INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER FORENSICS
CSE3CFN
2020
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject formulates the procedures related to digital forensic and investigation in a computer and a networking scenario.Students critically appraise the key concepts associated with the data hiding, evidence collection and validation and traffic analysis required to perform forensic analysis in a digital environment. Students learn about the importance of the legal considerations and documentation of forensic evidence. Case studies are incorporated to teach practical forensic tools.
SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJill Slay
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites CSE2NEF
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Investigate and validate data hiding and collect evidence of cyber attacks in data systems and networks
- Activities:
- Lectures and self-directed activities introduce concepts such as data hiding, evidence collection in the context of computer forensics. These concepts are reinforced in laboratory work, and applied in assignment work
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
02. Articulate ethical and legal considerations in the documentation of forensic evidence
- Activities:
- Lectures discuss ethical and legal considerations including evidence collection, data storage and documentation related to computer forensics
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
03. Analyse common digital evidence with physical forensic evidence tools
- Activities:
- In lectures students learn to articulate digital evidence collection and storage using practical forensic evidence tools. These concepts are further reinforced in laboratory work.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
04. Design traffic analyses that are required to perform forensic Investigations of digital systems
- Activities:
- Lectures discuss traffic analysis in the context of computer forensics and how this analysis helps collect evidence against computer crime or theft.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2020, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJill Slay
Class requirements
Lecture
Week:
10
-
22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Computer Laboratory
Week:
11
-
22
One 2.0 hours computer laboratory per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 11 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Report on current evidence collection and data hiding techniques (equivalent to 500 words) | 15 | 01, 02 | |
| Ethical and forensic analysis (Oral presentation 10min, 500 words; written report equiv 500 words) | This assignment has two parts: A 500 word written report and a 10 minute oral presentation | 20 | 02, 04 |
| Forensic case-study: group written task (equivalent to 1500 words per student) | 25 | 03, 04 | |
| One 2-hour final exam (equivalent to 2000 words) | 40 | 01, 03, 04 |