Studying first year forensic computing: Managing the student experience

Abstract

The experiences of students studying Computer Forensics at the University of Derby, together with the views of the teaching and technical support staff, strongly suggests a growing mismatch between expectations and reality, an underdeveloped ability to problem solve and communicate findings and unrealistic expectations of the job market. In improving the conceptualisation of how our courses can better equip students for employment and how their understanding of some of the intellectual and advocacy aspects of investigating cases and presenting evidence can be improved we make suggestions on what works and what needs to be improved. Emphasis is put upon investigative skills rather than investigative tools (the reverse of student expectations), marshalling and presentation of facts and the growing importance of triage approaches. We conclude with asset of recommendations on how digital forensics courses can be improved in terms of delivery, managing student expectations and aspirations, and increased engagement with industry and commerce.