ANLY07005 2019 Laboratory Computing and Instrumentation
This module deals with applications of information technology for forensic and analytical science. Topics will include the following: Introduction to forensic computing; laboratory data acquisition and signal processing; importing and exporting scientific data; hardware and software systems on modern scientific instrumentation; use of information technology to enhance scientific presentations including the application of molecular graphics applications.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Describe the basic processes and features of computer forensics, including evidence collection and analysis
Describe features of computing hardware and software used in the analytical laboratory
Demonstrate the features of selected advanced analytical instrumentation including associated computer systems.
Apply spreadsheets to process experimental data.
Make use of a range of software applications to present scientific reports
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered fulltime Teaching methodology will involve problem based learning (PBL)approaches. This will be supplemented with introductory lectures, laboratory exercises, independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals). Self-assessment tests and other forms of formative assessment are provided to students to check their own progress towards achieving the learning outcomes of the module and to motivate learning.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 100% Continuous Assessment. The continuous assessment will include the following elements: formative assessment of engagement in laboratory exercises (15%);three assignments (15%); Two 20% written assessments around mid- semester and end of semester; project poster and report (20%) due by penultimate week of semester; oral presentation during penultimate week of semester (10%).
The student must achieve 40% overall to pass the subject
Repeat Assessments
Repeat written assessment and assignments.
Indicative Syllabus
1. Describe the basic processes of computer forensics, including evidence collection and analysis
Describe elements of digital forensics including, encryption, steganography, digital signatures and image analysis
Overview of forensic computing methodologies and toolkits.
Binary and hexadecimal numbering systems
Review of ACPO Good Practice Guide for Digital Evidence
Regarding Forensic Science Society (FSS) component standard describe the application and theory relating to a the range of analytical techniques that are available to the forensic scientist, understand the parameters involved in method selection and be able to provide a forensic strategy and an analytical strategy for a given scenario.
2. Describe features of computing hardware and software used in the analytical laboratory
Modes operation(in-line, off-line, etc.)
Digital and analogue system and electronics
Signals and acquisition
Analogue to digital conversion
Data acquisition systems
Computer interfaces
Operating systems
File formats
Data transfers: import and export between software applications
Laboratory information management systems, and data processing
3. Demonstrate the features of selected advanced analytical instrumentation including their computer systems
Fourier data processing with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers
Automation of analysis using a Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer
Overview of an ICP-MS data acquisition and processing system
Regarding the FSS component standard it is important to demonstrate an understanding of the theory relating range of analytical procedures, specifically within the forensic context.
Regarding the FSS component standard demonstrate competence in operating a range of modern analytical instruments and be conversant with the use of related computer software
4. Apply spreadsheet tools to simulate experiments and process experimental data.
Acid-base titration simulation using a spreadsheet.
Using Excel Solver for quadratic and multicomponent analysis.
Process standard addition data using Excel
Regarding the FSS component standard evaluate and interpret data from equipment applied to a range of forensic examinations.
5. Make use of a range of software applications to present scientific reports
Prepare a professional report and electronic poster.
Use molecular graphics applications (e.g. Biovia Draw, Rasmol) to both create and illustrate features of selected chemicals in both two and three dimensions.
Collect data from a range of sources, simplify and present clearly
Regarding the FSS component standard evaluate and interpret data from equipment applied to a range of forensic examinations.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Laboratory exercises and assignments | Formative | Assignment | 0 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2 | Written assessments. | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 40 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3 |
3 | Laboratory Exercises and Assignments | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4 |
4 | Poster preparation, written report and oral presentation | Coursework Assessment | Individual Project | 30 % | Week 11 | 5 |
Module Resources
Anson, S. and Bunting, S. (2007) Mastering Windows network forensics and investigation, Indianapolis, Ind: Wiley.
Blitzer, H. L. and Jacobia, J. (2002) Forensic digital imaging and photography, San Diego: Academic Press.
Bloch, S. C. (2000) Excel for engineers and scientists, New York: Wiley.
Bryant, R. D. (2008) Investigating digital crime, Hoboken, NJ: J. Wiley & Sons.
Chainey, S. and Ratcliffe, J. (2005) GIS and crime mapping, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Cohen, N. C. (1996) Guidebook on molecular modeling in drug design, San Diego, Calif: Academic Press.
Cole, E., Krutz, R. L. and Conley, J. W. (2009) Network security bible, Indianapolis, IN: Wiley.
Denise, E. (2008) Excel 2007: top 100 simplified tips & tricks, US: Visual (Wiley Visual Imprint).
Diamond, D. and Hanratty, V. C. A. (1997) Spreadsheet applications in chemistry using Microsoft Excel, New York: Wiley.
Goodman, J. M. and Royal Society of, C. (1998) Chemical applications of molecular modelling, Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry.
Grant, G. H. and Richards, W. G. (1995) Computational chemistry, New York: Oxford University Press.
Harris, D. C. (2010) Quantitative chemical analysis, New York: W. H. Freeman and Co
Harvey, G. (2010) Excel 2010 for dummies, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub.
Hinchliffe, A. (2000) Modelling molecular structures, Chichester: Wiley.
Johnson, N. F., Duric, Z. and Jajodia, S. (2001) Information hiding: steganography and watermarking : attacks and countermeasures, Boston: Kluwer Academic.
Kipper, G. (2003) Investigator's guide to steganography, Boca Raton, Fla: CRC.
Leach, A. R. (1996) Molecular modelling: principles and applications, Harlow, England: Longman.
Leach, A. R. (2001) Molecular modelling: principles and applications, New York: Prentice Hall.
Marshall, A. M. (2008) Digital forensics: digital evidence in criminal investigation, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
Nelson, B. (2006) Guide to computer forensics and investigations, Boston, Mass: Thomson Course Technology.
Skoog, D. A., Holler, F. J. and Crouch, S. R. (2017) Principles of Instrumental Analysis. Cengage Learning
Schlecht, M. F. (1998) Molecular modeling on the PC, New York: Wiley-VCH.
Steel, C. (2006) Windows forensics: the field guide for conducting corporate computer investigations, Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Pub.
Volonino, L., Anzaldua, R (2008) Computer forensics for dummies, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub.
TO BE UPDATED
ACPO Good Practice Guide for Digital Evidence, Version 5 (October 2011) Avalable from: https://www.digital-detective.net/digital-forensics-documents/ACPO_Good_Practice_Guide_for_Digital_Evidence_v5.pdf
UPDATES ON MOODLE
None