

B-TECH in Computer Science Engineering Cyber Security Ibm Palo Alto at Alliance University


Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Computer Science & Engineering – Cyber Security (IBM | Palo Alto) at Alliance University Bengaluru?
This Computer Science & Engineering – Cyber Security program at Alliance University focuses on equipping students with advanced skills to protect digital assets. In collaboration with IBM and Palo Alto Networks, it offers a cutting-edge curriculum reflecting real-world industry demands. India''''s rapidly expanding digital economy and increasing cyber threats create a significant demand for skilled cyber security professionals, making this specialization highly relevant.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates passionate about technology and eager to specialize in digital defense, as well as working professionals looking to upskill in advanced cyber security domains. It also suits career changers transitioning into the booming Indian cyber security industry. Prerequisites typically include a strong foundation in mathematics and basic programming concepts.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure high-demand roles such as Cyber Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, or Incident Responder in leading Indian and multinational companies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program also aligns with professional certifications from IBM and Palo Alto Networks, enhancing career growth trajectories.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Programming & Discrete Math- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to build strong foundations in C/C++ programming and discrete mathematics. Use platforms like HackerRank and GeeksforGeeks to practice problem-solving daily. Form study groups to tackle complex logic and algorithms together.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, GeeksforGeeks, NPTEL lectures for Discrete Math
Career Connection
A solid foundation in these areas is crucial for understanding advanced algorithms, cryptographic principles, and developing robust security solutions, essential for future roles in cyber security.
Develop Strong Academic Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding core engineering concepts thoroughly. Engage actively in classes, ask questions, and prioritize timely completion of assignments. Aim for conceptual clarity over rote learning to build a strong academic record.
Tools & Resources
University Learning Management System, Course Textbooks
Career Connection
Consistent academic excellence demonstrates discipline and a strong grasp of fundamentals, which are highly valued by recruiters during campus placements.
Engage in Technical Clubs & Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Join the university''''s technical clubs related to programming, ethical hacking, or Linux. Participate in introductory workshops and small coding challenges to apply classroom knowledge and build a peer network.
Tools & Resources
College technical clubs, Introductory online courses on Coursera/edX
Career Connection
Early exposure to practical applications and networking builds enthusiasm, develops teamwork skills, and helps identify areas of interest for specialization later on.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Networking & OS Concepts- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond theoretical knowledge, aim for practical implementation of networking protocols, operating system commands (Linux is key), and database operations. Set up virtual labs to experiment with different configurations and troubleshoot issues.
Tools & Resources
Cisco Packet Tracer, VirtualBox/VMware with Linux VMs, SQL databases like MySQL/PostgreSQL
Career Connection
Cyber security roles heavily rely on understanding how systems and networks operate. Practical expertise here is a direct asset for security analysis, incident response, and network defense roles.
Explore Cyber Security Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Start exploring foundational cyber security certifications offered by industry partners like IBM and Palo Alto Networks. Engage with their learning modules and free resources to understand industry standards and tools early on.
Tools & Resources
IBM Academic Initiative, Palo Alto Networks Academy, CompTIA Security+ resources
Career Connection
Aligning with industry certifications demonstrates commitment and provides a structured learning path recognized by employers, significantly boosting internship and job prospects.
Participate in Coding & Security Challenges- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in competitive programming contests (CodeChef, LeetCode) and Capture The Flag (CTF) security challenges. These enhance problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and introduce you to practical hacking techniques in a controlled environment.
Tools & Resources
CodeChef, LeetCode, CTFtime.org for upcoming CTFs
Career Connection
Success in these challenges showcases strong technical acumen, logical reasoning, and resilience – qualities highly sought after for security analyst and penetration testing roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Industry Internships & Projects- (Semester 6-8)
Secure internships with cyber security firms, IT companies, or government organizations. Actively seek out hands-on projects related to threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, or security automation to gain real-world experience. Apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn Jobs, University Career Services
Career Connection
Practical industry experience is paramount for placements. Internships provide invaluable exposure, build a professional network, and often lead to pre-placement offers.
Specialize and Build a Portfolio- (Semester 6-8)
Choose a specific area within cyber security (e.g., cloud security, incident response, ethical hacking) and delve deeper. Build a strong GitHub portfolio showcasing personal projects, CTF write-ups, or contributions to open-source security tools. This demonstrates specialized skills and initiative.
Tools & Resources
GitHub, Personal website/blog, Medium.com for write-ups
Career Connection
A specialized portfolio differentiates you from other candidates, proving your passion and practical skills, which is critical for landing niche cyber security roles.
