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).





