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Applied Learning (Senior Secondary Level) 2021-23 Cohort
Item Description
1. Subject Title Computer Forensic Technology
2. Course Provider School of Professional and Continuing Education, The University of Hong Kong
3. Area of Studies/
Course Cluster
Engineering and Production/Information Engineering
4. Medium of Instruction
Chinese or English
5. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the subject, students should be able to:
(1) Describe the need, principles, roles and requirements of computer forensics;
(2) Describe individual stages of computer forensics process;
(3) Explain the roles and importance of digital evidence in computer incident response;
(4) Apply the procedures in collecting and preserving digital evidence by computer forensics technology;
(5) Describe the social and ethical issues in computer forensics;
(6) Demonstrate communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills in the field of computer forensics; and
(7) Develop self-understanding for further studies and career
development in the related field.
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17a
Module 1 - Introduction to Computer Forensics - Needs and Principles of Computer Forensics - Common Computer Components and Architectures - Functions and Importance of Digital Evidence - Roles of Computer Forensics
Module 2 – Computer Forensics Tools and Applications
- Introduction to Digital Evidence - Introduction to Data Acquisition - Introduction to Computer Security - Capturing Digital Data
Module 3 – Digital Evidence Handling
- Digital Evidence Management and Preservation - Digital Evidence Presentation
- Simulated Computer Forensic Cases
Module 4 – Social and Ethical Issues in Computer Forensics - Social Issues and Threats in Cyberspace
- Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility - Future Trends and Emerging Issues
6. Curriculum Map – Organisation and Structure
Draft as at August 2020
17a
7. The Context
The information on possible study and career pathways is provided to enhance students’ understanding of the wider context of the specific Applied Learning course. Students who have successfully completed Applied Learning courses have to meet other entry requirements as specified by the institutions.
The recognition of Applied Learning courses for admission to further studies and career opportunities is at the discretion of relevant institutions. The Education Bureau and the course providers of Applied Learning are exploring and seeking recognition related to further education and career development opportunities for students successfully completing the Applied Learning courses.
Possible further study and career pathways Further studies
e.g. information technology, computer science, information security or cyber security related courses Career development
to monitor and protect the computer network, e.g. junior network administrator
to recover the data in computer, e.g. data recovery specialist
Relations with core subjects and other elective subjects
Enhancing and enriching, e.g.
enhancement of students’ learning in understanding and application of Mathematics through solving encrypted digital data related problems and apply to experimental practices
enhancement of students’ learning in Liberal Studies by enriching their knowledge about the latest development of computer forensic
technology and related ethical issues Cross-fertilisation, e.g.
the application of knowledge and skills learnt in Information and Communication Technology enhances the learning in both subjects
Expanding horizons, e.g.
students taking Personal, Social and Humanities Education Key Learning Area can broaden their knowledge in information technology and engineering
Consolidating and synergising students’ studies, e.g.
students undertake a practical learning programme in computer forensics to integrate their IT knowledge and skills acquired
Cluster of professions/trades/industries related to the course
e.g. information technology, computer science, information security, cyber security
Relations with other areas of studies/
courses of Applied Learning
Business, Management and Law
enhance students’
understanding of the social and ethical issues in technology
Future global and local outlook
the rapid expansion of the use of digital technology has been followed by a similar increase in computer crime. This increase has led to the demand on computer forensics specialists. Many large commercial organisations aware that their computers hold important information that could be exploited in potential workplace incidents. If the information is protected properly, many potential incidents can be avoided
computer forensics is simply the process of identifying, preserving, analysing, and presenting digital evidence in a proper proceeding. Digital evidence might be sought in a wide range of computer misuse, including but not limited to access company secrets, data destruction, and frauds
Beginners’ skill set to facilitate entry to further studies and/or work
basic knowledge of the computer forensics technology
understand the importance, procedures and policies in handling digital data/evidence in fair and just manner
knowledge and skill in retrieving and preserving digital data/evidence
demonstrate reflective thinking skills and makes informed discussion about technological issues
aware of social and ethical implications of computer forensic technology
Foundation knowledge developed in junior secondary education and Secondary 4
The subject is built upon the foundation knowledge students acquired in, e.g.
Chinese Language Education and English Language Education – verbal and written communication
Mathematics Education – data handling and calculation
Technology Education – use of information technology
Science Education – importance of evidence in forming conclusions
