Intrusion Detection Syllabus for 2026-2027
Return to Syllabus List

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-2330-003 Intrusion Detection

Prerequisites

Pre-requisite: CPMT-1351, ITSY-1342, and Instructor Consent

Course Description

Computer information systems security monitoring, intrusion detection and crisis management. Includes alarm management, signature configuration, sensor configuration and troubleshooting components. Emphasizes identifying, resolving and documenting network crises and activating the response team.

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 sem hrs 2 lec 4 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

CompTIA CySA+ Guide to Cybersecurity Analyst
3rd Edition
Mark Ciampa, Ph.D.

ISBN: 979-8-214-01147-9

This book will be accessed via a Cengage Unlimited 4-month Access Code available from the AC Bookstore. You may also purchase at https://www.cengage.com/unlimited/. If you have additional courses using Cengage Unlimited, only one access code is required.

Supplies

Access to PC Computers are available in the CIS Department at Amarillo College.

Access to a modern PC or Mac computer running the latest operating system with a minimum of:

• Core i3 or equivalent processor(i5 or better preferred)
• 8GB Ram(16GB or more preferred)
• 256 GB Hard Drive (SSD Preferred)
• 1080p screen resolution or better
• Intel or AMD Virtualization Enabled in BIOS.

Access to Reliable High-Speed Internet

Student Performance

End-of-Course Outcomes:

• Build IDS sensors and attach them to the network (hardware and software)
• Install and manage a secure communication link between all sensors and the monitor
• Install and manage event database(s); analyze an event and trends; install, manage, and interpret syslog servers and system logs
• Identify legal and policy issues associated with system and network monitoring
• Deploy, implement, and test IDS security plan

Learning Objectives (Mapped to CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003 Domains):

Domain 1.0: Threat and Vulnerability Management (22%)

• Explain the importance of threat data and intelligence
• Identify and analyze common threat actors and attack vectors
• Perform vulnerability scanning and assessment using industry-standard tools
• Prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk assessment and organizational impact
• Implement vulnerability management processes and remediation strategies

Domain 2.0: Software and Systems Security (18%)

• Analyze security architecture and implement security controls
• Evaluate software security practices and secure coding principles
• Configure and manage security tools including SIEM, IDS/IPS, and endpoint protection
• Implement data protection and privacy controls
• Assess cloud security implementations and hybrid environments

Domain 3.0: Security Operations and Monitoring (25%)

• Configure and manage security monitoring tools and dashboards
• Analyze logs and security events to identify indicators of compromise (IOCs)
• Implement automated response and orchestration capabilities
• Perform network traffic analysis and anomaly detection
• Manage security operations center (SOC) processes and procedures

Domain 4.0: Incident Response (35%)

• Develop and implement incident response plans and procedures
• Execute incident response processes including identification, containment, eradication, and recovery
• Perform digital forensics and evidence collection
• Conduct root cause analysis and lessons learned activities
• Coordinate incident response activities with internal and external stakeholders
• Document incidents and maintain incident response metrics

Internship Outcomes

• Develop on-the-job skills in Cybersecurity, IT Support, and Network Engineering
• Develop work habits and attitudes necessary for job success
• Develop communication, interpersonal and other critical skills in the job interview process. Build a record of work experience.

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 receive a 0 on an assignment; may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College (see Student Rights and Responsibilities).

Students who give another student their files or allow another student to use their work are committing a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.  Students who engage in this unethical behavior risk being subject to disciplinary action in accordance with College policy.

The Faculty of the CIS Program reserve the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test or assignment by reproducing any specific section or the entire test/assignment in question.

Any action that compromises 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

Here's a cleaned-up, more readable version of that HTML. I simplified the grading scale formatting, removed unnecessary   clutter, and made the table clearer:

Grading Criteria / Grading Scale

90% - 100%   A
80% - 89%   B
70% - 79%   C
60% - 69%   D
Below 60%   F

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

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.

Required Tutoring Policy

Any time a student's overall course grade drops below a 75, that student is required to attend a 1-hour mandatory tutoring session. This session can be scheduled directly with your instructor or with AC's Tutoring Center.

Attendance

• All Week 1 assignments must be completed by the end of Week 1, in order to be considered Present in the course. Failure to complete all assignments by this date will lead to an administrative drop from the course.

• Check your email daily.  The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email issued to each AC student. Your instructor will communicate important course updates, guidance, and hints via email.
• Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time. Any work turned in late, but within 5 days of the due date will receive a 5% deduction. Late work will not be accepted after this grace period.
• Attendance will be monitored by Watermark, attendance in lab sessions, access log-in dates recorded in Blackboard, and completing required assignments.  Excessive absence or lack of participation may result in failure of the course.
• Your instructor may be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. Online meetings or additional help are available if needed or desired. Please contact your instructor by email to set up a convenient day/time.
• 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.
• Note this class will require a considerable amount of time to complete all of the course work. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments, topic complexity, and you. Most students spend 10-15 hours on the course outside of class time. 
• If your average drops below 70 and you do not officially withdraw by the posted deadline, you will receive an F for the course.

Calendar

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

August 25    Fall Classes Begin
September 1   Labor Day (Campus Closed)
September 10   Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
October 20 - 24    Fall Break 
October 27    Fall II Begins
November 3  Registration Begins Spring 2026
November 25  Last Day to Withdraw (16-Week Courses)
November 27-30  Thanksgiving Holiday (Campus closed)
December 15-18   Final Exams Week
December 19  Commencement

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 Underground below the 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.

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/.
• 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, students and counselors 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