COMPSCI 590K: Advanced Digital Forenics Systems | Spring 2020

DRAFT: Everything on this course’s web site is a draft, and subject to revision before the start of the semester.

Welcome: In this course, each voice in the classroom has something of value to contribute. Please take care to respect the different experiences, beliefs and values expressed by students and staff involved in this course. My colleagues and I support UMass’s commitment to diversity, and welcome individuals regardless of age, background, citizenship, disability, sex, education, ethnicity, family status, gender, gender identity, geographical origin, language, military experience, political views, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and work experience.

Course description: This course introduces students to the principal activities and state-of-the-art techniques involved in developing digital forensics systems. Topics covered may include: advanced file carving and reconstruction, forensic analysis of modern filesystems, network forensics, mobile device forensics, memory forensics, and anti-forensics.

Who is this course for? Graduate students with prior background in digital forensics system, or a general strong computer systems background. Undergraduates COMPSCI majors with a background in digital forensics (COMPSCI 365) or a strong systems background (COMPSCI 377). This course counts as a COMPSCI elective toward the major (B.S. or B.A.). Undergraduate CSENG majors with appropriate background may also enroll with instructor permission.

Which section should you enroll in? 590K has three separate sections listed in SPIRE. Choose one as follows:

  • Are you an undergraduate? Choose University section 01 (51868).
  • Are you a graduate student with an assistantship or scholarship that covers your tuition and fees? Choose University section 02 (51870).
  • Are you a graduate student without an assistantship? You probably want the CPE section (51877), as it is usually less expensive for you – though you should check, as it depends upon several factors.

Can you come to lecture, even if you’re in the online section? It appears our room is large enough to accommodate all students, even those who are enrolled in the online (CPE) section. You are all welcome to come to lecture.

Must you come to lecture? This semester, all lectures will be recorded and available to all students. You may choose to view lectures online, regardless of whether you’re in the regular or CPE sections. I will caution you that attempting to binge-watch multiple lectures at various points in the semester is unlikely to be the best route to success in this course.

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