UDCMFRIS - BSc Computer Forensics and IT Security

This course is designed to meet the new and rapidly growing demand for the professionals in Computer Forensics and IT Security. It’s designed in particular for those who wish to specialise in the protection against and detection and conviction of digital crimes. Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in law enforcement, government or other related agencies, and commercial IT departments or security consultancies. This course is also an excellent preparation for further research or studies such as MSc or PhD.

Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE and the computer forensics and network security toolkits will be used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular, to:
• deliver course content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning experience.

In this course, students are also provided with the study towards the certification of CompTIA Security +, an international, vendor-neutral certification that demonstrates competency in:

• Network security
• Compliance and operational security
• Threats and vulnerabilities
• Application, data and host security
• Access control and identity management
• Cryptography

The primary aim of this course is to provide a broad, general education in the theory and practice of computing with special emphasis in the subject field of Computer Forensics and IT security. It also covers the underlying computing principles of programming, problem-solving, communication networks and information systems, and as such has much in common with other courses in our Computing course portfolio. Three major themes are therefore characterised by the course: Computer Forensics, IT Security, and Computing.

The general aims of the course are:

• to prepare students for careers in Computer Forensics and/or IT Security
• to develop students skill’s in problem-solving, communication and other transferable skills applicable to a variety of careers
• to prepare students in study for higher degrees in related subjects
• to continue the development of those general study skills that will enable students to become independent and lifelong learners

The specific aims of the course are:

• to develop student’s knowledge of computer hardware and software systems
• to provide students with a solid background in the theoretical and practical aspects of Computer Forensics
• to develop student’s understanding of the key issues in preservation of information confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• to introduce the professional, legal and ethics issues in Computer Forensics and IT Security

On successful completion of this course students will be able to

LO 1. demonstrate a requisite understanding of the main body of knowledge in Computing;

LO 2. understand and apply essential concepts, principles and practice in the context of well defined scenarios, showing judgment in the selection and application of tools and techniques to solve the issues with computer forensics and IT security;

LO 3. produce work involving identification, analysis, design and development of an computer forensics and IT security system with appropriate documentation. The work will show problem solving and evaluation skills drawing on supporting evidence, and demonstrate a requisite understanding of the need for quality;

LO 4. demonstrate transferable skills and an ability to work under guidance and as an computer forensics and/or IT security team member;

LO 5. identify appropriate practices within professional and ethical framework of computer forensics and IT security and understand the need for continuing professional development in this profession;

LO 6. discuss computer forensics and IT security practices/measures based upon the body of knowledge learned from this course.

LO 1. To demonstrate a requisite understanding of the main body of knowledge in Computing:

 Logic and Problem Solving
 Programming
 Computer Hardware & Software
Architectures
 Information Systems
 Networks & Operating Systems

LO 2. To understand and apply essential concepts, principles and practice in the
context of well defined scenarios, showing judgment in the selection and application of tools and techniques to solve the issues with computer forensics and IT security:

 Security in Computing
 Computer Forensics
 Digital Crime Investigation
 Network and Cloud Security
 Work Related Learning II
 Project

LO 3. To produce work involving identification, analysis, design and development of an computer forensics and IT security system with appropriate documentation. The work will show problem solving and evaluation skills:

 Computer Forensics
 Digital Crime Investigation
 Ethical Hacking
 Work Related Learning IIdrawing on supporting evidence, and

demonstrate a requisite understanding of the need for quality;

 Project

LO 4. To demonstrate transferable skills and an ability to work under guidance and as
an computer forensics and/or IT security team member:

 Computer Forensics
 Digital Crime Investigation
 Network and Cloud Security
 Ethical Hacking
 Work Related Learning II
 Project

LO 5. To identify appropriate practices within professional and ethical framework of
computer forensics and IT security and understand the need for continuing professional development in this profession:

 Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law
 Risk, Crisis and Security Management
 Work Related Learning II
 Project

LO 6. To discuss computer forensics and IT security practices/measures based upon
the body of knowledge learned from this course:

 Digital Crime Investigation
 Network and Cloud Security
 Risk, Crisis and Security Management
 Work Related Learning II
 Project

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx.pdf

6 Benchmark standards
6.1 Benchmark standards are defined at threshold and typical levels and some further comments are made about excellence.

