2012/2013 Programme Specification Data Programme Name Programme Number Programme Award QAA Subject Benchmark Statements MSc Computer Forensics P12468 MSc Engineering Programme Aims The programme aims to: Provide students with an improved knowledge base in current and reflective practice essential to support a career in computer forensics at advanced professional level; Provide students with enhance specialist knowledge required building upon studies at the undergraduate level; Further develop skills and abilities in independent learning, critical appraisal and original work; Develop an extensive insight into business applications and requirements of computer forensics; Develop a significant insight into legal and statutory issues relating to procedures, with particular regard to computer forensics; Develop a comprehensive knowledge of ICT tools and techniques used in retrieving and analysing digital forensic data; Provide the ability to progress to the next level of study as appropriate. Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding a. Advanced knowledge and understanding of:- A1. Computer forensics tools and their application; A2. Mathematical methods relevant to the engineering subjects covered; A3. An holistic approach to computer forensics;
A4. Forensics procedures used and case management; A5. Techniques applicable to research and advanced scholarship; A6. The business context for computer forensics; A7. Strategic and operational management issues and decision making relating to legal requirements; A8. The global and social responsibilities of engineers and the to environmental impact of their activity, with particular regard computer forensics. Outcomes: Intellectual Skills B1. Systematic understanding of computer forensics; B2. Critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in engineering computer forensics; B3. Critical appraisal of contributions of contemporaries; B4 Critically evaluate computer forensics methodologies and where appropriate propose new hypotheses; B5. Critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship; B6. Significant independent leaning;
B7. Originality in the application of knowledge. Outcomes: Subject Practical Skills C1 Deal with complex issues in computer forensics related to retrieval and analyses of data both systematically and creatively; C2. Make sound judgments in the absence of complete data; C3 Demonstrate self-direction and originality in problem solving; C4 Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks; C5 Communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences; C6 Ability to continue to advance personal knowledge and understanding; C7 Ability to develop new skills to a high level. Outcomes: Transferable/Key Skills D1. Apply a systems engineering approach to the solution of complex problems; D2 Make competent decisions in complex and unpredictable situations; D3 Use creativity and innovation in problem solving; D4 Make management decisions at the strategic and operational levels;
D5 Use leading ICT tools in computer forensics and case investigation management; D6 Exercise initiative and personal responsibility; D7 Ability for independent learning required for continuing professional development. Outcomes: Graduate Attributes Teaching and Learning Methods n/a A1, A2, A3, A4, A6 and A8 will be taught and learned through formal lectures, laboratories and directed student centred learning throughout the programme, including the MSc project. Knowledge and understanding relating to A5 will be learned through formal lectures, laboratories and student-centred assignments in the core Research Methodology course. Knowledge and understanding relating to A7 will be learned through formal lectures, group-tutorials and student-centred assignments in the core Strategy and Management course. Acquisition of B1, B2, B3 and B4 is through the provision of intellectually challenging problems in all courses along with laboratory and seminar support. Acquisition of B5, B6 and B7 is through assignments and case studies in all courses and specifically through the Research Methodology course and the MSc Project. Acquisition of C1 is developed through laboratory work, case studies, assignments and the MSc Projects. Acquisition of C2 is through case studies, laboratory work and the MSc project. Acquisition of C3 and C4 is mainly though the Research Methodology and MSc Project courses. Acquisition of C5 is through presentations of assignments and case studies included in several courses, but specifically in the MSc project Learning skills for the acquisition of C6 and C7 are explicit throughout the programme and specifically in Research Methodology and the MSc Project
Acquisition of D1, D2 and D3 is through solving problems and carrying out practical activities in the majority of courses throughout the programme. Acquisition of D4 is mainly through the Strategy and Management course. Acquisition of D5 is implicit in all courses. Acquisition of D6 is primarily through the MSc Project and the Research Methodology courses. Acquisition of D7 through assignments, the MSc Project and the Research Methodology courses. Assessment Methods Assessment of A1 through A8 will be through a combination of formal examinations, student-centred assignments, tutorials and case studies. Whilst the MSc Project will assess A1 through A8, it will focus in particular on A3, A4, A5 and A6. Assessment of B1, B2, B3 and B4 is through unseen examinations, tutorials and assignments. Assessment of B5, B6 and B7 is through project work, case studies and assignments Assessment of C1 and C2 through unseen examinations, case studies and assignments and the MSc Project. Assessment of C3, and C4 mainly through a Research Methodology assignment and the MSc Project Assessment of C5 through presentations and project reports, particularly in the MSc Project. Assessment of C6, C7 is through assignments and the MSc Project. Assessment of D1, D2 and D3 through formal examinations, assignments and the MSc Project. Assessment of D4, D5 and D7 is included as an element of most assessments. Assessments in Strategy and Management and the MSc Project will have a particular focus on these issues. D6 is assessed though assignments and MSc Project.