BSC (HONS) IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WITH SPECIALISM IN FORENSIC COMPUTING

  Institution: Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

BSC (HONS) IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WITH SPECIALISM IN FORENSIC COMPUTING

This programme is specifically designed to provide:

• Familiarity with a broad range of information technologies and how they are used.
• Strengthened low-level computer systems knowledge and application skills that enable you to detect computer crime.
• In-depth understanding of techniques that lead to successful prosecution of computer-related criminal activity or abuse.

LEVEL 1

The IT degree and all of its specialisms have similar modules in Level 1. Modules that provide a foundation for any IT professional include System Analysis & Design, Fundamentals of Software Development, and Introduction to Programming in an appropriate language. Technical knowledge and skills essential in this field of specialisation are introduced in Operating Systems & Computer Architecture, Introduction to Networking, and Introduction to Security and Forensic Technologies. Introduction to Management and Computing & IT in the Workplace provide a foundation for multi-disciplinary education and understanding personal and organisational development. Important and relevant skills for independent learning are introduced throughout this level.

Common Modules

• Computing & IT in the Workplace
• Fundamentals of Software Development
• Introduction to Databases
• Introduction to Management
• Introduction to Networking
• Mathematical Concepts for Computing
• Operating Systems & Computer Architecture
• System Analysis & Design

Specialised Module(s)

• Introduction to C Programming
• Introduction to Security and Forensic Technologies

In addition to the above, all students are also required to successfully complete General Studies modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency, as well as fulfill credit requirements for Co-Curricular Activities.

LEVEL 2

Specific skills related to Forensic Computing are enhanced at this level through the Computer Systems and Low Level Techniques, Data Recovery, Tracing and Evidence Gathering, Intellectual Property, Ethics & Legal Issues, and Ethical Hacking & Incidence Response modules. Your analysis and design skills are developed with System

Development Methods, while your programing skills are sharpened with Object Oriented Development with Java, Programming Concepts in C++, and System Programming & Computer Control. Along with independent learning, a common theme in all APU ICT awards is fostering creativity and innovation in individuals and teams. These themes are the specific focus of the Creativity & Innovation and Research Methods for Computing & Technology modules.

Common Modules

• Creativity & Innovation
• Object Oriented Development with Java
• Probability & Statistical Modeling
• Professional & Enterprise Development
• Research Methods For Computing and Technology
• System Development Methods

Specialised Modules

• Computer Systems and Low Level Techniques
• Data Recovery, Tracing and Evidence Gathering
• Ethical Hacking and Incidence Response
• Intellectual Property, Ethics & Legal Issues
• Programming Concepts in C++
• System Programming and Computer Control

LEVEL 3

The focus of Level 3 is further development of relevant technical skills and the ability to apply these skills with strong critical thinking and analysis. Specific forensic computing topics are covered by the Malicious Software and Security Programming, Digital Evidence, and Legal & Evidentiary Aspects of Forensic Computing modules. Computer Systems Security, Design of Corporate Communications Systems, and Computer Systems Management provide a thorough understanding of how forensic computing fits into information systems security initiatives to support modern organisational activity. General personal and professional development is enhanced in Project Management, while Innovation Management & New Product Development continues the theme of generating new ideas and creating new products.

The Investigations and Project modules provide opportunity for students to further develop the academic and practical aspects of their areas of study and reinforce their independent learning skills. Furthermore, the major project that students are expected to do, will entail extensive research in domain knowledge and acquiring of skills in using tools and methods in the particular specialism. The significant aspect of this level is the demonstration of higher level critical thinking, analysis and application in the award project.

Common Modules

• Innovation Management & New Product Development
• Project Management

Specialised Modules

• Computer Systems Management
• Computer Systems Security
• Design of Corporate Communications Systems
• Digital Evidence
• Entrepreneurship
• Forensic Computing Project
• Investigations in Forensic Computing
• Legal & Evidentiary Aspects of Forensic Computing
• Malicious Software and Security Programming

Note: The specialism will appear only in the academic transcript.

Careers in Forensic Computing:

Functional roles within IT security requiring the ability to analyse computerised logs, dumps and other sources of data for purposes of auditing and investigating cases of security breaches and possible computer-related crimes.