Computer Forensics the Student Experience

1
Computer Forensics the Student Experience

• Rachael Alderson
• 2nd Year BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics
• Northumbria University

2
Objectives

• Share experience of computer forensics programme
  from a student perspective

3
Why I Chose Computer Forensics

• Unique course in computer forensics
• Combined my interest in law with my IT abilities
  from school
• Wanted to join the police when I graduated
• Chose Northumbria because
• Computer forensics being offered
• Modern facilities
• Clear that university know its stuff

4
1st Year Experience

• Computer forensics module was the best bit
• only subject I really engaged with and fully
  understood
• Liked the mix of theoretical aspects and
  practical experience
• Like the professional speaks
• Not so keen on programming, maths and CSF
• Big jump from A level to first year
• Did IT A level at school

5
2nd Year So Far

• Love the two computer forensics modules
• Colleagues from police in the practical module
• Use of cases in discussion
• Not enjoying the rest of the course so much
• Networks and operating systems material is very
  compressed
• Java big leap from 1st year

6
Placements

• Really looking forward to placement year
• Can concentrate on computer forensics
• Give the opportunity to make understanding of
  principles clearer
• A bit nervous about the nature of the cases I
  might be working on

7
Looking Forward to Final Year

• Utilise learning from my placement
• Looking forward to doing a big project
• Computer forensics modules look interesting

8
Concerns

• Nature of placement cases
• Worry about my competence when I go out on
  placement
• Lack of confidence

9
Hopes for the Future

• Making a difference
• Understanding computer forensics and learning
  about computing at the same time
• Employment