Introduction to Digital Forensics Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Office Location

R. E. Byrd Business Building 365

Office Hours

Spring 2026

Monday 3pm - 5pm, Byrd 365

Wednesday 3pm - 5pm, Byrd 365

 

 

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

  • consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
  • consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
  • consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
  • consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
    • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ITDF-1300-002 Introduction to Digital Forensics

Prerequisites

Course Description

Study of the application of digital forensic technology to collect, analyze, document and present information while maintaining a documented chain of custody. Overview of ethics, crime and other legal guidelines/regulations/laws. Includes overview of tools used for forensic analysis of digital devices in investigations.
 

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

TEXTBOOK(S): Required:

System Forensics, Investigation and Response, Second Edition

Author: Chuck Easttom

​Publisher: Jones & Bartlett

ISBN: 9781284031058

Supplies

  • Access to PC
  • Reliable Access to Internet
  • USB Flash Drive or external hard drive (8GB or larger)

Student Performance

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE (as in catalog):

A study of the application of digital forensic technology to collect, analyze, document and present information while maintaining a documented chain of custody. Overview of ethics, crime and other legal guidelines/regulations/laws. Includes overview of tools used for forensic analysis of digital devices in investigations.

End-of-Course Outcomes:  Identify crimes committed using digital devices; define the role of the digital forensics technician in investigating crimes or incidents; identify the tools used to collect and analyze information stored on digital devices; and describe proper handling of evidence obtained during investigation for civil or criminal proceedings including chain of custody.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

1.      Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work.  Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College.  The faculty of the CIS Department reserves the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test by reproducing any specific section or all of the test in question.

2.      Any action that comprises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of “F” in this course and possible further disciplinary action.

3.      Cell phones MUST be turned off or set so ringing cannot be heard for the duration of the entire class.  If a cell phone can be heard in class during class time, points may be deducted from the final course grade.  Emergency calls may be left with campus security, who will then contact the designated student.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria/Grading Scale:
     A - Superior, Minimum of 90% average on exams and quizzes plus
           all homework turned in with 100% average on that graded.
     B - Good, Between 80% and 89% average on exams and quizzes plus
           all homework turned in with a minimum average of 80% on that graded.
     C - Adequate, Between 70% and 79% average on all work.
     D - Minimum, Between 60% and 69% average on all work.
     F - Failing, Below 60% average on all work.
 

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:

 All Chapter Exams will be taken in Blackboard. You will only have one attempt on each exam. All exams have open availability so feel free to work ahead.        

Chapter Exercises and Labs

Attendance

Notes Journal

Chapter Exams

Final Exam  (TEEX Digital Forensics Cert)

20%

10%

10%

40%

20%

FINAL EXAMINATIONS: Written and/or Lab Practical required.

Assignment, homework, quiz, and test dates are provided for each student at the beginning of the semester.  It will be your responsibility to complete each assignment, all homework, and take exams on the scheduled dates.
 
** Some additional outside of class Lab time may be required.
 

 

 

Attendance

  • Check your email daily.  The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email issued to each AC student.
  • Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time.  There is a "no late work" policy, except in extreme circumstances.
  • Attendance for on-campus classes will be taken during each class period. Attendance for online classes will be monitored by access log-in dates recorded in Blackboard and uCertify.  Excessive absence and lack of participation may result in failure of the course.
  • Students should plan on spending a minimum of 10-12 hours per week on this course, outside of class. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments and topic complexity. Please schedule your time, so that you are able to devote the appropriate energy and effort to achieve success in this course.
  • Your instructor, Chris George, can be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email chrisgeorge@actx.edu.  In-person meetings or additional help are available if needed or desired. Please contact by email to set up a convenient day/time.

