Spring 2026
Introduction to Digital Forensics
Approved: Initials/date INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL FORENSICS (ITDF 1300 6A1) CREDIT 3 Semester Credit Hours (2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab) MODE OF INSTRUCTION Traditional PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE: None COURSE DESCRIPTION A study of the application of digital forensic technology to collect, analyze, document, and present information while maintaining a documented chain of custody. Overview of ethics, crime, and other legal guidelines/regulations/laws. Includes overview of tools used for forensic analysis of digital devices in investigations. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to • Identify crimes committed using digital devices. • Define the role of the digital forensics technician in investigating crimes or incidents. • Identify the tools used to collect and analyze information stored on digital devices. • Describe proper handling of evidence obtained during investigation for civil or criminal proceedings including chain of custody. INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Susan Joiner Email: sljoiner@lit.edu Office Phone: 409-247-5326 Office Location: TA4 Room 103A Office Hours: MWF 7:30-10:00am; MW 12:00-1:00pm TR 7:30-8:00am; 1:30-2:00pm REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS MindTap access to Guide to Computer Forensics and Investigations, 6th Edition, Nelson, Phillips, and Steuart; Cengage, 2019 a. How to buy your Course Materials Step 1: Sign into Blackboard and click on this course Step 2: Click on the Cengage link: Getting Started in the Getting Started with Cengage MindTap section. Step 3: Create or sign into your Cengage account to access or purchase the materials for this course. NOTE: If you are taking additional courses that use Cengage materials, you can save by purchasing a Cengage Unlimited plan, which gives you access to all Cengage eTextbooks and online homework platforms for one price. Visit cengage.com/unlimited or your campus bookstore to learn more. b. Beware of sites that are selling discounted codes. These sources are likely unauthorized sellers who have acquired access codes illegally, and transactions with such sources may pose a risk to your personal information. c. Need help? Visit startstrong.cengage.com for step-by-step registration instructions and videos. ATTENDANCE POLICY Three absences are allowed. If a student is tardy to class or departs early three (3) times, it will be equal to one (1) absence. Each absence beyond three absences will result in a 2 point deduction from your final grade. DROP POLICY If you wish to drop a course, you are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process by the specified drop date as listed on the Academic Calendar. If you stop coming to class and fail to drop the course, you will earn an “F” in the course. Important Drop Dates Last Day to Drop with Refund 02/04/2026 Last Day to Pay Tuition to Avoid Drop 02/16/2026 Last Day to Drop without Academic Penalty 02/20/2026 Last Day to Drop with Academic Penalty 04/13/2026 STUDENT EXPECTED TIME REQUIREMENT For every hour in class (or unit of credit), students should expect to spend at least two to three hours per week studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit-hour class, students should prepare to allocate approximately six to nine hours per week outside of class in a 16- week session OR approximately twelve to eighteen hours in an 8-week session. Online/Hybrid students should expect to spend at least as much time in this course as in the traditional, face-to-face class. COURSE CALENDAR (Subject to change) DATE TOPIC READINGS ASSIGNMENTS (Due on this Date) Week 1 1/18-1/25 Syllabus Syllabus 1/28/2026 Week 2 1/25-2/1 Understanding the Digital Forensics Profession and Investigations The Investigator's Office and Laboratory Module 1 Reading Module 2 Reading Lab 1-1 Quiz 1 Quiz 2 2/2/2026 Week 3 2/1-2/8 Data Acquisition Module 3 Reading Lab 3-1 Quiz 3 2/9/2026 Week 4 2/8-2/15 Processing Crime and Incident Scenes Exam 1 Module 4 Reading Exam 1 Lab 4-1 Quiz 4 Exam 1 2/16/2026 Week 5 2/15-2/22 Working with Windows and CLI Systems Module 5 Reading Lab 5-1 Quiz 5 2/23/2026 Week 6 2/22-3/1 Current Digital Forensics Tools Module 6 Reading Lab 6-1 Quiz 6 3/2/2026 Week 7 3/1-3/8 Linux and Macintosh File Systems Recovering Graphics Files Digital Module 7 Reading Module 8 Reading Exam 2 Lab 7-1 Quiz 7 Quiz 8 3/16/2026 Spring Break 3/8-3/15 Spring Break Spring Break Spring Break Week 8 3/15-3/22 Forensics Analysis and Validation Module 9 Reading Lab 9-1 Quiz 9 3/23/2026 Week 9 3/22-3/29 Virtual Machine Forensics, Live Acquisitions, and Network Forensics Module 10 Reading Lab 10-1 Quiz 10 3/30/2026 Week 10 3/29-4/5 E-mail and Social Media Investigations Module 11 Reading Lab 11-1 Quiz 11 4/6/2026 Week 11 4/5-4/12 Mobile Device Forensics and the Internet of Anything Exam 3 Module 12 Reading Exam 3 Lab 12-1 Quiz 12 Exam 3 4/13/2026 Week 12 4/12-4/19 Cloud Forensics Module 13 Reading Lab 13-1 Quiz 13 4/20/2026 Week 13 4/19-4/26 Report Writing for High-Tech Investigations Module 14 Reading Lab 14-1 Quiz 14 4/27/2026 Week 14 4/26-5/3 Expert Testimony in Digital Investigations Module 15 Reading Lab 15-1 Quiz 15 5/4/2026 Week 15 5/3-5/10 Ethics for the Expert Witness Exam 4 Module 16 Reading Exam 4 Lab 16-1 Quiz 16 Exam 4 5/11/2026 Week 16 5/10-5/13 Final Exam Final Exam Final Exam 5/12/2026 COURSE EVALUATION Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria: • Labs 40% • Module Quizzes 15% • Exams 15% • Final Exam 30% GRADING SCALE 90 – 100 A 80 – 89 B 70 – 79 C 60 – 69 D 0 – 59 F LIT does not use +/- grading scales A grade of ‘C’ or better must be earned in this course for credit toward degree requirement. