Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title TECHNOLOGIES FOR E-COMMERCE
Code COMP315
Coordinator Dr M Amen
Computer Science
Bakhtiar.Amen@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce the environment in which e-commerce takes place, the main technologies for supporting e-commerce, and how these technologies fit together.

To introduce security as a major issue in secure e-commerce, and to provide an overview of security issues.

To introduce encryption as a means of ensuring security, and to describe how secure encryption can be delivered.

To introduce issues relating to privacy.

To introduce auction protocols and negotiation mechanisms as emerging e-commerce technologies.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Upon completing this module, a student will: understand the main technologies behind e-commerce systems and how these technologies interact; understand the security issues which relate to e-commerce; understand how encryption can be provided and how it can be used to ensure secure commercial transactions; understand implementation aspects of e-commerce and cryptographic systems; have an appreciation of privacy issues; and understand auction protocols and interaction mechanisms.


Syllabus

 

1 1.      Introduction (1 week) What is e-commerce? What are the issues in delivering goods and services over the internet? What form do solutions to these problems take? Frameworks for e-commerce; business to business, business to consumer. 2.      Ecommerce basics (3 weeks) The history and architecture of the internet, internet protocols, web servers, ISPs. How e-commerce makes use of the internet, how e-commerce fits into other IT functions, client side and server side processes. Current technologies and their uses. Scripting languages, CGI, ASP, Active X, plugins,XML Future technologies. Shopbots and Pricebots. Electronic marketing, information finding, placement on search engines. Auction mechanisms and interaction protocols. 3.      Web security (2 weeks) The problem of web security; where the weak spots are, denial of service. Host security, Site security, Web server security How firewal ls work, how they help.  User safety, secure transactions. 4.      Cryptography (3 weeks) Cryptography basics, history of ciphers, symmetric key algorithms, public key algorithms. Cryptography and the web, existing cryptography systems, RSA, PGP, DES. Message digests, digital signatures, public key infrastructure, certification authorities, digital cash. Secure Sockets Layer, SSLeay, using SSL to ensure secure transactions. Java support for cryptography, Java Cryptography Architecture (JCS), JCE. 5.      Privacy issues (1 week) Log files, cookies, anonymizers. Wire tapping, key escrow and key recovery.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:

Due to Covid-19, in 2020/21, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions.
(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: On-line synchronous/asynchronous lectures
Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Mix of on-campus/on-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: On-line synchronous/asynchronous lectures
Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: On-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing.
As our planning has already gone too far, even if the campus opens up, we will offer hybrid teaching
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: On-line synchronous/asynchronous lectures
Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Mix of o n-campus/on-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 30

          30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(315) Written Exam Assessment Schedule (When) :2  2.5 hours    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(315.1) Class test 1 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2      15       
(315.2) Class Test 2 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2      15       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.