Calendar

Fall 2 2016 - Tentative Schedule May Be Subject to Change

ITDF 1300: Intro to Digital Forensics

Chris George – Cell: 806.679.3519

Date

Topics Covered

Assignments/Exams/Discussions

Week 1

Oct 25 - Oct 31

Introductions
Syllabus Review
Course Policies Review

Lesson 1: Introduction to Forensics and Computer Crimes

  1. Email Instructor (Blackboard)

Chapter 1 & 2

  1. Read the Chapters
  2. Take the Blackboard Quiz for each Chapter

ALL WORK DUE BY MONDAY, 10/31 @ Midnight

Week 2

Nov 1- Nov 7

Lesson 2: Forensic Methods, Labs, and Future Trends

Chapters 3, 14, & 15

  1. Read the Chapters
  2. Take the Blackboard Quiz for each Chapter

ALL WORK DUE BY MONDAY, 11/07 @ Midnight

Week 3

Nov 8 -Nov 14

Lesson 3: Collecting, Seizing, and Protecting Evidence

Chapter 4

  1. Read the Chapter
  2. Take the Blackboard Quiz for the Chapter

Take the How Are You Doing Survey

ALL WORK DUE BY MONDAY, 11/14 @ MIDNIGHT

Week 4

Nov 15 - Nov 21

Lesson 4: Understanding Techniques for Hiding and Scrambling Information, and Recovering Data

Chapters 5 & 6

  1. Read the Chapters
  2. Take the Blackboard Quiz for each Chapter

Journal:  Resume

ALL WORK DUE BY MONDAY, 11/21 @ MIDNIGHT

Week 5

Nov 22 - Nov 28

Lesson 5: Windows and Linux Forensics

Chapters 8 & 9

  1. Read the Chapters
  2. Take the Blackboard Quiz for each Chapter

ALL WORK DUE BY MONDAY, 11/28 @ MIDNIGHT

Week 6

Nov 29 - Dec 5

Lesson 6: Macintosh, E-mail, and Mobile Forensics

Chapters 7, 10, & 11

  1. Read the Chapters
  2. Take the Blackboard Quiz for each Chapter

ALL WORK DUE BY MONDAY, 12/05 @ MIDNIGHT

Week 7

Dec 6 - Dec 12

Lesson 7: Network Analysis, and Incident and Intrusion Response

Chapters 12 & 13

  1. Read the Chapters
  2. Take the Blackboard Quiz for each Chapter

Take Class Survey

ALL WORK DUE BY MONDAY, 12/12 @ MIDNIGHT

Week 8

Dec 13 - Dec 15

Lesson 8: Review, Final Examination, Assignment and Project Submissions

TEEX AWR139 Digital Forensics Basics Certificate Due

http://bit.ly/2bzda53  ← Link to TEEX Certificate Portal

Journal:  Completed

ALL WORK DUE BY THURSDAY, 12/14 @ MIDNIGHT

Additional Information

Important Dates to Remember
October 24 Fall Semester Begins
November 1 Census Day – Last Day to Drop Course
November 2 Last Day to Withdraw (16 Week Classes)
November 22-27 Thanksgiving Holiday
December 7 Last Day to Withdraw (Second 8-week Classes
December 16

Second 8-week Classes End

Commencement

Additional Information:

New Social Services Office at Amarillo College

Resources for social services or emergency services for students are available at - http://www.actx.edu/resources/.  So please let me know if there is some situation that you have that is interfering with your performance in the class, and be sure to take advantage of the resources available through the Social Services Office.

CIS Labs
2nd floor Byrd Building.  Labs open 7 days a week.  Students can get help with this course as well as other technical help.

Helpful Links:

CIS Web Sitehttp://cis.actx.edu

Direct link to AC Connect portal and courses as well as your AC Connect emailhttps://acconnect.actx.edu/. You will log in with the same ID and password you use for WebAdvisor.  Contact AskAC (806-371-5000) for help if you have trouble with your log in.

AskAC -  http://www.actx.edu/contact/-   Please contact AskAC for technical help. Contact your instructor for help with this class. 

Student Help Center -  http://www.actx.edu/ctl/index.php?module=article&id=178-   Offers technical help to AC students 

 

Writers' Corner

If you feel you need help organizing and writing course work, check this out:
Writers’ Corner: Tutoring with Pizzazz - http://www.actx.edu/english/index.php?module=article&id=36. Writers' Corner is a great resource for help with writing papers and assignments. They can't help you with the content of your work, but they can help you write your work in the proper format.

AC Distance Education Home Page -  http://www.actx.edu/de/-   Information on requirements and taking an online course. 

Learn about using AC Connect (Blackboard) and using features of our course by reviewing the following tutorials:

Blackboard On Demand Learning Center for Students– http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm

AC Connect Student Resourceshttp://www.actx.edu/ctl/index.php?module=article&id=222

Syllabus Created on:

10/23/16 4:50 PM

Last Edited on:

10/25/16 6:10 PM