MA315-6-SP-CO:
Cryptography and Codes
2022/23
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 16 January 2023
Friday 24 March 2023
15
30 April 2022
Requisites for this module
MA114
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA220
The course explains how the standard cryptographic and coding techniques used on the Internet and in modern computer security actually work. In particular RSA cryptography is introduced together with the number theory on which it is based.
Algebraic coding, including group codes, prefix codes and Huffman codes also feature. Mathematically the course is virtually self-contained but the student who undertakes it as an outside option should be used to dealing with mathematical ideas.
No information available.
On completion of the course, students should grasp the basic principles of cryptography and understand how RSA cryptography actually works. Understand the principles of error detection and correction and the mathematical principles of discrete coding.
Syllabus
Number Theory: elementary theory of factors, congruences, Fermats Lemma, Eulers function and theorem. Public key cryptography and RSA system.
Introduction to groups, cosets and Lagranges theorem, group codes, Hamming metric, error detection and correction, trees, prefix codes and Huffman codes.
There will be 25 lectures and 5 tutorial classes based on exercise sheets. In addition there will be 3 revision lectures in the Summer Term.
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
Yes
No
Prof Stephen Langdon
Brunel University London
Professor
Dr Rachel Quinlan
National University of Ireland, Galway
Senior Lecturer in Mathematics
Available via Moodle
Of 33 hours, 33 (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), module, or event type.
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