Digital Forensics BSc (Hons) drafted draft

Level 4 (Undergraduate year 1)

Computers and Security (CT4010)

This module introduces the core concepts of computers and security by considering the design and operation of computers and computer networks, the implications of security and how computers may be programmed.

Principles of Cyber Forensics (CT4022)

This module introduces the foundation of computer and cyber forensics. The students will learn about different tools and techniques for conducting a forensic investigation on a range of digital information and sources.

Principles of Programming (CT4029)

This module introduces the principles of programming and develops an understanding of problem solving techniques for software development using a programming language.

Maths for Data Science (CT4031)

The module aims to introduce basic topics in data analysis, probability, statistics and hypothesis testing. This module will provide students with a range of processes and techniques to address data science and its theoretical foundation.

Systems Design (CT4033)

This module introduces software engineering principles and practices necessary to developing quality software-intensive systems for business use. Students will be introduced to working in teams to identify business requirements and turn these into practical, workable solutions.

Web Development (CT4034)

This module covers the business rationale for using the web as a solution to a business problem, together with the core technologies required to create such solutions. Students will create structured websites using both scripts (e.g., html, CSS; JavaScript, php, MySql) and industry-standard software (e.g., Adobe DreamWeaver). The module would be suited to a student in any computing field who wishes to obtain an understanding of the Internet, its facilities and technologies and gain experience in production techniques.

Level 5 (Undergraduate year 2)

Operating Systems (CT5043)

This module investigates underlying architecture and operation of operating systems including Windows, Unix and Linux and Mac OS. The students will learn the core concepts of installation, administration and security.

Digital Crime Scene Investigation (CT5044)

This module follows ACPO guidelines for conducting a full digital forensic investigation from the crime scene to the court room. The students will learn how to undertake a crime scene investigation, reporting findings and presenting a report as an expert witness.

Cyber Crime Forensics (CT5045)

This module develops the knowledge and skills for forensic analysis of cyber crime activities. The students will learn about the forensic analysis of different operating systems, mobile device forensics and cyber technologies.

Data Analytics (CT5018)

Students are assumed to have some background in programming.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2500 words or equivalent

Managing the Security of Information (CT5040)

This module is concerned with the security of information and how it may be managed to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability. It encompasses the role of the Information Security Officer, security policies, standards and managing user activities.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2500 words or equivalent

Cryptography & Security (CT5046)

This module will aim to provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts, theory and application of cryptography. A number of cryptographic techniques and encryption algorithms will be studied and examined. The primary objective for students is to understand and synthesize the practical application of modern cryptography.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2500 words or equivalent

Network Design & Configuration (CT5047)

This module aims to provide an understanding of the principles of networking, network design and network architecture and infrastructures. A number of core networking topics will be delivered. They include, networking principles, network architecture and design, network standards, configuration of network devices, routers and switches. Network trouble-shooting, maintenance, support and the provision of network redundancy, fault-tolerance and load balancing will also be included.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 72

Independent Learning Hours: 228

Assessment

001: 50% Assignment: Individual: 2500 words or equivalent

002: 50% Assignment: Individual: 2500 words or equivalent

Ethical Hacking & Security (CT5049)

This module aims to provide both the theoretical and practical skills in the area of ethical hacking and how this is conducted within the available frameworks in an ethical way within UK, EU, and international laws.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2500 words or equivalent

Cyber Human Factors (CT5056)

This module is concerned with critically evaluating challenges associated with the human factors element of cyber security. As such, it focuses on managing and mitigating the complex, ever-evolving elements of cyber risk in socio-technical organisational systems.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2500 words or equivalent

Level 6 (Undergraduate final year)

Computing Technology Placement (CT5004)

Twelve months work based learning

Dissertation (CT6039)

This module provides the opportunity for students to study in depth a topic of their own choice within the subject area of their course. Students self-manage an academic investigation of an appropriate topic with support from an adviser.

Emergent Cyber Forensics (CT6048)

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of the methodology and practical techniques to recover digital forensic evidence from diverse sources. A number of emergent and exist sources will be explored to help the student adapt their skills to an everchanging Cyber-Crime landscape.

Advanced Topics in Technology and Innovation (CT6027)

This module provides the student with the opportunity to research current innovative issues in technology. The topics will be introduced in a series of lectures and then discussed in seminars with the student contributing written and verbal content.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent

Cyber Forensic Certification (CT6031)

This module provides the student with knowledge of contemporary cyber forensic professional certifications. The emphasis is on research activity to identify the requirements, practical skills and technical knowledge required for such certification.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2000 words or equivalent

Cyber Security Management (CT6033)

This module discusses the management of cyber security in an organisation. It identifies security management processes, policies and procedures used in different organisational environments.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent

Advanced Networking & Security (CT6034)

The aim of this module is to build on the network design and implementation principles from module CT5047. The objective is to defend and protect the network infrastructure, architecture, protocols and applications in order to deliver secured protocols, applications, services and data. The cyber security framework of identifying, protecting, detecting, responding and recovery in relation to network security will be evaluated and critically analysed during the module.

Students will be capable of analysing, designing and managing the requirements of a secure network architecture based on risk analysis and operational requirements in accordance with regulations and standards.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 72

Independent Learning Hours: 228

Assessment

001: 50% Assignment: Individual: 2000 words or equivalent

002: 50% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent

Compliance in Cyber Forensics (CT6041)

The module is focused on the requirements for establishing a Digital Forensics Lab Facility. The delivery presents different regulations and legislations around the world for Digital Forensics and information security. The main ISOs are presented and discussed (ISO17025 and ISO27001) along with important British standards and requirements for digital forensics.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: Individual Report

Network Forensics (CT6047)

Network forensics is a sub-branch of digital forensics relating to the extraction, analysis and reporting of computer networks and traffic for the purposes of information gathering, and legal evidence for digital forensics investigation.

The aim of the module is to provide students with both theoretical and practical hands-on experience in capturing, recording and analysis of network events in order to discover evidential information about the source of security attacks and crimes involving digital evidence.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent