You are required to complete and submit a
RESEARCH-BASED
essay 3500 words describing and discussing the
processes AND challenges
involved in identifying, recovering, securing, examining, analysing and preparing digital evidence from a crime scene. This covers the theoretical part of the unit and should be based on the lecture/workshop material, this guide, the lecture notes and, most importantly your own research endeavours.In my experience, employers are looking for graduates who possess analytical, research and communication (writing) skills above and beyond the components of the degree.
3.The essay
MUST
contain the following:
·
Introduction and table of contents
- Defining your scope of coverage of the essay.
·
Content
– To enhance your grades, you
MUST
include some description and discussion ofthe following in your essay:
o Describe digital evidence
o Explain the key principles of cyber forensics.
o Discuss investigation processes used to:
§preserve
§locate
§select
§analyse
§validate,
and
§present
evidence obtained from a computer for evidentiary purposes.
o Discuss and the importance of crime reconstruction hypotheses and alternative hypotheses.
·
Conclusion
-most students overlook and underestimate the conclusion
– this is where you summarise the facts described in the body of your essay and add your own conclusions based on what you have read. No new material should be added here.
·
Grammar and spelling
– spell check your drafts – get a friend or relative to proof-read your drafts prior to submission.
·
References
that are cited in the essay – use EndNote, if you wish. This is available from the Library, free of charge. Post your draft to Turnitin (see separate instructions) to ensure that you have not inadvertently plagiarised the work of others.
·
Bibliographyof other reference material that was used but not cited.
4.Use appropriate headings and sub-headings that relate to the chosen topic.The essay should include relevant quotations and examples to support discussion within the essay.
5.The quality and breadth of references used will be taken into account and credit will be given for evidence of wide reading on the topic and use of material from a variety of sources (i.e., Learning Guide, books, journals, websites, newspapers, etc).