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Students found to be committing academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, or collusion) may receive disciplinary action. Students need to familiarize themselves with the institution’s Academic Dishonesty Policy available in the Student Catalog & Handbook at http://catalog.lit.edu/content.php?catoid=3&navoid=80#academic-dishonesty. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating systems, etc. can be online at https://lit.edu/lit-online/lit-online-experience. A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to maximize the use of online technology and resources. DISABILITIES STATEMENT The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. LIT provides reasonable accommodations as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to students with a diagnosed disability. The Special Populations Office is located in the Eagles’ Nest Room 129 and helps foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment by maintaining partnerships with faculty and staff, as well as promoting awareness among all members of the Lamar Institute of Technology community. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)-951-5708 or email specialpopulations@lit.edu. You may also visit the online resource at Special Populations - Lamar Institute of Technology (lit.edu). STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENT It is the responsibility of all registered Lamar Institute of Technology students to access, read, understand and abide by all published policies, regulations, and procedures listed in the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook. The LIT Catalog and Student Handbook may be accessed at www.lit.edu. Please note that the online version of the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook supersedes all other versions of the same document. STARFISH LIT utilizes an early alert system called Starfish. Throughout the semester, you may receive emails from Starfish regarding your course grades, attendance, or academic performance. Faculty members record student attendance, raise flags and kudos to express concern or give praise, and you can make an appointment with faculty and staff all through the Starfish home page. You can also login to Blackboard or MyLIT and click on the Starfish link to view academic alerts and detailed information. It is the responsibility of the student to pay attention to these emails and information in Starfish and consider taking the recommended actions. Starfish is used to help you be a successful student at LIT. ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES/INFORMATION EAGLE LEARNING ESSENTIALS Eagle Learning Essentials (ELE) https://lit.edu/student-success/eagle-learning-essentials is an affordable textbook rental program through the Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Through this program, students can receive required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes and electronic books conveniently before the first day of class. The ELE bundle will provide the needed learning materials at $14 per credit hour (added to your student account), saving students up to 35-50% on the cost of course materials. The cost can be paid by financial aid or by the student. If a student enrolls in a payment plan, this charge will be included in the payment plan calculations. Supplies are not included in this program and will need to be purchased separately. LIT students are automatically enrolled in the program at the time of registration and will begin receiving emails about selecting their preferred delivery method. Certification Requirement CSNT majors are required to earn certification in one of the following areas prior to graduation. Students are responsible for scheduling and paying for the certification through the LIT Testing Center. • A+ Certification • Network+ Certification • Security+ Certification • Linux+ Certification • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Course Policies 1. Email is the preferred method of communication (sljoiner@lit.edu). I cannot respond to Blackboard Messages, I can see them but I have no way to respond. I will respond within 48 hours except for weekends and holidays. 2. No food, drinks, use of tobacco products, or vaping products in class. 3. Electronic devices not being used for the class, such as phones and headphones, must be turned off while in class. 4. Do not bring children to class. 5. A grade of ‘C’ or better must be earned in this course for credit toward degree requirement. 6. Any work submitted after the assigned due date will receive a 10-point deduction the first 2 days and 15 points after 2 days. There is a one-week limit for late work, after one week it will be a 0. 7. Exams are assigned a due date and must be completed by that date to receive full credit. Exams will be open for 5 days total, 3 days for full credit and 2 days for 15-points off. There will be no makeup exams. 8. It is the student’s responsibility to verify transferred grades and ask for corrections if needed. 9. All work is due before the final exam date. Nothing will be graded after the final exam.