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COMP41880

Academic Year 2025/2026

Artificial Intelligence Forensics and Investigations (COMP41880)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Nhien An Le Khac
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module aims to train students in two critical areas:

1. Using AI to Support Investigations by:
- Exploit ML-based techniques such as NLP (Natural Language Processing), anomaly detection, OSINT (Open Source Intelligent Scraping) to anazyse digital evidence (network logs, social media, financial records).
- Apply AI-Powered workflows in domains lie fraud detection, insider threat analysis, cybersecurity forensics and eDiscovery.

2. Investigating AI/Generative AI Systems
- Audit AI models (bias detection, adversarial vulnerabilities, explainability).
- Conduct forensics analysis on Generative AI outputs (deepfakes, malicious text).

This module integrates theoretical foundations (algorithms, interpretability methods, regulatory knowledge) with hands-on practice (labs, case studes, project work) to prepare students for next generation roles in law enforcement, digital forensics, compliance, and AI governance.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
1. understand foundation concepts of AI.
2. Apply AI methods to gather, analyse, and interpret digital evidence in investigative scenarios.
3. Investigate AI systems (including Generative AI), identifying biases, verifying system integrity, and explaining decision processes using modern XAI (Explainable AI) techinques.
4. Evaluate legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements governing AI usage in investigations.

Indicative Module Content:

1. AI for Investigations
– Data acquisition/preprocessing from heterogeneous sources
– Automated evidence extraction (images, documents, logs)
– ML and GenAI techniques in forensic contexts
– NLP for eDiscovery, social media intelligence (OSINT)

2. Investigating AI Models
– Overview of ML architectures (including Transformers for Generative AI) – Bias and fairness auditing frameworks (metrics, data imbalance) – Adversarial attacks on AI systems (data poisoning, model inversion) – Explainable AI (XAI) techniques (LIME, SHAP, etc.)

3. GenAI-Specific Investigations
– Large language models (GPT-style), diffusion models (e.g., Stable Diffusion)
– Detecting harmful outputs (disinformation, deepfakes)
– Watermarking, content tracing, and forensic signatures in GenAI outputs
– Ethical and regulatory constraints (proposed AI Acts, data protection, content moderation)

4. Case Studies & Tools
– Fraud detection, insider threat analysis, corporate compliance – AI-driven policing or intelligence gathering
– OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) tools and specialized forensic platforms

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20

Small Group

8

Autonomous Student Learning

172

Total

200


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning; lectures; critical writing; reflective learning; lab work; problem-based learning; case-based learning;

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 1 Week 4 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 2 Week 8 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Exam (In-person): Final exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
70
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.