Long Title:An Introduction to Digital Forensics and Auditing
Language of Instruction:English
Module Code:H8IDFA
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:LEVEL 8
Field of Study: Computer use
Module Delivered in 1 programme(s)
Module Coordinator: Simon Caton
Module editor: Vikas Sahni
Teaching and Learning Strategy: This module will be taught using a mix of a traditional instructivist and constructivist approach. Teaching and learning will take place primarily through theoretical material, practical workbooks, on-going formative assessment and case studies. The teaching and learning strategy will be applied in nature and lectures will focus on the understanding and application of knowledge in a practical and applied manner utilising a problem based learning approach. Participants will be guided towards suitable online supporting material including videos and interactive textbook exercises (including MCQs, critical thinking questions, discussion questions, etc.) to support a constructivist approach.
Learning Environment: Learning will take place in classroom or lab environments as appropriate. In lab environments, each student will have access to IT resources. Learners will have access to library resources and to faculty outside of the classroom where required. Module materials will be placed on Moodle, the colleges LMS.
Module Description: The Data Auditing and Forensics module has been included to prepare learners for auditing practices. The module will prepare learners for the technical instrumentation of compliance and regulation, and by extension the best practices necessary.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
LO1 Describe and explain what a digital investigation is, the sources of digital evidence, along with potential challenges and limitations of forensic.
LO2 Illustrate how data collection is accomplished whilst ensuring the integrity of the original and forensics copy.
LO3 Illustrate how data collection is accomplished whilst ensuring the integrity of the original and forensics copy.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Basic Principles and methodologies for digital forensics
Design systems with forensic needs in mind  Rules of Evidence general concepts and differences between jurisdictions and Chain of Custody  Search and Seizure of evidence: legal and procedural requirements
Auditing
Identification and application of framework criteria (e.g. ISO 27001, PCI DSS)  Identifying the area of concern to maintain impartiality consistency  Contractual obligations / limitations: right to investigate or audit  Challenges: Privacy, collusion, encryption
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Should learners not achieve a 40% pass mark, they will either sit a repeat terminal exam, or undertake an assessment that assesses all learning outcomes.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full Time workload.
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Every Week 24.00
Tutorial No Description 12 Every Week 12.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Every Week 89.00
Total Hours 125.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 125.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 36.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Messier, Ric. 2015, Operating System Forensics., Syngress [ISBN: 0128019492]
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Nelson, Bill, Amelia Phillips and Christopher Steuart 2015, Guide to Computer Forensics and Investigations [ISBN: 1285060032]
  • Sammons, John. 2015, Digital Forensics: Threatscape and Best Practices., Syngress [ISBN: 0128045264.]
  • Spann, Delena D 2013, Fraud Analytics: Strategies and Methods for Detection and Prevention., Wiley [ISBN: 111823068X]
  • Albert J. Marcella, Frederic Guillossou, Fredrick Guillossou., Cyber forensics, Chichester; John Wiley & Sons [ISBN: 1118273664]
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 

Module Delivered in

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
HDFINTECH HDip FinTech 2 Optional