Modern Cryptology
2011-2012 - IMT6081 - 5 ECTS

On the basis of

IMT4532 Cryptology 1, IMT4552 Cryptology 2, or equivalent

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge

The candidate possesses knowledge at the most advanced frontier in the field of cryptology. The candidate has mastered academic theory and scientific methods in cryptology.

The candidate is capable of considering suitability and use of different methods and processes in research in the field of cryptology.

The candidate is capable of contributing to development of new knowledge, theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation in cryptology.

Skills

The candidate is capable of formulating problems, planning and completing research projects in cryptology.

The candidate is capable of doing research and development at a high international level.

The candidate is capable of handling complex academic tasks. The candidate can challenge established knowledge and practice in cryptology.

General competence

The candidate is capable of identifying relevant – and possibly new - ethical problems and exercising research in cryptology with academic integrity.

The candidate is capable of managing complex interdisciplinary tasks and projects.

The candidate is capable of disseminating the results of research and development in cryptology through approved national and international publication channels.

The candidate is capable of taking part in debates in international forums within the field of cryptology.

The candidate is capable of considering the need for, taking initiative to and engaging in innovation in the field of cryptology.

Topic(s)

•  Introduction – elements of information theory, general cipher system theory
•  Contemporary theory of randomness – randomness and indistinguishability
•  Elements of modern symmetric ciphers theory – Galois fields, primitive polynomials, Boolean functions theory, block ciphers theory, hash functions theory
•  Public key cryptography – RSA theory, digital signatures

Teaching Methods

Lectures
Exercises
Project work

Teaching Methods (additional text)

Lectures

Numerical exercises

Project work

Form(s) of Assessment

Written exam, 3 hours
Evaluation of Project(s)

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

Written exam, 3 hours (alternatively oral exam) (counts 51% of the final mark)

Project evaluation (counts 49% of the final mark)

Both parts must be passed.

Grading Scale

Pass/Failure

External/internal examiner

Evaluated by the lecturer

Re-sit examination

The whole subject must be repeated.

Examination support

Calculator, dictionary

Coursework Requirements

None

Teaching Materials

 Books:
 1. Introduction to Cryptography and Coding Theory, 2. edition, Trappe W., Washington L., Prentice Hall, 2006, ISBN: 0131981994.
 2. Handbook of Applied Cryptography, Menezes A., http://www.cacr.math.uwaterloo.ca/hac

 3. Introduction to modern cryptography, Katz J., Lindell Y., Chapman&Hall/CRC, 2008, ISBN: 1-58488-551-3

Various papers (available on-line)

Additional information

There is room for 50 students for the course.