Digital Forensic Science

CF 105 CompTIA A+ Computer Essentials Exam Preparation (2+2) (3)
This is the first of two courses intended to prepare students to earn the CompTIA A+ 2009 certification: a prerequisite to enter the Digital Forensic Science major of study. In this course, the student learns the basics of computer hardware and operating
systems, covering skills such as installation, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance. At the end of the course, the student should be prepared to complete the CompTIA A+ Essentials Exam (220-
701), validating the basic skills needed by an entry-level service technician. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)


CF 106 CompTIA A+ 220-602 Exam Preparation (2+2) (3)
This is the second of two courses intended to prepare students to earn the CompTIA A+ 2009 certification: a prerequisite to enter the Digital Forensic Science major of study. In this course, the student continues to develop and refine abilities in
installation, building, repairing, configuration, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing and preventive maintenance, preparing for such activities in an enterprise environment or interacting with customers. At the end of the course, the student should be prepared to complete the CompTIA A+ Practical Application
Exam (220-702), earning the 2009 A+ certification. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)


CF 110 Introduction to Computer and Digital Forensics (3)
This course will provide students with a working foundation of the types of computer and electronic crimes being committed today. This course will identify techniques used by offenders to compromise computer systems as well as vulnerabilities of computer and electronic systems. Emphasis will be placed on criminal theory/behavior of this type of offender.


CF 205 Computer Security Fundamentals (3)
This course will introduce students to a variety of commonly used computer software systems and their respective security concerns. Specific areas to be studied include wireless technology, PDAs, remote computer access, file transfer mechanisms, networking tools, and various backup devices. Prerequisites: “A+ certification”


CF 210 Operating Systems (3)
This course provides an overview of operating systems with an emphasis on widely used operating systems and how operating systems manage memory and file allocation. Prerequisites: “A+ certification”


CF 215 Computer Forensics and Security Ethics (3)
This course brings together philosophy, law and technology to provide a rigorous, in-depth exploration and analysis of a broad range of topics regarding the ethical implications of widespread use of computer technology. It is designed to provoke students to reflect upon the social and ethical ramifications of managing information. Special consideration will be given to current topics involving computer forensics or computer security issues.


CF 247 Law Enforcement Field Experience (1)
This elective course provides basic exposure to a law enforcement agency through 50 hours of observation and limited participation, such as “ride-alongs.” It will provide students with a better appreciation for how their field of study fits with other elements of law enforcement. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing in the Digital
Forensic Science major and permission of the instructor. (Graded Pass/Fail)

CF 305 Seizure and Forensic Examination of Computer Systems (3)
This course will introduce students to the processes involved in seizing hardware, computer equipment and data, and searching them for evidence. This includes how information can be altered, deleted and hidden on various digital media. Topics to be covered will include: establishing probable cause for a search, evidence protection, and the chain of evidence. This includes the industry best practices for examining computers that might contain crime related information. This course will involve hands-on experience using software to capture and search for evidence. Prerequisite: CF 110,CF 205,CF 210,CJ 217,CJ 221


CF 310 Advanced Topics in Computer Data Analysis and Recovery (3)
This course will build on the fundamentals covered in CF 305. Students will continue the examination of digital evidence, using commercially available and alternative tools. Advanced topics will include: cell phone and Personal Data Assistant (PDA) forensics. Operating system specifics will be explored. Cryptography and steganography will be studied along with password defeating strategies. Lab management utilizing the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE) guidelines, along with technical writing and case organization will also be covered. Prerequisites: CF 305


CF 315 Fundamentals of Computer Networks (3)
This course is a study of data communication concepts, network topologies, transmission media, wireless transmission, network access control, communication protocols, network architecture, LANs, and WANs. Emphasis is placed on analysis of common communication protocols. Topics covering managing the network will also be covered. Prerequisites: A+ or Network+ certification


CF 405 Network Forensics (3)
Computer and network forensics studies cyber-attack prevention, planning, detection, and response with the goals of counteracting cybercrime, cyberterrorism, and cyberpredators, and making them accountable. It incorporates many areas of concern, including network security, intrusion detection, incident response, infrastructure protection, and computer crime investigation. The topics covered in this course include fundamentals of computer and network forensics, forensic duplication and analysis, network surveillance, intrusion detection and response, incident response, anonymity and pseudonymity, cyber law, computer security policies and guidelines. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on laboratory exercises to learn to effectively use tools such as WireShark/Ethereal for analyzing network packet data in order to build a foundation for performing network surveillance and intrusion detection in the more advanced course, CF 410. Prerequisite: CF 205 and 315


CF 410 Intrusion Detection (3)
This course will introduce students to the various methods used to detect external and internal intrusion of computer systems. The importance of setting up anomaly and misuse detection measures, host based, multi-host based and network based monitoring strategies and techniques and types of responses will be covered. Various investigative tools will be presented. This course will involve hands-on experiences using intrusion detection software. Prerequisite: CF 405


CF 450 National Certification (2)
Each student must complete one of the national certification training programs from an approved list. The approved list includes, but is not limited to, the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS-Law Enforcement personnel only), the Seized Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist (SCERS-Law Enforcement personnel only), the SANS GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) and the ISFCE Certified Computer Examiner (CCE).. Prerequisites: complete a sufficient number of the computer forensics courses to qualify for the certification examination and have the permission of the instructor.


CF 497 Computer Forensic Field Experience and Seminar(4)
This course will serve as the capstone course and will require a final paper to demonstrate completion of the learning outcomes of the program. The student gains a basic exposure to an agency involved in computer forensics, and experiences the investigation of high-tech crimes through observation and participation. This course will allow the student to observe professionals at work, and to test out their own computer forensics skills for a minimum of 120 hours. Prerequisites: complete a sufficient number of the computer forensics courses to prepare for the specific agency’s requirements and have the permission of the instructor.This course is not Pass/Fail thus students will earn a letter grade.
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