Math 481 syllabus

Cryptography

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to classical and modern methods of message encryption and decryption (cryptography) as well as possible attacks to cryptosystems (cryptanalysis). Topics include classical (symmetric) cryptosystems (DES, AES), public-key (asymmetric) cryptosystems (Diffie-Hellman, RSA, ElGamal), modes of operation, one-way and trapdoor functions, Hash functions, cryptographic protocols. Credit for both MA 481 and MA 581 is not allowed.
Prerequisites: C or better in MA 311 

Suggested Text: Wade Trappe and Lawrence C. Washington: Introduction to Cryptography with Coding Theory, 2nd edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2006

Learning outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the course a student will:

Know several techniques for message encryption and decryption as well as possible attacks to cryptosystems.
Know how mathematics can be used to protect data and make electronic systems secure.
Understand the importance of pure mathematics, especially number theory and algebra, in our current world.