Forensic Investigation and Cyber Security

This module will introduce students to important academic conventions, provide coverage of basic scientific concepts that will underpin work they do throughout the programme and to encourage students to think about how they can get the most from their time at university and beyond. Students will prepare a portfolio of exercises including critical thinking, personal development and CV writing. The portfolio is designed to help students identify and meet their learning needs relating to a range of key learning skills necessary for successful study at higher education level.  During this module students will learn academic conventions associated with referencing, the importance of critical analysis of information, how to access and present Forensic Studies information and work in groups. An important part of the module are sessions dedicated to understanding scientific terms and concepts that students will need to engage with other modules. These activities and the portfolio students will develop students as independent learners and instil confidence in them going forward with the rest of their study.

This module will introduce students to forensic science as it applies to courts of law in the UK. In addition to highlighting what constitutes ‘forensic science’ and the scope of the discipline Forensic science in both criminal and civil courts will be considered, as will the growing role of informative forensic science in private and corporate investigations.  The students will be introduced to some common types of evidence, both biological and non-biological, together with methods of recovery, packaging, preservation and analysis.

The module introduces the Criminal Justice System, with a focus on the UK, but also in the wider context of globalisation and internationalism.  The historical context in which the modern system is based is considered, together with key developments.  The role of different interdisciplinary agencies and institutions is considered, including government, policing, social services and the court system.  The topic is considered from different perspectives – historical, legal, moral, criminological and victimological.  Key developments such as major inquiries, reviews and legislation will be discussed.  Emerging patterns and key themes of modernisation, the introduction of voluntary and private sectors, accountability and risk will also be covered.

The aim of this module is to introduce concepts of IT security in order to understand the security threats to an IT system and the operational impact of these threats on an organisation. The module will explore different protection methods for data and develop knowledge of security policies and procedures, including risk assessments, and how these procedures can be implemented and maintained. This module will introduce topical case studies of attacks on organisational information systems, highlighting the business consequences.

The forensic science sector is constantly innovating new ways to capture new evidence types as technology advances and endeavours to meet the evolving needs of criminal justice system. This module explores a range of contemporary issues facing the forensic science sector nationally and internationally. Students are introduced to the role of the forensic science regulator and the requirement for a forensic watchdog. The module also explores the legal, ethical, academic, and political challenges the system faces as it seeks to meet public expectations.

The police are one of the most important parts of the criminal justice system and also one of the most scrutinised. This module will introduce students to the work conducted by the police in England and Wales and focus on key debates on the role of the police with respect to the rest of society. The module will also examine and explore issues such as policing by consent, the arming of police and contemporary issues such as community policing and the policing of terrorism.  Other issues will include the policing approaches to protests and demonstrations. Challenges around police and youth groups and policing culture will be further considered.  There will also be some comparisons with police forces outside the United Kingdom. 

This module will introduce technical students to programming and testing concepts. Students will develop an understanding of the general principles of how programs and projects are delivered within the IT services industry and the application of the concepts of testing and programming. The module will develop introductory skills using a specific but not defined programming language and platform. Undertaking the module will develop the student’s skills in developing and testing programmes using industry techniques.

This module will outline and examine the range of research processes associated with forensic and criminological disciplines: from the planning stage, literature review, through to data analysis and presentation of findings. The module will also critically examine the quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. It also considers the limitations of research. There will also be an evaluation of the main research methods employed within social and analytical sciences, including experimental design, questionnaires, case studies as well as a critical exploration of the ‘realities’ and ‘practicalities’ of research. An exploration of the ethical and political issues raised through doing social science research into issues and topics of a sensitive and illegal nature will also be included within this module. The module will develop the knowledge of the research process and the relevant research skills and understanding that will be utilised within the Dissertation.

This module provides opportunities for students to develop a practical skillset and it enables students to evidence their competency in several key applications in the laboratory and at the crime scene. The module places particular emphasis on enhancing transferable skills expected within graduate employment. The skills gained on this module provide an important foundation for students to apply and develop these skills further within Level 5 and at Level 6. Students will learn how to apply scientific methods to tackle problems in science, including how to construct a suitable hypothesis and how to design experiments to test this hypothesis. This module equips learner with basic scientific skills, skills specific to forensic contexts, and graduate skills as identified by prospective employers.

This module explores protection mechanisms appropriate to various information technology systems and architectures.  Mechanisms and cryptographic protocols that help to provide confidentiality and integrity of data together with authentication and authorisation are explored in detail.  The principles and fundamentals of system-level security are considered together with a contextual overview of the law and regulations relating to the use of security mechanisms.  The practical application of these mechanisms in typical IT systems and architectures are incorporated.

The aim of this module is to further develop student understanding of Information System Security.  The main focus of this module will be to explore key themes, trends and issues in cyber-security, policing and governance of the internet and business vulnerabilities.  The module provides students with an opportunity to analyse risk management, information risk assessment, risk mitigation, management standards and methodologies, implementing a risk management strategy and business continuity planning.

This module will outline and examine the range of research processes associated with forensic and criminological disciplines: from the planning stage, literature review, through to data analysis and presentation of findings. The module will also critically examine the quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. It also considers the limitations of research. There will also be an evaluation of the main research methods employed within social and analytical sciences, including experimental design, questionnaires, case studies as well as a critical exploration of the ‘realities’ and ‘practicalities’ of research. An exploration of the ethical and political issues raised through doing social science research into issues and topics of a sensitive and illegal nature will also be included within this module. The module will develop the knowledge of the research process and the relevant research skills and understanding that will be utilised within the Dissertation.

