL, and database instance tuning. Modern database architectures, including relational, key value, object relational, and document store models, as well as various approaches to scale out, integrate, and implement database systems through replication and cloud-based instances, are covered. You will learn about unstructured "big data" architectures and databases, gain hands-on experience with Spark and MongoDB, and complete a term project exploring an advanced database technology of your choice.  [ 4 cr. ]