Syllabus - CSCI 434 - Digital Forensics
Basic Information
- Section: D1
- Semester: Fall 2020
- Hard Deadline for All Work: Friday, December 4th, 2020 at 4:30 PM EST
- This course is fully online and does not meet in person. It is also asynchronous, which means that there is no specific time that you must be online each day.
- Prerequisites: Junior Standing
- Credit Hours: 3
- Course Purpose: Introduces the technical aspects of computer systems, with a focus on digital evidence that is left behind in the normal course of working with a computer.
- Intended Audience: This course is designed for any student who wishes to learn about digital forensics, regardless of major. For Computing Sciences majors, this course satisfies a 300+ CSCI elective requirement.
Instructor Information
Dr. Mike Murphy
Please see the About Me page for contact information, and check my Schedule for office hours information.
Catalog Description
Study of techniques, tools, and processes used to discover digital evidence. Topics include collection, preservation, presentation, and preparation of computer based evidence for the purposes of criminal law enforcement or civil litigation.
Course Objectives and Tentative List of Major Topics
- Discuss the effects of using a computer system, including trace evidence left behind as a side-effect of normal day-to-day activities.
- Explain the fundamentals of forensic analysis.
- Introduce legal aspects of forensic investigations, including statutory and case law related to digital crimes.
- Describe system security, including file encryption.
- Introduce software tools for conducting forensic investigations.
Course Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain legal and ethical issues related to the practice of digital forensics.
- Describe sources and types of digital forensic evidence.
- Apply the rules for appropriate handling and custody of evidence in an investigative scenario.
- Discover digital evidence using open-source tools.
ABET Assessment
This course measures the following Performance Indicators:
- 1.1. Define requirements and/or specifications for a computing problem.
- 1.2. Analyze a complex problem by breaking it down into smaller components.
- 1.3. Evaluate solutions to mitigate or solve a problem.
- 1.4. Identify solutions to a problem by applying principles of computing and/or other relevant disciplines.
- 4.1. Assess ethical/legal issues in the discipline.
- IT 6.2. Create appropriate IT-based solutions based upon user needs.
- IT 6.3. Select systems appropriate for different user and environment requirements.
Texts and Materials
- REQUIRED: James Duane. You Have the Right to Remain Innocent. Little A, 2016. ISBN 978-1503933392.
- Readings, reference materials, tutorials, and videos will be assigned, requiring Internet access.
Grade Categories
Grades will be broken into different categories and weighted as follows:
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Assignments | 40% |
| Learning Quizzes | 30% |
| Assessment Quizzes | 30% |
Additional Policies and Information
The following policies and documents are incorporated into this syllabus by reference:
- My Common Course Policies
- My Online Learning Expectations
- Contingency Plan
- First Week Checklist
- Student Services Guide
Disclaimer
Portions of this course may deal with issues related to cost analysis, laws, and ethics. The instructor of this course is not a lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor, and no portion of this class constitutes legal or financial advice. This syllabus and schedule are tentative and subject to change with notice to the student during the semester. If a portion of this syllabus is found to be non-compliant with University policies or applicable laws, the remainder of this syllabus will remain effective.