Frequently Asked Questions
Please check here before asking a question in the discussion forums or emailing the course staff. If you can’t find your answer here, then please send us an email.
Q. What are the prerequisites for this course?
A. As specified in the syllabus, there are no prerequisites for this course. This course was written for an audience with Bachelor's level education, but learners across all levels may find the course content approachable.
Q. Why can't I see Unit 1 yet?
A. The class officially starts on March 21 at 14:00 UTC, which means that the first unit will be released then. Right now, the course is open so people can introduce themselves and get accustomed to the edX platform.
Q. Why can’t I see all of the units?
A. This is an instructor-led course and runs at a set pace. A new unit opens each week at 14:00 UTC during the course.
Q. What software/books do I need?
A. You do not need any software or books. As long as you can view the course videos and use the edX platform, you are all set. We may ask you to access or download other materials. Anything required to answer quiz questions are clearly indicated.
Q. Does this course map to the (XYZ) certification?
A. No. This is a fundamentals course. Some of the knowledge in the course may be coincidentally helpful, but this course is not explicitly written to map to any industry certification.
Q. Are there any hands-on labs in this course?
A. The fifth course in the MicroMasters Program, CYBER 525x Cybersecurity Capstone, will have labs to demonstrate proficiency from the previous four courses in the series. This course does include some optional computer-based activities.
Q. What do I do if I don’t understand a quiz question?
A. If you don’t understand a question in one of the graded quizzes, please email the course team. Because some students had difficulties with drag and drop and text fill-in questions in the Unit 1 Quiz, we are re-evaluating their use in subsequent units.
Q. Are there due dates for the quizzes?
A. No. There are no due dates for individual quizzes. However, you must complete them all by the course end on May 16.
Q. Can I still upgrade for a verified certificate?
A. You can upgrade for a verified certificate until April 25 at 23:59 UTC.