Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Ethical hacking covers vulnerability and penetration testing, which are essential elements in modern cybersecurity. This course introduces the concept of ethical hacking which is a crucial component in modern security management. Ethical hacking consists of testing the security of IT systems by trying to find and exploit security vulnerabilities.

Learning outcome

After completing this course you will

  • have knowledge about the theoretical basis for security testing
  • have the ability to protect systems against modern cyber attacks
  • have information on the legal aspects of performing ethical hacking and to judge what is within and outside permitted activities
  • be able to perform practical penetration testing using up-to-date tools and techniques
  • be able to evaluate the security status of systems and suggest solutions for removing security vulnerabilities
  • be able to use publicly available resources for verifying the status of vulnerabilities and for applying patches
  • possess the ability to perform independent deep research of offensive security topics

Admission to the course

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

General knowledge about information security,

IN2120 – Information Security

Overlapping courses

Teaching

4 hours of lectures and practice per week

Examination

The home exam constitutes 40% of the final grade, while the final exam constitutes 60% of the final grade.

Both exams must be passed in the same semester.

Examination support material

All written material are allowed.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester. Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 5, 2026 7:29:56 PM

Facts about this course

Level
PhD
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Informatics