Introduction to Digital Forensics Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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

In this course, you are expected to read all assigned materials and agree to abide by the rules and guidelines presented in the department academic integrity policy; by submitting an assignment, you acknowledge this policy. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VG1NSpxZzc8HDz_ElcnwYALIMYy-tCSl/view?usp=drive_link

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

Digital Forensics, Investigation and Response 4th Edition

Author: Dr. Chuck Easttom

Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 4th edition (August 24, 2021)

Book w/ Lab Access: ISBN-13 978-1284226065

EBook w/ Lab Access: ISBN-13 978-1284244502

Supplies

• Access to PC Computers are available in the CIS Department at Amarillo College, Rm 219.

• Laptop or Desktop Computer using Windows 10 OS or Above

• Reliable Access to Internet

• 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

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.

Grading Criteria

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:

 All Chapter Exams will be taken in Blackboard. You can take up to three (3) attempts on each exam. The final grade of the attempt will be the average of the grades. All exams have open availability so feel free to work ahead.        

FINAL EXAMINATIONS: 140 question, cumulative; open book

***Should your overall grade fall below a 70, you will be required to schedule tutoring sessions with the instructor.

Attendance

• Check your AC email daily. 
• Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time.  There is a no late work policy.
• 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.  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, Eli Wilkerson can be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email eli.wilkerson@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

Additional Information

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUESAdditional Information:

• 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

• Tutoring: A variety of options are available when you need a little extra help in a course (online, walk-in, one-on-one). Visit the Tutoring website at https://www.actx.edu/tutoring/.
• Writers' Corner: Writers' Corner offers one-on-one tutoring to review assignment requirements, provide constructive feedback, and guide students through all phases of the writing process. Writer’s Corner will not edit your work, but will help you get on the right path. Visit the Writer’s Corner website athttps://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.
• DisAbility Services: DisAbility Services helps students by providing necessary accommodations for course success and facilitating access to all services and programs at Amarillo College. Visit the DisAbility Services website at https://www.actx.edu/disability/.
• Learn about using AC Connect (Blackboard) and using features of our course by reviewing the following tutorials:
  • Blackboard On Demand Learning Center for Students
    • Topic list: https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student
    • Videos: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm
  • AC Connect Student Resources
    • https://www.actx.edu/ctl/ac-connect-student-resources

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.