MA315-7-SP-CO:
Cryptography and Codes
2024/25
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
18 March 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
MA220
(none)
(none)
(none)
The course explains how the standard cryptographic and coding techniques used in modern computer security and online communications actually work.
Classical symmetric cryptography will be explored as well as public key cryptosystems. In particular, widely used cryptosystems such as RSA and El-Gamal will be discussed, as well as their bases in number theory. There will be an exploration of the security of such methods and alternative methods will be discussed which may be more robust in certain contexts. Algebraic coding, including error-correcting codes, group codes, prefix codes and Huffman codes also feature.
The aims of this module are:
- To introduce students to symmetric and public key cryptography, developing a deep understanding of the mathematical basis behind secure communication.
- To enable students to explore vulnerabilities in cryptosystems and potential alternative approaches.
- To develop an understanding of reliable and efficient communication through coding theory techniques.
By the end of the module, students will be expected to:
- Understand the basic principles of both symmetric and public key cryptography.
- Have a working knowledge of how popular cryptosystems, such as RSA, operate.
- Have a deep understanding of the mathematical bases for widely used public key cryptosystems, appropriate to graduate level.
- Understand vulnerabilities and drawbacks of widely used cryptosystems and understand alternative methods.
- Understand the principles of error correcting / error detecting codes.
- Understand the mathematical principles of discrete coding.
Cryptography and coding theory use elegant techniques from ancient mathematics including number theory and abstract algebra to create secure and reliable online communication. This module explores the development and use of such methods and develops an understanding of the mathematical bases of these. Vulnerability and drawbacks of widely used methods will be discussed as well as alternatives which may be able to overcome some of these issues.
Indicative syllabus
Cryptography:
- Symmetric cryptography
- Public Key Exchange
- Public key cryptosystems (PKC)
- Vulnerabilities of widely used PKCs and alternative systems
- Digital Signature
Codes :
- Hamming metric
- Error detection and correction
- Prefix and Suffix codes
- Group codes
- Trees and Huffman codes
Teaching in the department will be delivered using a range of face to face lectures, classes and lab sessions as appropriate for each module. Modules may also include online only sessions where it is advantageous, for example for pedagogical reasons, to do so.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 |
|
|
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
|
|
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Jessica Claridge, email: jessica.claridge@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Jessica Claridge
jessica.claridge@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
Prof Stephen Langdon
Brunel University London
Professor
Available via Moodle
Of 38 hours, 38 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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