De Montfort University, in England's East Midlands, is launching a new degree aimed at combating computer crime. The course in Forensic Computing will be available from September 2005 and is one of only five such degrees nationwide.

The four-year sandwich course has been developed with specialised police forces in the area. Subjects include the detection, preservation, analysis and presentation of digital evidence.

Course leader Peter Norris said: "The opportunities for criminals to abuse digital electronics are countless; from mobile phones to the internet, for crimes ranging from identity thief to child pornography. Forensic computing scientists help prevent such crime and track down those who try to get away with it.

"The degree has a compulsory third year placement within law enforcement or IT organisations where system security is an issue. In both cases, the placement year provides invaluable [practical] experience," he added. ®

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