fingerprint

Digital Forensics

Course Syllabus

Tafila Technical University

Academic Year: 2025-2026

General Course Information

  • University: Tafila Technical University
  • College: College of Information Technology and Communication
  • Department: Computer Science
  • Course Title: Digital Forensics
  • Course Code: 0603331
  • Level of Course: Third-Year Students
  • Semester: Current 2025-2026
  • Credit Hours: 3 (3+0)
  • Course Type: Required
  • Mode: On Campus (Face-to-Face)
  • Prerequisites: Cryptography (0603230), Operating Systems (0602331)

Instructor Information

  • Name: Dr. Yazan A. Alsariera
  • Academic rank: Associate Professor
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Office Hours:
    • To be announced (TBA) according to the instructor’s weekly office schedule.

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of Digital Forensics. It focuses on the principles, methodologies, and tools used in digital forensic investigations, covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications.

Students will examine computer hardware, digital media, storage formats, data acquisition and validation techniques, forensic analysis methodologies, and network traffic analysis. The course also emphasizes legal considerations, ethics, professionalism, and incident response standards relevant to modern digital forensic practice.

Learning Materials

  • Primary materials and references are provided within the course lecture slides.
  • Supplementary readings may be assigned throughout the semester.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

  • Describe key concepts, terminology, and components of digital forensics including hardware, storage media, and data acquisition.
  • Apply forensic methodologies and tools to acquire, analyze, and validate digital evidence in a forensically sound manner.
  • Analyze network traffic and incident data while adhering to legal, ethical, and professional standards.

CLOs – Student Outcomes Mapping

CLOSO1SO2SO3SO4SO5
CLO 1
CLO 2
CLO 3

Topics Covered

WeekTopicCLO
1Basic Computer Skills for Digital Forensics1
2Introduction to Digital Forensics1
3Understanding the Computer Forensic Process1
4The Investigator’s Office and Laboratory1
4Data Acquisition1
5Processing the Crime Scene1
6Working with Windows Systems1
7Forensic Analysis and Validation1
8Recovering Graphics2
9Email Forensics1

Class and Laboratory Schedule

Weekly Structure:

  • 4 lecture sessions per week (60 minutes each)
  • 1 laboratory session per week (120 minutes)

Class Section

Grading Plan

AssessmentPointsDetails
Mid Exam30Written exam (TBA) including Lab midterm
Course Work & Labs40Quizzes (10%), Lab Reports (20%), Final Lab Project as Lab Final Exam (10%)
Final Exam30Written exam (TBA)

General Notes

  • All examinations are closed-book.
  • Exams are based on lecture materials, slides, instructor explanations, notes, and handouts.
  • All homework, reports, and project submissions must be completed individually.
  • Plagiarism, verbatim copying, or duplicate submissions will result in disciplinary action.

Relationship to Program Outcomes (ABET – Criterion 3)

OutcomeWeightDescription
SO13Analyze complex computing problems and identify solutions.
SO23Design, implement, and evaluate computing-based solutions.
SO3Communicate effectively in professional contexts.
SO4Recognize professional and ethical responsibilities.
SO5Function effectively as a member or leader of a team.