Information Technology Security Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

ITSY-1342-006 Information Technology Security

Prerequisites

Prerequisite/Corequisite: CPMT 1351

Course Description

Instruction in security for network computer hardware, software, virtualization, and data, including physical security; backup procedures; relevant tools; encryption; and protection from viruses. Topics may adapt to changes in industry practices.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

Hours

(3 2 lec 4 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

This class requires the Cengage Unlimited Access code. The access code will include your online book. If you want a "regular" book, you can also purchase the book and access card from the bookstore as a bundle.

Supplies

• Reliable Access to Internet
• If you purchase the textbook bundle available at the AC Bookstore, you will receive an access code for Cengage Unlimited.
• CompTIA Security+ exam voucher. Optional. These can be purchased at a discounted rate using the instructions in your Blackboard course.

Student Performance

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE (as in catalog):

Instruction in security for network hardware, software and data, including physical security; backup procedures; relevant tools; encryption; and protection from viruses.

Hours (3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

End-of-Course Outcomes:  Employ the physical security of network infrastructure components using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Guidelines and other best practices; develop backup procedures to provide for data security; use network operating system features to implement network security; identify computer and network threats and vulnerabilities and methods to prevent their effects; use tools to enhance network security; and use encryption techniques to protect network data.

Course Learning Objectives:

This Course is mapped to the learning objectives in the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Certification Exam.

• Domain 1.0: General Security Concepts -- 12%
  • Compare and contrast various types of security controls.
  • Summarize fundamental security concepts.
  • Explain the importance of change management processes and the impact to security.
  • Explain the importance of using appropriate cryptographic solutions.
• Domain 2.0: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations -- 22%
  • Compare and contrast common threat actors and motivations.
  • Explain common threat vectors and attack surfaces.
  • Explain various types of vulnerabilities.
  • Given a scenario, analyze indicators of malicious activity.
  • Explain the purpose of mitigation techniques used to secure the enterprise.
• Domain 3.0: Security Architecture -- 18%
  • Compare and contrast security implications of different architecture models.
  • Given a scenario, apply security principles to secure enterprise infrastructure.
  • Compare and contrast concepts and strategies to protect data.
  • Explain the importance of resilience and recovery in security architecture.
• Domain 4.0: Security Operations -- 28%
  • Given a scenario, apply common security techniques to computing resources.
  • Explain the security implications of proper hardware, software, and data asset management.
  • Explain various activities associated with vulnerability management.
  • Explain security alerting and monitoring concepts and tools.
  • Given a scenario, modify enterprise capabilities to enhance security.
  • Given a scenario, implement and maintain identity and access management.
  • Explain the importance of automation and orchestration related to secure operations.
  • Explain appropriate incident response activities.
  • Given a scenario, use data sources to support an investigation.
• Domain 5.0: Security Program Management and Oversight -- 20%
  • Summarize elements of effective security governance.
  • Explain elements of the risk management process.
  • Explain the processes associated with third-party risk assessment and management.
  • Summarize elements of effective security compliance.
  • Explain types and purposes of audits and assessments.
  • Given a scenario, implement security awareness practices.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work.  Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College.  The faculty of the CIS Department reserves the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test by reproducing any specific section or all of the test in question.

Any action that comprises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of “F” in this course and possible further disciplinary action.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria/Grading Scale:  

• >89.5 = A
• >79.5 = B
• >69.5 = C
• >59.5 = D
• <59.5 = F

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS:

All work is provided for each student at the beginning of the semester. It is your responsibility to ensure all work is completed by the scheduled dates.

NO assignment will be accepted after one week from the due date.

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to successfully pass the CompTIA Security+ certification – successfully taking this exam (SYO 701) prior to the Final Exam can be used as a replacement grade for the Final Exam.  Passing the exam will be considered sufficient demonstration of course concepts and mastery.

** This is an accelerated 8 week course and requires substantial work outside of class.

Attendance

1. All Week 1 assignments must be completed by the end of Week 1 Sunday at Midnight, in order to be considered Present in the course. Failure to complete all assignments by this date may lead to an administrative drop from the course.
2. Check your email daily.  The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email issued to each AC student.
3. Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time. 
4. Attendance for on-campus classes will be taken during each class period. Attendance for online classes will be monitored by access log-in dates recorded in Blackboard and Cengage.  Excessive absence and lack of participation may result in failure of the course.

5. Students should plan on spending a minimum of 10-12 hours per week on this course, outside of class. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments and topic complexity. Please schedule your time, so that you are able to devote the appropriate energy and effort to achieve success in this course.

6. Your instructor, < Instructor Name Here >, can be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email < Instructor Email Here >.  In-person meetings or additional help are available if needed or desired. Please contact by email to set up a convenient day/time.
7. Emails are typically answered within 24 hours. If you do not receive a response within that time-frame, please resend your message as a reminder.

Calendar

Additional Information

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUES

• Computer Services Center: Located within the AC Bookstore, trained staff will diagnose computer-related issues and repair problems on a fee-for-service basis. Laptop rentals are also available. Visit the Computer Services Center website for additional details: https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/computer-service-center.
• Student & Faculty Help Center: Located in the basement of Ware Student Commons, the Help Center provides technical support to students and faculty. The Help Center offers assistance in logging into AC Connect, Blackboard, resetting passwords, and general computing and software questions. Visit the Student & Faculty Help Center website at https://www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter.
• The Underground: Located in the basement of Ware Student Commons, The Underground contains more than 130 computers and features numerous individual work stations, production and collaboration rooms, some 85-inch screens, and high-quality printers. Hours of Operation are: Monday-Thursday (7am-8:30pm), Friday (7am-4pm), and Sunday (2pm-6pm).

COURSE ASSISTANCE

• Tutoring: A variety of options are available when you need a little extra help in a course (online, walk-in, one-on-one). Visit the Tutoring website at https://www.actx.edu/tutoring/.
• Writers' Corner: Writers' Corner offers one-on-one tutoring to review assignment requirements, provide constructive feedback, and guide students through all phases of the writing process. Writer’s Corner will not edit your work, but will help you get on the right path. Visit the Writer’s Corner website at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.
• DisAbility Services: DisAbility Services helps students by providing necessary accommodations for course success and facilitating access to all services and programs at Amarillo College. Visit the DisAbility Services website at https://www.actx.edu/disability/.
• Learn about using AC Connect (Blackboard) and using features of our course by reviewing the following tutorials:
  • Blackboard On Demand Learning Center for Students
    • Topic list: https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student
    • Videos: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm
  • AC Connect Student Resources
    • https://www.actx.edu/ctl/ac-connect-student-resources

PERSONAL ISSUES

• Advocacy & Resource Center: The Advocacy & Resource Center is located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons. A variety of resources are available in the areas of social services, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and adult student programs. Visit the Advocacy & Resource Center website at http://www.actx.edu/arc/advocacy-and-resource-center.
• Counseling Center: At the Counseling Center, student and counselor work together to develop more personal awareness and the skills needed to overcome barriers to success. All services are free and confidential. Visit the Counseling Center website at: https://www.actx.edu/counseling/index.php.
• Legal Clinic: The Legal Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic assisting enrolled AC students on various legal issues including family law, immigration, probate, landlord-tenant issues, and general legal matters. Visit the Legal Clinic website at https://www.actx.edu/legalstudies/legal-student-intership.