MSSF practicum
3 December 2004

Renaat Verbruggen

The inaugural Practicum Forum for the M.Sc. in Security & Forensic Computing was held on Wednesday 24 November. This innovative degree is a one-year full-time Masters programme which teaches the practical aspects associated with computer security and computer-based crime and the principles underlying crime prevention and security enhancement.

Delivered on a full-time basis over one calendar year, the uniqueness of this Masters degree lies in its blending of the practical examination of Forensic Computing with the theoretical study of the prevention of digital crime. Interactive learning methods- including laboratory work, presentations, seminars and guest lectures- are employed so that students learn to effectively evaluate and apply theoretical material to practical assignments. By so doing, participants also develop vital professional and interpersonal skills in such areas as teamwork, communication, research and critical thinking.

A booklet was published containing abstract descriptions of the "practicums" completed by the students and is avalible from the School of Computing at DCU.

During the final semester, from May to August, students draw on knowledge gained over the first two semesters to work on a "Practicum", or major project of a practical nature. Here, the students, individually or in small teams, develop prototype secure software systems to solve a real-world problem or, alternatively, analyse forensic approaches and propose improvements. The projects, which may be provided by external clients or involve some of the students' or staff's own ideas, typically require the development of a software application or rigorous theoretical analysis. Importantly, this Practicum element allows students, where applicable, to work on in-house problems for their respective sponsoring organisations.

"We are very proud of the first set of practicums completed by students and we expect that our forum for discussing their work and indeed the M.Sc. itself will grow annually to become an important part of the `Software Security Calendar' in Ireland. We would welcome your participation in the on-going development of the degree and we are always open to advice for improvement", said Renaat Verbruggen, Chair of MSc in Security and Forensic Computing.