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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 21/07/2022 08:06:51

Title of Module: Fundamentals of Digital Forensics

Code: COMP11079 SCQF Level: 11
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
Credit Points: 10 ECTS: 5
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator:Sean  Sturley

Summary of Module

This module introduces student to the main concepts of forensic investigation and allows for a detailed understanding of each stage of an investigation; from the initial seizure, analysis, interpretation and presentation of conclusions.

Through a number of problem-based scenarios the students will learn both the practical and theoretical elements of forensic investigation, from the initial creation of a forensic image, the use of forensic tools to both investigate and maintain the integrity of the forensic image, to finally collating the evidence discovered to present a case suitable to cross examination.

This module will work to develop a number of the key 'I am UWS' Graduate Attributes to make those who complete this module:

Universal

  • Critical Thinker
  • Ethically-minded
  • Research-minded

Work Ready

  • Problem-Solver
  • Effective Communicator
  • Ambitious

Successful

  • Autonomous
  • Resilient
  • Driven

Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:

 

 

 

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Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1check markTerm 2check markTerm 3

 

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Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the major forensics theories, concepts and principles utilised in digital investigations.

L2. Develop and execute a digital examination strategy for a given scenario.

L3. Investigate and assess various tactics within a legitimate crime scene study to evaluate digitally collected evidence by means of learned forensics practice and techniques.

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 11.

Students will have comprehensive knowledge of major forensics theories, concepts and principles utilised in digital investigations.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 11.

Students will develop and execute a digital examination strategy for a given scenario. Students will also investigate and assess various tactics within a legitimate crime scene study to evaluate digitally collected evidence by means of learned forensics practice and techniques.

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 11.

To complete their written reports and laboratory tasks, students will first build skills to integrate information and apply knowledge from various sources including technology advances informed by research and industry.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 11.

Working in groups, students will develop communication skills as well as the ability to write technical reports and documentation.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 11.

Exercise a substantial ability to work autonomously, demonstrating critical inquiry in producing quality work underpinned by rigorous investigation.

Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing personal development planning through interacting with others in academic and professional bodies and organisations relevant to m-business.

Demonstrate an ability to manage and work autonomously with a range of self-directed m-business related learning resources.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
Module Title:
Other:
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
The module will be delivered by means of lectures and supervised hands-on lab work. Lectures will cover the theoretical background and practical applicability in real life problems. Concepts will be introduced by posing a practical problem and working out the needed theoretical knowledge to solve them. The delivery will encourage student participation to ensure an active learning experience. Group discussions will be held to promote critical thinking and boost informed decisions on the suitability of different state-of-the-art methods. Lab exercises will help student develop their knowledge in incremental fashion using a learning-by-doing approach. This will support the development of knowledge and understanding of the topics.
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Lecture/Core Content Delivery6
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity6
Laboratory/Practical Demonstration/Workshop12
Independent Study76
100 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

Cory Altheide and Harlan Carvey. (2011) Digital Forensics with Open Source Tools (1st Ed.). Syngress Publishing.

Gerard Johansen. (2017) Digital Forensics and Incident Response: A practical guide to deploying digital forensic techniques in response to cyber security incidents. Packt Publishing.

David Watson. (2013) Digital Forensics Processing and Procedures: Meeting the Requirements of ISO 17020, ISO 17025, ISO 27001 and Best Practice Requirements. Syngress Publishing.

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

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Supplemental Information

Programme BoardComputing
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelBusiness & Applied Computing
ModeratorAlthaff Mohideen
External ExaminerN Coull
Accreditation Details
Version Number

1.06

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Practical Examination (40%)
Coursework (60%)
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Class test (practical)check mark check mark402

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Clinical/ Fieldwork/ Practical skills assessment/ Debate/ Interview/ Viva voce/ Oralcheck markcheck markcheck mark608
Combined Total For All Components100% 10 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

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Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
This module is suitable for any student. The assessment regime will be applied flexibly so that a student who can attain the practical outcomes of the module will not be disadvantaged. When a student discloses a disability, or if a tutor is concerned about a student, the tutor in consultation with the School Enabling Support co-ordinator will agree the appropriate adjustments to be made.
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.