MATH30250 Cryptography: Theory & Practice

Academic Year 2022/2023

The student will learn the essential principles of cryptography, the history of cryptography from ancient times up to modern day, the necessary mathematical background, and the algorithms used to implement these cryptosystems. Topics include: classical cryptography: substitution ciphers, introduction to cryptanalysis, frequency counts, Shannon's theory, block ciphers (DES, AES, etc.) public-key cryptography, modular arithmetic, RSA, discrete logarithm, ECC, cryptographic protocols, digital signatures, secret sharing,authentication.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

This is an introductory module, giving an overall introduction to the theory and applications of cryptography - the science of secrecy. The student will have an understanding of the mathematics and the algorithms behind several well known cryptosystems.

Indicative Module Content:

Classical cryptography: substitution ciphers, introduction to cryptanalysis, frequency counts, Shannon's theory, block ciphers (DES, AES, etc.) public-key cryptography, modular arithmetic, RSA, discrete logarithm, ECC, cryptographic protocols, digital signatures, secret sharing,authentication

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

11

Autonomous Student Learning

70

Total

105

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; critical writing; reflective learning; enquiry & problem-based learning 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Final exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

75

Continuous Assessment: In-semester assessment Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

25


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn 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
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Mr Andrew Fulcher Tutor