COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

DIVISION OF SCIENCE
COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
CREDIT HOURS:
INSTRUCTOR:
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Special Topics in Digital Forensics

CPSC 6622
3.0
John Buenger
GMT Building Room 134
708-235-2204
jbuenger@govst.edu
M-F 8AM 4:30PM
Spring 2015

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Discusses advanced topics in digital forensics using original research and innovative
applications in the emerging discipline. Areas of coverage may include mobile device
forensics, web browser forensics, network forensics, applications and investigative
techniques.
PREREQUISITE: CPSC 4540 or equivalent
RATIONALE:
Digital forensics is a fast-paced and ever-developing field. This course addresses special
topics pertaining to digital forensics and the impact of this technology on society.

INTENDED AUDIENCE:
Computer science and technologically experienced criminal justice and public administration
students, and professionals who desire to keep pace with the field of digital forensics.

GRADUATE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

1. Integrate concepts, tools, and theories to find technology-based solutions to problems;
2. Apply professional skills to model, analyze, and design components or systems that
meet technical specification;
3. Apply concepts of software architectures for different development projects;
4. Utilize concepts to dissect and identify system limitation in terms of threats and
vulnerabilities;
5. Work and communicate effectively, either independently or in a team, to solve
problems using computer science principles;
6. Demonstrate an understanding the broad social, ethical, and professional issues of
contemporary computer science practice;
7. Prepare the students with the necessary research background in Computer Science
1

EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES:

At the completion of this course, and given appropriate study, students will become
competent in their knowledge and skills of the following:
Course Outcome/Objective
1. Examine current issues pertaining to digital forensics,
privacy, and information security.

Graduate Program
Objectives
1,3,6,7

2. Describe technologies used is forensics investigations.

1,4

3. Differentiate the strength and weakness for different

forensics tools and methods.

2,3,5,7

4. Demonstrate the ability to: properly research a topic,

produce a paper which adheres to the APA format, and
address the paper to the class through a presentation.

2,3,4,6,7

5. Describe some challenging problems in digital forensics.

5,6,7

INSTRUCTIONAL MODALITIES:
This course will be organized with research/lecture/discussion, computer demonstration,
and hands-on laboratory exercises. Hands-on laboratory exercises are major activities for
students.
Laboratory Availability:
GMT Building, Room 104, Lab Open Hours:

ACTIVITIES/ASSIGNMENTS/REQUIREMENTS:
There will be written graded assignments and due dates. There will be in class lab
assignments, case study assignments, exams and projects. Each student is required to
present his/her projects and submit reports by the due dates.
Case Studies
Students will be given three case studies on topics such as mobile forensics, network
forensics and surveillance. Students are to submit a minimum 2-3 page paper for each
case.
Mid-Term and Final Exams
Students will be given two 30-50 question exams to validate their knowledge.
Mid-Term and Final Presentation/Projects
This course will highlight several technologies. Students are to present their own case
using available technology and techniques. The preference is for a presentation, but a
research paper may be submitted with permission. All topics for presentations and papers
must be approved by instructor.
TEXTS/LEARNING MATERIALS:
None: weekly readings will be assigned by the instructor.
Optional: Steve Bunting. EnCase Computer Forensics The Official EnCE: Encase
Certified Examiner Study Guide (3rd Edition). Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2012.
ISBN: 978-0-470-90106-9

Reference Books:
Bill Nelson, Amelia Phillips, Christopher Steuart. Guide to Computer Forensics and
Investigations (4th Edition). Boston, MA: Course Technology, 2009. ISBN:
9781435498839.

COURSE OUTLINE AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

WEEK
Week 1

Topics
1/21
1/28

Week 2
2/4
Week 3
2/11
Week 4
2/18
Week 5
2/25
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9

3/4
3/11
3/18
3/25

Week 10
4/1
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16

4/8
4/15
4/22
4/29
5/6

Introduction and Course Objectives / Review of

acquisition and analysis techniques
Investigative Uses of Technology: Devices, Tools,
and Techniques for mobile forensics sub-branch,
Social media/browsers.
Investigative Uses of Technology: Devices, Tools,
and Techniques for network forensics sub-branch
(Kali). - (Case Study/Research Paper #1 Due)
Investigative Uses of Technology: Devices, Tools,
and Techniques for network forensics (Kali) (Midterm Presentation/Paper topic due)
Discusses advanced topics in digital forensics:
Devices, Tools, and Techniques for network
forensics (Kali)
Discuss Mac acquisition techniques (Mid-Term
Presentations)
(Case Study/Research Paper #2 Due)
Mid-Term Presentations & Discuss Malware
Forensics
Mid-Term Exam (Mid-term presentations or
papers due)

Expected
Student
Outcome
1,2,3,4,5
1,2,3,4
2,3,4
3,4,5
3,4,5
3,4,5
3,4,5
1,2,3,4,5,6,
7

No Class Spring Break

Investigative Uses of Technology: devices, Tools
and techniques for Database Forensics sub-branch
(Case Study/Research Paper #3 Due)
Investigative Uses of Technology: devices, tools
and techniques for Forensic Data Analysis subbranch. (surveillance technology & techniques)
Advanced Acquisition and Analysis Tools
(EnCase) (Final Presentation/Paper topics due)
Advanced Acquisition and Analysis Tools
(EnCase) (Case Study/Research Paper #4 Due)
Advanced Acquisition and Analysis Tools
(EnCase) (Final Presentations)

1,2,3
2,3,4
2,3,4
2,3,4
2,3,4
4,5,6,7

Final Presentations

1,2,3,4,5,6,
7

Final Exam

COURSE EVALUATION:
4

Final grade in the course will be based on the following:

Midterm (Exam and Project/Presentation)
Final (Exam and Project/Presentation)
Discussions / In-class Labs / Case Studies

35%
35%
30%

After the numerical grade has been calculated, the letter grade will be determined as
follows:
A
B
C
D
F

90100% of the total percentage points possible

8089.9% of the total percentage points possible
7079.9% of the total percentage points possible
6069.9% of the total percentage points possible
below 60% of the total percentage points possible

DISABILITY STATEMENT:
GSU is committed to providing all students equal access to all university programs and
facilities. Students who have a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability
and need academic accommodations, must register with Access Services for Students
with Disabilities (ASSD). Please contact the Coordinator of ASSD in Room B1201 in
person; by e-mail, assd@govst.edu; or by calling 708.235.3968. If you are already
registered, please contact your instructor privately regarding your academic
accommodations.
STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Students are expected to fulfill academic requirements in an ethical and honest
manner. This expectation pertains to the following: use and acknowledgment of the
ideas and work of others, submission of work to fulfill course requirements, sharing
of work with other students, and appropriate behavior during examinations. These
ethical considerations are not intended to discourage people from studying together
or from engaging in group projects. The university policy on academic honesty
appears in the catalog appendix, which can be found on the website at
http://www.govst.edu/catalog/catback08.pdf#nameddest=appendix.