Threshold level
6.2 The threshold level is interpreted to mean that all students (taken over all years), graduating with an honours degree in the discipline of computing will have achieved this level of performance.
6.3 On graduating with an honours degree in computing, students should be able to:

• demonstrate a requisite understanding of the main body of knowledge for their programme of study
• understand and apply essential concepts, principles and practice of the subject in the context of well-defined scenarios, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques
• produce work involving problem identification, the analysis, the design or the development of a system with appropriate documentation, recognising the important relationships between these. The work will show some problem-solving and evaluation skills drawing on some supporting evidence, and demonstrate a requisite understanding of the need for quality
• demonstrate transferable skills and an ability to work under guidance and as a team member
• identify appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework and understand the need for continuing professional development
• discuss applications based upon the body of knowledge.

Typical level
6.4 This is the average standard attained (taken over all years) of all the students graduating with an honours degree in the discipline of computing.
6.5 On graduating with an honours degree in computing, students should be able to:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of the main areas of the body of knowledge within their programme of study, with an ability to exercise critical judgement across a range of issues
• critically analyse and apply a range of concepts, principles and practice of the subject in an appropriate manner in the context of loosely defined scenarios, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques
• produce work involving problem identification, the analysis, the design or the development of a system, with accompanying documentation, recognising the important relationships between these. The work will show problem-solving and evaluation skills, draw upon supporting evidence and demonstrate a good understanding of the need for quality
• demonstrate transferable skills with an ability to show organised work as an individual and as a team member and with minimum guidance
• apply appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework and identify mechanisms for continuing professional development and lifelong learning
• explain a wide range of applications based upon the body of knowledge.

Excellence
6.6 While the benchmark standards above are defined for just threshold and typical levels, it is nevertheless expected that programmes in computing will provide opportunities for students of the highest calibre to achieve their full potential.
6.7 Such students will be:

• creative and innovative in their application of the principles covered in the curriculum, and may relish the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial activity
• able to contribute significantly to the analysis, design or the development of systems which are complex, and fit for purpose, recognising the important relationships between these
• able to exercise critical evaluation and review of both their own work and the work of others.

6.8 In as much as human ingenuity and creativity has fostered the rapid development of the discipline of computing in the past, programmes in computing should not limit those who will lead the development of the discipline in the future.

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment for each module in each level is clearly described in the individual ‘Module Guide’ which is made available to the students at the start of the semester. Modules employ a combination of the following forms of assessments:

• Case study reports and presentations
• Laboratory workbooks
• Laboratory logbooks
• Unseen examinations
• Part seen examinations
• Individual viva

There is a module, “FC6W51 Work Related Learning”, embedded at level 6. Students must take this module to obtain work related experience.

British Computer Society ( BCS) accreditation is awarded according to the following additional course regulation:

The project must be passed In order for a student to obtain BSc ( Hons) Computer Forensics and IT Security.
The project must be passed without compensation.

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

All modules are core-compulsory.

Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE and the computer forensics and network security toolkits will be used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular, to:

• deliver course content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning experience.

A process of personal development planning takes place throughout the course to help students to think about and make sense of what is being learnt and why, plan ahead and relate to what has been learned and their own future.

The university careers service offers guidance to students on a one-to-one basis or in group sessions. SEW (Student Enterprise Workshops) are run during the academic year, giving students the opportunity to gain knowledge from computing and IT industry speakers.

There will be invited speeches and seminars with experts from Metropolitan Police force, IT Security companies, and digital investigative companies. Opportunities exist for students to carry out their final year projects through external links.
Students are able to gain work experience through WOW (World of Work) Agency projects. SEW (Student Enterprise Workshops) are run during the academic year, giving students the opportunity to gain knowledge from computing and IT industry speakers.

Through this course, students are also provided with the study towards the external certification of CompTIA Security +, an international, vendor-neutral certification that demonstrates competency in:

• Network security
• Compliance and operational security
• Threats and vulnerabilities
• Application, data and host security
• Access control and identity management
• Cryptography

This course is accredited as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.

On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS).

You’ll complete this course ready to pursue a career in computer forensics and/or IT security, or in the wider IT industry. Previous graduates have gone on to find employment as data analysts at companies such as MWR InfoSecurity.

Potential employers include digital crime investigation companies, government agencies and the police force, as well as national and international organisations that need protection against digital crime.

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to attend regular student enterprise workshops, where you’ll have the chance to network with potential employers. You’ll also be able to gain valuable work experience through our optional work placement module, and through our World of Work agency.

This course is also an excellent preparation for further research or studies such as MSc or PhD either at London Met or another university.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above
• 220 or more UCAS points from two or more A levels, including 80 or more points from a maths, science or technology subject (or equivalent, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma, or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the BSc Cyber Security Extended Degree.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.