Prepare for Placements & Communication Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Beyond technical preparation, focus on developing strong communication, presentation, and interview skills. Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly, participate in mock interviews, and refine your resume and cover letter. Network with alumni in the cyber security field.
Tools & Resources
University Placement Cell, Mock Interview Platforms, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Excellent communication and presentation skills are essential for convincing recruiters and collaborating effectively in a professional setting, ensuring a smooth transition into your career.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of the Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subjects from a recognized Board/University with minimum 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) in aggregate.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTCS101 | Engineering Mathematics - I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations |
| BTCS102 | Engineering Physics | Core | 4 | Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Lasers and Fiber Optics |
| BTCS103 | Introduction to Programming | Core | 4 | C Programming Fundamentals, Data Types and Operators, Control Flow Statements, Functions and Arrays, Pointers and Structures |
| BTCS104 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 3 | Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Sectional Views, Solid Modeling, Computer-Aided Drafting |
| BTCS105L | Engineering Physics Lab | Lab | 1 | Spectrometer Experiments, Semiconductor Device Characteristics, Optical Fiber Communication, Magnetic Field Measurements, Ultrasonic Interferometer |
| BTCS106L | Programming Lab | Lab | 1 | C Program Debugging, Algorithm Implementation, Data Structure Operations, File Handling in C, Problem Solving with C |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTCS201 | Engineering Mathematics - II | Core | 4 | Multivariable Calculus, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series, Partial Differential Equations, Complex Analysis |
| BTCS202 | Engineering Chemistry | Core | 4 | Electrochemistry, Corrosion and its Control, Polymer Chemistry, Water Technology, Green Chemistry |
| BTCS203 | Object Oriented Programming using C++ | Core | 4 | Classes and Objects, Inheritance and Polymorphism, Constructors and Destructors, Operator Overloading, Templates and Exception Handling |
| BTCS204 | Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Core | 4 | DC and AC Circuits, Semiconductor Devices, Operational Amplifiers, Digital Logic Gates, Transformers and Motors |
| BTCS205L | Engineering Chemistry Lab | Lab | 1 | Volumetric Analysis, Potentiometric Titrations, Conductometric Titrations, pH Metry, Synthesis of Polymers |
| BTCS206L | Object Oriented Programming Lab | Lab | 1 | C++ Class Implementation, Inheritance Examples, Polymorphism Applications, File I/O in C++, Standard Template Library usage |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTCS301 | Data Structures and Algorithms | Core | 4 | Arrays and Linked Lists, Stacks and Queues, Trees and Graphs, Searching and Sorting Algorithms, Hashing Techniques |
| BTCS302 | Discrete Mathematics | Core | 4 | Set Theory, Logic and Proofs, Relations and Functions, Graph Theory, Combinatorics and Recurrence Relations |
| BTCS303 | Digital Logic Design | Core | 4 | Boolean Algebra, Logic Gates, Combinational Circuits, Sequential Circuits, Memory and Programmable Logic |
| BTCS304 | Computer Organization and Architecture | Core | 4 | CPU Organization, Memory Hierarchy, I/O Organization, Instruction Set Architecture, Pipelining and Parallel Processing |
| BTCS305L | Data Structures Lab | Lab | 1 | Linked List Implementations, Stack and Queue Operations, Tree Traversal Algorithms, Graph Algorithms, Sorting and Searching Efficiency |
| BTCS306 | Environmental Science | Mandatory Non-Credit | 0 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, Environmental Ethics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTCS401 | Operating Systems | Core | 4 | Process Management, Memory Management, File Systems, I/O Systems, Deadlocks and Concurrency |
| BTCS402 | Database Management Systems | Core | 4 | Relational Model, SQL Queries, Normalization, Transaction Management, Database Security |
| BTCS403 | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | Core | 4 | Algorithmic Paradigms, Time and Space Complexity, Greedy Algorithms, Dynamic Programming, NP-Completeness |
| BTCS404 | Computer Networks | Core | 4 | Network Topologies, OSI and TCP/IP Models, Routing Protocols, Transport Layer Protocols, Network Security Basics |
| BTCS405L | Operating Systems Lab | Lab | 1 | Shell Scripting, Process Management Commands, Memory Allocation Techniques, CPU Scheduling Algorithms, Synchronization Problems |
