Computer Science 564 - Cyber Effects

Spring
2026
02
3.00
Nicholas Merlino,Edward Walters

M W 5:30PM 6:45PM

UMass Amherst
76983
Computer Science Bldg rm 142
nmerlino@umass.edu
ewalters@alum.mit.edu
76982
This course covers a range of topics related to cyber security and operations. As each topic could be its own course, they will be presented broadly. The focus is on real-world studies of reverse engineering, exploit analysis, and capability development within the context of computer network operations and attack. The course has a strong emphasis on hands-on exercises and projects. Industry-standard tools such as Ghidra and CVE will be leveraged. Lectures will cover a lot of material and the assignments will likely be on material that students have not had experience in, so individual online research will be necessary. Students are not expected to be at a professional skill level in each of these topics by the end of the course, but instead the objective is to ensure that each student has at least a fundamental understanding of each topic and how they influence each other. Students should be prepared to learn about both COMPSCI and ECE concepts.

Open to graduate Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering students only. UNIV LEC 01 FOR UNDERGRADS; UNIV LEC 02 FOR GRADS. UNDERGRADS MAY SUBSTITUTE ANY INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER/NETWORK SECURITY COURSE AT THE 300-LEVEL OR HIGHER WITH A GRADE OF C OR BETTER FOR COMPSCI 360, WITH PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. SEATS HELD IN LEC 02 FOR INCOMING STUDENT REGISTRATION. GRADUATE STUDENTS FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS WITH INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION, IF AVAILABLE SEATS. U+ LEC 01: OTHER GRADUATE STUDENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED WITH INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION. SYNCHRONOUSLY REMOTE ATTENDANCE VIA ZOOM REQUIRED. STUDENTS SHOULD ATTEND ALL LECTURE SESSIONS. STUDENTS NEEDING SPECIAL PERMISSION MUST REQUEST OVERRIDES VIA THE ON-LINE FORM: https://www.cics.umass.edu/academics/course-overrides

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.