This micro-course can be applied toward the AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise Systems Professionals and is the introductory level 1 micro-course in the AI and Cybersecurity track.
This foundational introductory level micro-course is designed for IT and digital professionals to explore how AI is transforming cybersecurity. Gain crucial insights into the opportunities and challenges AI presents for cybersecurity and how it is revolutionizing threat detection, response capabilities and defensive strategies.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how AI enhances traditional cybersecurity approaches
- Identify common AI applications in threat detection and response
- Recognize the challenges and limitations of AI in security contexts
- Analyze false-positive trade-offs in AI-driven security systems
- Describe basic concepts of real-time monitoring and anomaly detection
- Understand fundamental adversarial vulnerabilities in AI systems
This micro-course requires basic cybersecurity knowledge, familiarity with network security principles and general IT infrastructure awareness.
Platform and tool selection varies and is regularly updated to reflect current industry trends. Students can expect to interact with:
- SIEM platforms with AI capabilities
- Basic anomaly detection tools and dashboards
- AI-powered threat intelligence platforms
- Security analytics visualization tools
- Entry-level machine learning security applications
Course outline
- Module 1: AI foundations in cybersecurity context
- Module 2: Real-time monitoring and anomaly detection basics
- Module 3: Adversarial and data vulnerabilities introduction
How am I assessed?
You will be assessed on successfully completing weekly activities, including exercises, quizzes, applied case study projects (based on real-life scenarios) and your contributions to discussion posts. These activities are marked using a proficiency scale, and your instructor provides you informal feedback during live online sessions.
While you are not assessed on your attendance of the live online sessions, we encourage you to attend so you can learn and interact with your instructor and other participants. All sessions are recorded in case you miss one.
This micro-course operates on a pass/fail basis. You must achieve an overall grade of 70% or greater to pass and be eligible to earn the UBC Certificate in AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise Systems Professionals.
Expected effort
Expect to spend approximately 14 hours per week per course completing all learning activities, including attending live sessions online.
Requisites
Recommend completion of AI Foundations 1: Concepts and Tools or equivalent foundational AI cybersecurity knowledge.
Course format
This 100% online part-time program consists of instructor-supported real-time classes combined with independent study.
Each micro-course will consist of a weekly virtual class taught by subject matter experts and a high degree of personal engagement and interactivity. Outside of class, you can access online materials on your own time.
One business day before the micro-course start date, we'll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your micro-course.