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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 04/11/2021 14:35:11

Title of Module: Advanced Mobile Forensics

Code: COMP11074 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:Muhammad  Zeeshan  Shakir

Summary of Module

The module aims to furnish students with the specialised understanding for the forensic analysis of mobile devices and the fundamentals of device le system analysis, mobile application behaviour and artefact analysis. The module will examine the di erent data structures on each type of smart device and provide the advanced techniques to identify, extract (e. g., bypassing encryption, decrypting backups, cracking lockdown les), decode, and correctly interpret evidence recovered. Students will apply the knowledge in practical exercises to analyse different datasets from smart devices and leverage the best forensic tools (appreciate their limitations) and manual techniques, but there is specific focus on developing the analytical practical skills instead of how to use a particular tool.

  • 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 3check mark

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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 specialised theories, concepts and principles of mobile forensics, device file systems, mobile application behaviour and event artefacts.

L2. Apply knowledge, skills and understanding in using the principal skills, techniques, practices required to devise an appropriate professional level plan for a mobile device focused forensic investigation and execute this plan within a context of a specific scenario using appropriate digital forensic tools.

L3. Analyse and critically evaluate evidence and procedures specific to mobile forensics and understand the challenges presented.

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.

Critical knowledge & understanding of: the principal theories, concepts and principles; fundamental mobile device technologies; the internals of mobile devices and associated security models; the attack surface; testing and analysis techniques; the principles of security by design; mobile forensic acquisition & analysis.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 11.

Use specialised and advanced skills, techniques and practices

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 11.

Critically identify, define, conceptualise and analyse complex problems; Offer professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues; Demonstrate some originality and creativity; Critically review and consolidate knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in the discipline; Make judgements where data/information is limited or comes from a range of sources.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 11.

Use a wide range of advanced and specialised skills in support of established practices; Present or convey, formally and informally, information about specialised topics to informed audiences; Interpret, use and evaluate a wide range of data.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 11.

Exercise autonomy and initiative in activities. Manage complex ethical and professional issues.

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 Delivery10
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity5
Laboratory/Practical Demonstration/Workshop20
Independent Study65
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:

Mahalik et al (2018) 3rd Ed. Practical Mobile Forensics: A hands-on guide to mastering mobile forensics for the iOS, Android, and the Windows Phone platforms. Packt Publishing

Reiber, L. (2016) Mobile Forensic Investigations: A Guide to Evidence Collection, Analysis, and Presentation. McGraw-Hill Education


Afonin, O. and Katalov, V. (2016) Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies. Packt 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 ExaminerTBC
Accreditation Details
Version Number

1.05

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
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
Unseen closed book (standard)check mark check mark400

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Class test (practical)check markcheck markcheck mark600
Combined Total For All Components100% 0 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.