Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Digital Forensics)

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

This programme is specifically designed to provide students with:

• The ability to develop technical knowledge, skills and background in the design and organisation of computer systems with an emphasis on digital forensics.
• The ability to critically evaluate design paradigms, languages, algorithms, and techniques used to perform advanced digital forensics investigation and incident response.
• The ability to evaluate and respond to opportunities for developing and exploiting new technologies with digital forensics methods and tools.

Students will learn fundamental skills required by every IT professional, and the basic understanding of programming, mathematical and algorithmic skills. A sound grasp of mathematical techniques and skills in algorithmic thinking are important pre-requisites for their second and third year studies in this area. Computer Architecture, operating systems, networks, databases, security and forensic technologies are the underlying platform of digital forensics investigation. Introduction to management introduces the third key area, understanding personal and organisational development, along with independent learning and team working skills.

A broader range of skills will be learnt, in which students will be involved in designing and implementing software, devising new ways to use computers and developing effective ways to solve computing problems. It spans a wide range, from theoretical and algorithmic foundations to cutting edge developments in all areas of computing. Successful professionals with a degree in computer science are flexible in performing a range of computing tasks, and extend theories and practice in every area of computing. In the second year, the core modules take development skills to the next level and deepen the understanding of platform technology, while specialised modules will allow them to go further into advanced forensic methods, ethical hacking and incident response.

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

Students will make use of their previous studies and industrial experience to extend their familiarity in the field of computer science and to refine their personal and professional development. Students will move further into the focus on advanced programming techniques and algorithms, and evaluating applications at the frontiers of current technology. Specialised modules allows them to extend the capabilities developed from previous studies of forensics methods and incident response specifically in the area of advanced cyber security, penetration testing, mobile forensics, deep learning for intrusion detection as well as legal and professional practice in the cyber world. A final year project requires them to investigate and develop a solution for a real-world problem – they will demonstrate their ability to combine technical knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills to produce a personal achievement portfolio.