1. Conduct the key stages of a mobile and computer digital forensic examination from scene to reporting including scene documentation, seizure, handling procedures, forensic strategy, capture, processing, analysis and reporting.

Application & problem solving
Digital Literacy

2 Explain and evaluate actions taken in a digital forensic practice setting in employability-led settings, demonstrating effective professional communication and reflective awareness of personal development.

Communication
Personal development & entrepreneurship

Simulated Technical Interview – Learning Outcome 1 & 2 This assessment will consist of a 20 minute interview for a role within Digital Forensics, representative of a technical assessment within industry. The interview will use the STAR format commonly used for work-place interviews, requiring the student to use practical examples and knowledge from the module to answer questions relating to their technical competence. The student will be able to pick one role from a selection of roles to be interviewed for, which will have variations in skill set to reflect differing areas of the module and of industry. All roles will have a basis from a real operational environment, such as those from policing or private sector Digital Forensics.

Formative opportunities will be available throughout the module, by teaching staff verbally querying practical work during workshops, to facilitate responses from the student about their technical competence. Students will also be signposted to the Careers team for mock interview practice.

The content of this module will explore the fundamentals of digital forensics, building logically through the stages of seizure, documentation, handling/continuity, to capture, processing, analysis and reporting of evidence from mobile devices and computers. This includes an understanding of applicable laws and quality standards (ISO17025/17020, Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes, ACPO Principles for Digital Evidence). Tangibly, this will include processing of scenes containing digital technology, forensic intersectionality of fingermarks, DNA and hazard cleaning, and using digital forensic tools and techniques to obtain data.

Ever wondered how digital evidence is uncovered and transformed into reliable investigative findings? In this module, you’ll explore the core stages of digital forensics - from seizing and documenting devices to capturing, processing, analysing and reporting data from computers and mobile phones. You’ll examine key legal frameworks and standards and learn how digital evidence connects with wider forensic practices such as fingermark recovery, DNA and hazard management. By building these practical and analytical skills, you’ll strengthen your ability to contribute confidently to professional forensic and investigative roles.

Core material will be delivered in workshops that merge theory with practical exercises, intended to provide a mixed-approach to allow for taught theory to be practiced and reflected upon. This will include use of industry-standard tools to investigate data (ADF, Cellebrite, EnCase, Autopsy). For content relating to digital crime scenes, these will be simulated in specialist facilities allowing for the recreation of accurate and varied domestic and commercial settings. DNA, fingermark and hazard cleaning content will be delivered in specialist labs within the Science Centre.

Holt, T, J et. al. (2022), Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: An Introduction, Routledge; 3rd edition

Oettinger, G. (2022), Learn Computer Forensics: Your one-stop guide to searching, analyzing, acquiring, and securing digital evidence, 2nd Edition, Packt Publishing; 2nd edition

Kävrestad, J. (2020) Fundamentals of Digital Forensics. Springer International Publishing.

Le-Khac, N. A., & Choo, K. K. R. (2020) Cyber and Digital Forensic Investigations. Springer International Publishing.

Casey, E. (2019) Handbook of digital forensics and investigation. Academic Press.

Hayes, D. R. (2020) A Practical Guide to Computer Forensics Investigations. Pearson Education.

Mellor Cyberlab, Computer Labs, Forensic Crime Scene Simulation Suite, Science Centre Labs