1. To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the domain of computer forensics.

2. To instruct students in the tools and techniques that will allow them to identify and extract evidence from computer media.

3. To equip students with an in depth knowledge of the processes whereby material extracted from computer media can be assessed and judged for evidentiary purposes.

4. To provide students with a complete understanding of the process of documenting computer forensic evidence.

(M1) A deep and critical understanding of the theory and practice of computer forensics.

(M2) A complete understanding of the processes for digital evidence acquisition, authentication, analysis, and auditing.

(M3) An understanding of the use of computer forensic tools to carry out digital forensic investigation.

(M4) Be able to conduct digital forensic investigations with respect to a variety of computer platforms.

(M5) An understanding of the legal framework within which the discipline of computer forensics operates (with respect to a number of different countries).

(M6) In the context of computer forensics, be able to differentiate between ethical issues, legal issues, and criminal motives.

(M7) An awareness of future trends in computer forensics.

(S1) Communication skills in electronic as well as written form.

(S2) Self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.

(S3) Experience of working in development teams and the leadership of such teams.

(S4) Group working, respecting others, co-operating, negotiating, awareness of interdependence with others.

Week 1: Digital Evidence, Computer Crime, Technology, and Law
Acquisition, authentication and analysis of digital evidence. Comparison of the technology and legal framework for different countries.

Week 2: The Investigative Process, Reconstruction, and Modus Operandi
The digital evidence investigative process; investigative reconstruction; and "modus operandi", motive, and technology.

Week 3: Applying Forensic Science to Computers
The role of digital evidence in court trials and the application of forensic science to computers.

Week 4: Investigating Windows Computers and Network Forensics
Forensic investigation technologies for computers running the Microsoft Windows™ Operating Systems.

Week 5: Investigation Unix Systems, Macintosh Systems, and Handheld Devices
Forensic investigation technologies for UNIX systems, Macintosh systems, and handheld devices.

Week 6: Network Forensics I
Network basics for digital investigations and network forensic techniques on physical and data-link layers.

Week 7: Network Forensics II
Comparison of network forensics at the network, transport, session, presentation and application layers.

Week 8: Computer Crime Investigation and Career Development
Guidelines for computer crime investigation, career development as a computer forensic investigator, and future trends of computer forensics.

The mode of delivery is by online learning, facilitated by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This mode of study enables students to pursue modules via home study while continuing in employment. Module delivery involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which a relatively small group of students (usually 10-25) work under the direction of a faculty member. Module delivery proceeds via a series of eight one-week online sessions, each of which comprises an online lecture, supported by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to a public folder in the virtual classroom. The eLearning activities will include lecture casts, live seminar sessions, self-assessment activities, reading materials and other multimedia resources. Communication within the virtual classroom is asynchronous, preserving the requirement that students are able to pursue the module in their own time, within the weekly time-frame of each online session. An important element of the module provision is active learning through collaborative, cohort-based, learning using discussion fora where the students engage in assessed discussions facilitated by the faculty member responsible for the module. This in turn encourages both confidence and global citizenship (given the international nature of the online student body).