KC6007 - Mathematical Cryptology

You will learn through a series of lectorials and classes will be scheduled in our modern computer laboratories enabling you to apply the techniques presented in the lecture part of the session and, in this way, deepen your understanding of the material and develop your practical skills. This, in turn, develops your confidence to explore the subject area further as an independent learner outside of the classroom. Initially, computer programs will be provided to assist you in deciphering hidden messages but you will progress and develop your own approach, using Matlab, to decipher messages.

Formative feedback is available weekly in the classes as you get to grips with new cryptologic techniques and solve problems. In addition, we operate an open door policy where you can meet with your module tutor to seek further advice or help if required. Your ability to select appropriate techniques and use the appropriate computational approach to decipher messages is assessed in a lab based class assignment whereas your ability to appraise various cryptographic techniques and develop appropriate mathematical theory is tested in a formal exam at the end of the module.

General feedback on assessments will be given in class and individual feedback will be written on scripts. An opportunity to discuss work further will be available on an individual basis when work is returned and also through the open door policy.

Direct contact with the teaching team during the lectorials will involve participation in both general class discussions as well as one to one discussions during the hands-on part of the lectorial. This gives you a chance to get immediate feedback pertinent to your particular needs in this session. Further feedback and discussion with the teaching team are also available at any time through our open door policy. In addition, all teaching materials, selected Matlab scripts, and supplementary material (such as interesting articles) are available through the e-learning portal.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Use appropriate methods to identify the encryption method used to encipher a message.
2. Identify large prime numbers efficiently.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Where practically possible, decipher a message using appropriate tools and techniques.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Critically appraise the use of cryptology in various scenarios.

SUMMATIVE
1. Coursework (30%) – 3
2. Examination (70%) – 1, 2, 3, 4

FORMATIVE
Formative assessment will be available on a weekly basis in the lectorials through normal lecturer-student interactions, allowing them to extend, consolidate and evaluate their knowledge.

Formative feedback will be provided on student work and errors in understanding will be addressed reactively using individual discussion. Solutions for laboratory tasks will be provided after the students have attempted the questions, allowing students to receive feedback on the correctness of their solutions and to seek help if matters are still not clear.

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‘Mathematical Cryptology’ concerns the creation and analysis of secret messages using mathematical techniques. You will learn about both classical and contemporary cryptology from the time of Julius Caesar until the present day. You will get the answer to questions such as ‘How is my money kept safe when I buy things online?’ or ‘How can I sign an electronic document without my signature being forged?’. The module is ‘hands-on’ and is taught through a series of lectorials which combine formal lectures and hands on experience using computer software. Formative feedback is available weekly in the classes as you get to grips with new cryptologic techniques and solve problems. Assessment is via a lab-based class assignment (where you will decipher a hidden message) worth 30% of the module mark, and a formal examination worth the remaining 70%.

The module has been designed to give you an education in how cryptological techniques have developed over the last two millennia as well as an ability to, both, create hidden messages and reveal hidden messages.