Courses in Computer Forensics

Introduction

Catching criminals is a high-tech affair, and never before have the skills of computer scientists and the instincts of forensic technicians needed to be blended together for that purpose. From gathering evidence for white collar infractions to cracking cases of violence or abuse, the digital world provides nearly limitless opportunities for forensics and is sure to be one of the fastest-growing fields in the coming decades.

Computer forensics, a branch of forensic science, is a methodical inspection of a computer system for evidence of a crime or other use. Computer forensics isn’t just data collection; it’s a complete analysis of a computer and its drives and storage devices.

Courses in Computer Forensics

To keep students on top of this fast-growing field, the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University offers four computer forensic courses through the College of Information and Computer Science.

The electives courses are part of the B.S. in Computer Science, the B.S. in Information Systems and the B.S. in Information Management & Technology. The four courses include:

• Introduction to Computer Forensics and Incident Response
• Fundamentals of Network Forensics
• Intermediate Digital Forensics
• Current Topics in Computer and Network Forensics.

Throughout the four courses of study, students will gain a basic knowledge of skills required in order to perform investigations, learn to follow the network trail in order to determine the cause and uncover the perpetrator, how to process raw data and images of evidence and how to develop their own forensic usage tools.

Classes are taught by professors who are active in the field, including the former commanding officer of the New York City Police Department’s Computer Crimes Unit.

Career Opportunities

Forensic investigators apply computer science and technology to the investigation of civil or criminal cases. Students will be prepared for a variety of careers in computer forensics, including law-enforcement, military and government intelligence, private security and consulting companies, or corporate security responding to an internal incident. Often known as “Cyber Cops” or “Digital Detectives,” forensic investigators can have careers in:

• crime laboratories
• law enforcement agencies
• corporate security
• drug enforcement laboratories
• private industry
• military and government intelligence agencies
• administrative agencies

TEL 211 Introduction to Computer Forensics and Incident Response
This course discusses the basics of computer forensics as a discipline, and the background of the discipline from a technical, ethical, and legal perspective. Basic data recovery and a demonstration of analysis will provide the student with an appreciation of the specialist’s role in responding to security and disaster related incidents.
Prerequisites: CSC 125
On Occasion, 3 credits

TEL 120 Fundamentals of Network Administration
This course examines the role and functions of a network administrator within a networked environment. Topics include: installation and administration of services on both Windows and Linux platforms; tools and techniques used by administrators in performing routine tasks, and the processing of ‘bulk data’ using standard office suite tools and manipulation of data.
Prerequisites: CSC 136.
Spring Semester, 3 credits

TEL 221 Intermediate Digital Forensics
This course picks up where the introductory course left off. Students will learn how to process raw data as well as images of evidence. Topics such as disk structures and file structures will allow students to begin examining evidence in its ‘native’ form and without the use of a graphical interface.

TEL 283 Special Topics in Technology Security
When offered, the specific contents to be covered in that semester and the prerequisites, for that semester, are announced in advance of registration.
Prerequisite: As Announced.
On Occasion, 3 credits