1. Conduct a practical forensic investigation of digital evidence sources including audio, video and images, drones, vehicles, novel devices, open sources, malware and networks, demonstrating detailed contemporary knowledge, including new insights at the forefront of digital forensics.

Knowledge & Understanding; Application & Problem Solving

2. Act in accordance with the laws and quality standards of a digital forensic professional

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration
Reflection

3. Conduct rigorous academic research whilst evaluating the suitability of methods used within digital forensics and critically examining the accuracy and limitations of sources, methodologies and available data.
Research Skills

4. Communicate effectively to professional and academic audiences the method, analysis, and interpretation of complex forensic evidence.

Communication

Portfolio – Learning Outcomes 1-4
For this assessment, a student must create a portfolio of 2 elements of work conducted on the module, with optionality provided as to which elements they wish to include from:

Audio/video/image forensics
Drone analysis
Networks
Advanced artefacts
Vehicle digital forensics

This portfolio will showcase the student’s practical ability to use industry tools to process advanced digital evidence, in addition to the ability to demonstrate and communicate technical principles to a professional
audience. Each type of technique has been chosen based on the advanced nature of the evidence, and to fulfil accreditation requirements. Students will be expected to reflect on the impact of laws and quality standards such as ISO17025 and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice within their practice, in addition to any limitations or benefits to their chosen techniques, and how this has directed or influenced the strategies and methodologies they have chosen to utilise.

The work submitted for the portfolio will be conducted in practical sessions within the module, supplemented by further development in self-study. Each practical session will have an optional formative assessment, where a student may submit screenshots/video of the work they conducted for feedback on improvements to their techniques.

The content of this module will explore a variety of audio/video/image forensics including the enhancement of video and image footage, drone analysis, vehicle digital forensic opportunities, networks, malware, novel devices and open source intelligence forensics. Students will learn how to investigative, capture, analyse and report on data obtained from these sources. Tools used include Amped5, Adobe Suite, Cellebrite, EnCase, ADF and WireShark.

How do investigators uncover the truth hidden in images, videos and emerging digital technologies? In this module, you’ll explore the world of media and emerging-tech forensics, from enhancing video and image footage to examining data from drones, vehicles, networks, malware and novel devices. You’ll learn how to investigate, capture, analyse and report information from a wide range of sources, developing a strong understanding of modern analytical techniques and forensic media workflows. These skills contribute directly to careers in digital forensics, intelligence, and investigative practice.

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. These will use industry tools, with professional guidance on utilising these in line with an investigation. Specialisation will be supported via the Cyber Lab, providing a dedicated facility for the use of advanced digital techniques such as malware analysis and digital forensic tools.

The work submitted for the portfolio will be conducted in practical sessions within the module, supplemented by further development in self-study. Each practical session will have an optional formative assessment, where a student may submit screenshots/video of the work they conducted for feedback on improvements to their techniques.

Anderson, R. (2021), Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems, 3rd Edition, Wiley, 3rd Edition

Geradts, Z. (2013) Image Processing and Analysis. In: Wiley Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470061589.fsa430.pub2

Johansen, G, (2022), Digital Forensics and Incident Response: Incident response tools and techniques for effective cyber threat response, 3rd Edition, Packt Publishing; 3rd edition

Madsen, T. (2022), Security Architecture – How & Why (River Publishers Series in Security and Digital Forensics), River Publishers; 1st edition

Mullins, M. (2022), Cyber Security Awareness: Employee Handbook, Kindle Edition

Sheward, M., (2018). Hands-on incident response and digital forensics. BCS Publishing

Mellor Cyberlab, computer labs, Forensic Crime Scene Simulation Suite