Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.650.457

Computer Forensics

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.32)

This course introduces students to the field of computer forensics and it will focus o n the various contemporary policy issues and applied technologies. Topics to be covered include: legal and regulatory issues, investigation techniques, data analysis approaches, and incident response procedures for Windows and UNIX systems. Homework in this course will relate to laboratory assignments and research exercises. Students should also expect that a group project will be integrated into this course.

Fall 2012

(4.33)

Fall 2013

(4.18)

Fall 2014

(4.46)

Fall 2012

Professor: Kevin Fairbanks

(4.33)

The best aspects of this course included the practical projects and hands on assignments that real y chal enged students to learn and apply the material. The worst aspect of the course was the heavy workload, as students were not always able to complete everything within the smal time frame they were allotted. Students also received inadequate feedback on the work and were not always sure what was expected of them in this slightly disorganized course. The course would improve if it were more organized and if the assignments were reduced or more spaced out. Prospective students should have some previous knowledge of operating systems and be prepared for a heavy workload.

Fall 2013

Professor: Kevin Fairbanks

(4.18)

Students thought that the best aspects of this course included the hands-on projects and exercises that permitted them to practice what they learned in class. Students did not like the group projects, as they found it was very difficult to coordinate schedules with people they didn’t get to choose. Students also believed that the workload was excessive, and that many of the presentations were unnecessary. Students suggested including a lecture that went into greater depth about tool usage and assigning more practical, hands-on projects with additional challenges and areas of forensics. Prospective students should have a strong computer science background in areas such as coding, OS, networks, file structure, and software vulnerability. This course is recommended for any students who are interested in forensics and want the opportunity to try hands-on exercises.

Fall 2014

Professor: Timothy Leschke

(4.46)

Students thought the most favorable aspect of the course was the practical applicability of the homework assignments. They thought the least favorable element of the course were the lectures which they believed could have been more engaging. Students also felt the course could be improved with greater interactivity in classes. They thought it was important for potential participants to know 203that this course was a good opportunity to gain both a practical and theoretical understanding of computer forensics.