This module provides opportunities for students to develop a practical skillset and it enables students to evidence their competency in several key applications in the laboratory and at the crime scene. The module places particular emphasis on enhancing transferable skills expected within graduate employment. The skills gained on this module provide an important foundation for students to apply and develop these skills further within Level 5 and at Level 6. Students will learn how to apply scientific methods to tackle problems in science, including how to construct a suitable hypothesis and how to design experiments to test this hypothesis. This module equips learner with basic scientific skills, skills specific to forensic contexts, and graduate skills as identified by prospective employers.

This module explores protection mechanisms appropriate to various information technology systems and architectures.  Mechanisms and cryptographic protocols that help to provide confidentiality and integrity of data together with authentication and authorisation are explored in detail.  The principles and fundamentals of system-level security are considered together with a contextual overview of the law and regulations relating to the use of security mechanisms.  The practical application of these mechanisms in typical IT systems and architectures are incorporated.

The aim of this module is to further develop student understanding of Information System Security.  The main focus of this module will be to explore key themes, trends and issues in cyber-security, policing and governance of the internet and business vulnerabilities.  The module provides students with an opportunity to analyse risk management, information risk assessment, risk mitigation, management standards and methodologies, implementing a risk management strategy and business continuity planning.

A 12 month period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience building on the first two years of study and to prepare for employment after graduation.

Following two years of study the Dissertation is an extended independent study module that provides an opportunity for students to develop further study into an area or topic of their own choice and interest, including undertaking a piece of independent research. The student will:

• Identify a topic of interest.
• Provide a rationale for research their chosen topic.
• Devise and submit a research proposal.
• Conduct the research.
• Write up and present the project and main findings.

As part of the presentation of findings the student will prepare and present a poster outlining the research process, main findings and conclusions before addressing questions from peers and tutors. The Dissertation is a double module which spans Semesters 1 and 2 and provides the student with an opportunity to develop their interests in a specific aspect of cyber crime as well as developing their research and communication skills.

This module covers the four phases of digital forensic investigation including seizure, imaging, analysis and reporting.  Technical knowledge and practical skills are developed using industry standard forensic software. Legal and regulatory processes are explored in detailed together with mobile forensic techniques.

This module will enable students to appreciate the various means by which scientific evidence can be presented.  The module will cover written reports, the use of modern multi-media technology in evidence presentation, and issues regarding the presentation of evidence in the witness box.  Students will consider whether popular media may affect the public perception of expert evidence and will be given training in presentation skills. 

The law has often been required to adapt to new and emerging technologies. Recently, however, the pace and scale of technological change has far exceeded anything previously encountered. Data and data processing now underpins the global economy. Sophisticated surveillance and analytics pose a substantial threat to any concept of personal privacy, but also promise previously unattainable levels of crime detection and anti-terrorist security. In this module, we examine the response of lawmakers, regulators and the courts to the fundamental legal challenges posed by technology, ranging from ownership of online content to the attribution of liability for harm caused by artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.

The law has often been required to adapt to new and emerging technologies. Recently, however, the pace and scale of technological change has far exceeded anything previously encountered. Data and data processing now underpins the global economy. Sophisticated surveillance and analytics pose a substantial threat to any concept of personal privacy, but also promise previously unattainable levels of crime detection and anti-terrorist security. In this module, we examine the response of lawmakers, regulators and the courts to the fundamental legal challenges posed by technology, ranging from ownership of online content to the attribution of liability for harm caused by artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.

Following two years of study the Dissertation is an extended independent study module that provides an opportunity for students to develop further study into an area or topic of their own choice and interest, including undertaking a piece of independent research. The student will:

• Identify a topic of interest.
• Provide a rationale for research their chosen topic.
• Devise and submit a research proposal.
• Conduct the research.
• Write up and present the project and main findings.

As part of the presentation of findings the student will prepare and present a poster outlining the research process, main findings and conclusions before addressing questions from peers and tutors. The Dissertation is a double module which spans Semesters 1 and 2 and provides the student with an opportunity to develop their interests in a specific aspect of cyber crime as well as developing their research and communication skills.

This module covers the four phases of digital forensic investigation including seizure, imaging, analysis and reporting.  Technical knowledge and practical skills are developed using industry standard forensic software. Legal and regulatory processes are explored in detailed together with mobile forensic techniques.

This module will enable students to appreciate the various means by which scientific evidence can be presented.  The module will cover written reports, the use of modern multi-media technology in evidence presentation, and issues regarding the presentation of evidence in the witness box.  Students will consider whether popular media may affect the public perception of expert evidence and will be given training in presentation skills. 

The law has often been required to adapt to new and emerging technologies. Recently, however, the pace and scale of technological change has far exceeded anything previously encountered. Data and data processing now underpins the global economy. Sophisticated surveillance and analytics pose a substantial threat to any concept of personal privacy, but also promise previously unattainable levels of crime detection and anti-terrorist security. In this module, we examine the response of lawmakers, regulators and the courts to the fundamental legal challenges posed by technology, ranging from ownership of online content to the attribution of liability for harm caused by artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.

The law has often been required to adapt to new and emerging technologies. Recently, however, the pace and scale of technological change has far exceeded anything previously encountered. Data and data processing now underpins the global economy. Sophisticated surveillance and analytics pose a substantial threat to any concept of personal privacy, but also promise previously unattainable levels of crime detection and anti-terrorist security. In this module, we examine the response of lawmakers, regulators and the courts to the fundamental legal challenges posed by technology, ranging from ownership of online content to the attribution of liability for harm caused by artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.