The topics I’ve chosen are based on my experiences working in and researching digital forensics, including my work with the Massachusetts State Police. The course is designed for anyone in the BS, BA, or minor who has taken  CS220 or CS287 — you don’t need to have taken any electives, though a course in networking is helpful.  You will learn a lot about how real systems look from the inside out. Moreover, my goal is also to teach you something outside of the typical computer science curriculum. We’ll spend time discussing the law, criminal behavior,  the limits of privacy, and the nature of truth. Unlike most classes in CS, there will be room for debate.

While you don’t need to be familiar with Unix to take my course, if you are not, you’ll find it helpful to take CS197U: A Hands-on Introduction to Unix. That course is 1 credit and lasts 6 weeks or so. We’ll be going over Unix as well, but both at a faster pace and with less coverage.

Our first classes take place on Sept 7 and 9, and there will be a lab section on Sept 10.

I look forward to seeing you in September.