Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This module provides an introduction to the subject of Digital Forensics, which is becoming increasingly important now that computers and mobile devices are frequently a subject of criminal investigations. It will cover basic technical concepts, labs and tools for carrying out forensic investigations, how evidence is collected, specific issues with Windows operating systems, mobile devices, internet and social media, multimedia forensics and how the law currently applies to digital forensics. As well as lectures and workshops, the students will prepare a group digital presentation.
Aims
To provide an introduction to Digital Forensics including the following topics:- Introduction to digital forensics- Technical concepts ¿ computer hardware and software and definitions- Labs and tools for carrying out digital forensics investigations- Collecting evidence- Specific systems ¿ Windows, Linux, Apple IOS- Mobile devices- Internet/E-mail/Social media- Network forensics- Multimedia forensics- Anti-forensics- Digital forensics and the law
Intended Learning Outcomes
explain the key technical concepts involved in digital forensics, including computer storage and memory in different environments, data types and file systems: 1,2describe artifacts of operating systems, including vulnerabilities (concentrating on Windows as this is most encountered): 1,2describe the digital forensics of mobile devices and how data can be recovered from them, and demonstrate how digital forensics methods can be applied to the internet, including e-mail and social networks: 1,2give examples of how 'anti-forensics' methods are used to hide or destroy data, and discuss how the law is applied in digital forensics investigations: 1,2research, prepare and present a group presentation on a topic of relevance to digital forensics: 1discuss how digital forensics investigations are carried out and describe how evidence is collected using digital tools and appropriate software: 1,2
20 content study hours (including Q&A sessions and drop-in sessions)30 hours - preparation of group digital presentation40 hours - working on independent case study60 hours - independent study and class test completion
Successful completion of CSC-10025 or FSC-10005
Description of Module Assessment
1: Group Presentation weighted 40%Group Digital PresentationStudents will be divided into small groups (~4 students) and prepare a 30 minute digital presentation. Each student will make an individual contribution (~7-8 minutes) to the presentation, and their mark for the presentation will be a combination of self, peer and tutor assessment.
2: Case Study weighted 60%Independent In-depth Case StudyStudents will carry out an in depth case study individually on a topic allocated from those covered in the lectures. The case study will be presented in the form of a report (equivalent to ~3000 words) describing the case and the results and conclusions obtained.