This unit provides a general introduction to the concepts, theories, principles, and practice of digital forensics. Topics include data acquisition and validation, forensic methodologies, file systems examination, graphics file investigation, network and email investigation, legal issues, professionalism and ethics, and also the current development in the field. This unit is self-contained. Therefore, it also covers the required basics of IT systems and forensic sciences. In addition, through the teaching, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.
This unit may be cotaught with 9074 Introduction to Digital Forensics.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe the role of digital forensics in criminal investigations, corporate investigation and auditing, and IT security operation;
2. Explain how data are stored on a local computer, remotely on the Internet, and also the general structures of the local computer and the Internet;
3. Review and synthesise current industry best-practices to the analysis of digital evidence when given some hypothetical and real case scenarios;
4. Plan and execute a digital forensic investigation, from data acquisition and validation to evidence discovering, analysing, validating, and presenting, by using a variety of digital forensics tools;
5. Perform independent research to deepen the understanding in a specific area or keep the pace with latest development in the fields; and
6. Command generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

9074 Introduction to Digital Forensics.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Basic understanding of IT systems, including computer hardware, network, operating systems, storage media, database, and programming.