Outcomes-based assessment as an assurance education tool

  • Authors:

  • Susan Older;Shiu-Kai Chin

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Systems Assurance Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY;Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Systems Assurance Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

  • Venue:
  • Security education and critical infrastructures
  • Year:
  • 2003

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Abstract

The goal of Syracuse University's Certificate of Advanced Study in Systems Assurance (CASSA) program is to develop students who (1) comprehend the concepts underlying security and system assurance; (2) can apply those concepts to construct assured systems; and (3) can critically analyze and evaluate systems' conformance to their requirements. Because of this third requirement, a key component of the CASSA program is an emphasis on using formal mathematics and logic to provide a rigorous basis for the assurance of information and information systems.Our purpose in writing this paper is twofold. The first is to report on our progress in delivering an assurance curriculum with a strong emphasis on logic and formal methods. Specifically, we describe what we are teaching in two of our foundational courses, as well as what our students are learning. The second and broader purpose is to advocate the use of an outcome-based approach when developing IA courses and curricula. We have found that focusing on the desired educational outcomes from the outset has made it easier to identify what is working and what is not, and we wish to share our experiences.