Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit builds on the experience and knowledge gained from FNSC5506 Crime in the Digital Environment and provides more advanced knowledge of digital evidence identification and analysis. Students gain theoretical understanding of the challenges to recovering obfuscated, digital evidence stored in a larger and more complex data set. The use of an advanced forensic tool assists students undertake more advanced analysis of intricate evidence groups and opportunity to establish relationships between groups of significant events and computer users. Students have the opportunity to develop plausible hypotheses based on their analysis of a more complex case. Students prepare an expert report reflecting sound forensic analysis and practice. The unit looks at trends in the digital forensic environment and future challenges confronting practitioners.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe how appropriate processes are applied in the course of digital evidence acquisition and preservation; (2) understand the complex nature of digital evidence and the challenges in analysing and presenting examination findings in a criminal and civil setting; (3) explain the application of advanced technical knowledge and appropriate procedures to computer forensic tasks; (4) understand how to assemble and construct scientific material in the appropriate format; (5) identify and apply the correct style and format of writing in expert reports and statements; (6) work individually with competence to solve digital forensic problems of a forensic nature; (7) have awareness of trends in a field of endeavour that affect the efficacy of digital forensic practice; and (8) apply critical thinking skills in digital forensic examination.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quiz 1; (2) quiz 2; (3) expert report 1; and (4) expert report 2. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Daniel Franklin
Unit rules
Prerequisites
FNSC5506 Crime in the Digital Environment (concurrent enrolment)
Advisable prior study
FNSC5617 Forensics and Information Technology
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
workshops: 1 hour per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.