MA315-7-SP-CO:
Cryptography and Codes
2022/23
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 16 January 2023
Friday 24 March 2023
15
12 May 2021
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA220
The module 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 module 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 module, 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. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the algebra and number theory used in modern cryptography and coding schemes, appropriate to graduate level.
Syllabus
Number Theory: elementary theory of factors, congruences, Fermat's Lemma, Euler's function and theorem. Public key cryptography and RSA system.
Introduction to groups, cosets and Lagrange's 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 |
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| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
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| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
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| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
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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
No
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), module, or event type.
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