| BTCS406L | Database Management Systems Lab | Lab | 1 | SQL Query Writing, Database Design, PL/SQL Programming, Indexing and Views, User and Privilege Management |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTCS501 | Theory of Computation | Core | 3 | Finite Automata, Regular Expressions, Context-Free Grammars, Turing Machines, Computability and Decidability |
| BTCS502 | Introduction to Cyber Security (IBM) | Specialization Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Cyber Security, Threat Landscape and Attack Vectors, Security Policies and Controls, IBM Security Frameworks, Introduction to Security Intelligence |
| BTCS503 | Network Security (Palo Alto Networks) | Specialization Core | 4 | Network Security Principles, Firewalls and IDS/IPS, VPN Technologies, Palo Alto Networks Security Operating Platform, Packet Flow Analysis |
| BTCS504 | Cryptography and Network Security | Core | 4 | Symmetric Key Cryptography, Asymmetric Key Cryptography, Hashing and Digital Signatures, Authentication Protocols, Key Management |
| BTCS505L | Cyber Security Lab (IBM) | Lab | 1 | Security Incident Response Simulation, Vulnerability Scanning with IBM Tools, Access Control Implementation, Security Analytics, Malware Analysis Basics |
| BTCS506 | Professional Ethics and Values | Humanities | 2 | Ethical Theories, Values in Engineering, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cyber Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTCS601 | Web Technology and Security | Core | 4 | Web Application Architecture, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Server-Side Scripting, Common Web Attacks (OWASP Top 10), Web Security Best Practices |
| BTCS602 | Cloud Security (IBM) | Specialization Core | 4 | Cloud Computing Models, Cloud Security Architecture, Data Security in Cloud, IBM Cloud Security Services, Compliance and Governance in Cloud |
| BTCS603 | Advanced Network Security and Threat Prevention (Palo Alto Networks) | Specialization Core | 4 | Advanced Threat Detection, Zero Trust Architecture, Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall, Endpoint Protection, Security Orchestration |
| BTCS604 | Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering | Elective | 3 | Malware Types and Lifecycle, Static and Dynamic Analysis, Assembly Language Basics, Reverse Engineering Tools, Anti-Reversing Techniques |
| BTCS605L | Advanced Cyber Security Lab (Palo Alto Networks) | Lab | 1 | Firewall Rule Configuration, Intrusion Prevention System Deployment, VPN Tunnel Setup, Threat Intelligence Feed Integration, Security Incident Investigation with SIEM |
| BTCS606P | Minor Project | Project | 2 | Project Planning, Requirement Analysis, System Design, Implementation and Testing, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTCS701 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | Specialization Core | 4 | Reconnaissance and Scanning, Vulnerability Exploitation, Web Application Hacking, Wireless Network Security, Penetration Testing Methodologies |
| BTCS702 | Data Privacy and GDPR Compliance (IBM) | Specialization Core | 4 | Data Privacy Principles, GDPR and Indian Data Protection Law, Data Minimization Techniques, Privacy Enhancing Technologies, Data Breach Response Planning |
| BTCS703 | Cyber Forensics and Incident Response (Palo Alto Networks) | Specialization Core | 4 | Digital Forensics Process, Evidence Collection and Analysis, Incident Response Lifecycle, Log Analysis and Correlation, Forensic Toolkits |
| BTCS704E | Cyber Law and Security Governance | Elective | 3 | Indian IT Act 2000/2008, Cybercrime Categories, Digital Evidence and Legal Aspects, Information Security Policies, Risk Management Frameworks |
| BTCS705L | Cyber Forensics and Incident Response Lab | Lab | 1 | Disk Imaging and Data Recovery, Network Traffic Analysis, Memory Forensics, Incident Playbook Development, Reporting Forensic Findings |
| BTCS706I | Internship / Industrial Training | Practical | 3 | Industry Work Exposure, Application of Technical Skills, Professional Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration, Problem-Solving in Real-world Contexts |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTCS801 | Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security | Specialization Core | 4 | AI/ML for Threat Detection, Behavioral Analytics, Automated Incident Response, Deep Learning in Security, AI Ethics in Cyber Security |
| BTCS802 | IoT Security | Elective | 3 | IoT Architecture, Threats to IoT Devices, Security Protocols for IoT, Firmware Analysis, Secure IoT Deployment |
| BTCS803 | Capstone Project | Project | 6 | Problem Statement Definition, Literature Review and Research, System Design and Development, Testing and Evaluation, Project Report and Presentation |
| BTCS804S | Seminar | Seminar | 2 | Technical Research and Presentation, Communication Skills, Emerging Technologies, Literature Review, Critical Analysis |




