Introduction to Digital Forensics Syllabus for 2018-2019
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>R. E. Byrd Business Building 342</p>

Office Hours

Fall I

Monday 5 –7pm, Byrd 342

Tuesday 3:30 – 5:30 pm, Byrd 342

Thursday 3:30 – 5:30 pm, Byrd 342

Fall II

Monday 5 – 7pm, Byrd 342

Tuesday 3:30 – 5:30 pm, Byrd 342

Thursday 3:30 – 5:30 pm, Byrd 342

 

 

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1300-001 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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

TEXTBOOK(S): Required:

System Forensics, Investigation and Response, Thrid Edition

Author: Chuck Easttom

Publisher: Jones & Bartlett

ISBN-13: 978-1284121841

Supplies

  • Access to PC Computers are available in the CIS Department at Amarillo College.

  • Laptop or Desktop Computer using Windows 7 OS or Above

  • Reliable Access to Internet

  • USB Flash Drive, 64 GB or Larger w/ 100 MB/second read and write speed or faster

  • College-Ruled Notebook, Pen or Pencil

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

Chapter Exams

Final Exam  (TEEX Digital Forensics Cert)

20%

20%

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

ITDF 1300: Intro to Digital Forensics

Chris George – Instructor

Cell: 806.679.3519

 THIS IS AN 8 WEEK COURSE AND REQUIRES SUBSTANTIAL OUTSIDE OF CLASS WORK.

The weeks chapter work including tests, in-class activities, and other assigned materials are due by Midnight on the day prior to the first class meeting of the week. Late work will be assessed a 5 point penalty for every late day. A “Zero” will be recorded in the grade book for any assignment more than a week late!

The calendar below represents a planned outline for the course. Actual dates are subject to change. Please check your email daily for course updates from your instructor.

Date

Topics Covered

Assignments/Exams/Discussions

Week 1

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

Week 2

Lesson 2: Forensic Methods, Labs, and Future Trends

Chapters 3, 14, & 15

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

Week 3

Lesson 3: Collecting, Seizing, and Protecting Evidence

Chapter 4

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

 

Week 4

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

Week 5

Lesson 5: Windows and Linux Forensics

Chapters 8 & 9

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

Week 6

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

Chapters 7, 10, & 11

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

Week 7

Lesson 7: Network Analysis, and Incident and Intrusion Response

Chapters 12 & 13

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

 

Week 8

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

 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
August 20:             Fall 2018 Courses Begin
August 28:             Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
September 3:         Labor Day (School Closed)
October 2:              Last Day to Withdraw from Course
October 11:            Last Day of Course (all work due by 10pm)
October 15:            Fall Break Begins

Additional Information:

TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUES

  • Open Computer Labs: The Business Systems and Emerging Technology Department hosts an open computer lab on the 2nd Floor of the Byrd Business Building. Labs are open 7 days a week. Assistance with this course and/or technical assistance are available in the computer labs. Visit the Computer Information Systems (CIS) website for additional details: http://cis.actx.edu.
  • Computer Services Center: Located within the AC Bookstore, trained staff will diagnose computer-related issues and repair problems on a fee-for-service basis. Laptop rentals are also available. Visit the Computer Services Center website for additional details: https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/computer-service-center.
  • Student & Faculty Help Center: Located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons, the Help Center provides technical support to students and faculty. The Help Center offers assistance in logging into AC Connect, Blackboard, resetting passwords, and general computing and software questions. Visit the Student & Faculty Help Center website at https://www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter.

COURSE ASSISTANCE

PERSONAL ISSUES

  • Advocacy & Resource Center: The Advocacy & Resource Center is located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons. A variety of resources are available in the areas of social services, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and adult student programs. Visit the Advocacy & Resource Center website at http://www.actx.edu/arc/advocacy-and-resource-center.
  • Counseling Center: At the Counseling Center, student and counselor work together to develop more personal awareness and the skills needed to overcome barriers to success. All services are free and confidential. Visit the Counseling Center website at: https://www.actx.edu/counseling/index.php.
  • Legal Clinic: The Legal Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic assisting enrolled AC students on various legal issues including family law, immigration, probate, landlord-tenant issues, and general legal matters. Visit the Legal Clinic website at https://www.actx.edu/legalstudies/legal-student-intership.

 

Syllabus Created on:

08/17/18 5:00 PM

Last Edited on:

08/17/18 5:08 PM