Forensic Computing: The Problem of Developing a Multidisciplinary University Course

Abstract

In order to be able to address issues of digital crime and forensic science in cyberspace, there is a need for specifically skilled individuals. These need to have a high level of competence in technical matters, but they must also be able to evaluate technical issues with regards to the legal environment. Digital evidence is worth nothing if it is not presented professionally to a court of law. This chapter describes the process of designing a university course (a full undergraduate BSc degree) in forensic computing. The aim of the chapter is to present the underlying rationale and the design of the course. It will emphasise the problem of interdisciplinary agreement on necessary content and the importance of the different aspects. It is hoped that the chapter will stimulate debate between individuals tasked with designing similar academic endeavours and that this debate will help us come to an agreement what the skills requirement for forensic computing professionals should be.