MAT 5920

Topics in Pure Mathematics

Cryptography

Fall 2009

Instructor: Dr. Alice Deanin

Office: SAC 371

Office Phone: x9-4817

Office Hours: TuTh; 10-11am, 2:30-3:30pm

appointment recommended

Text: Introduction to Cryptography, W. Trappe and L. Washington, 2^nd ed., 2006, Prentice Hall.

We will cover chapters 1-4, 6, 7 and 15.

Classroom: The class structure will mix instructor presentation, computer laboratory, discussion, and group work. There will not be any testing. Workgroups will be assigned for the semester. Workgroups are expected to sit and work together in class, and meet together outside class.

Computing: Cryptography is fairly intense in its computational aspect. Workgroups will be responsible for making tested, documented code available for use in homeworks and projects. While one group member may be more expert at writing programs than others, all group members should be able to use, demonstrate, and modify programs their group devises. This is best accomplished by assuming responsibility for testing, assisting in debugging, and writing documentation during program development. Use and modification of software available at the site for our text, http://www.math.umd.edu/~lcw/book.html, is also encouraged.

Exercises: The attractive though limited set of problems in the text will be supplemented by additional homework from the instructor’s seemingly endless supply of clever exercises. Well written solutions may be submitted by individuals or groups in a timely fashion. If your name is on a group submission, you must have participated significantly in its production.

Reports and Projects: In addition to regular homeworks (short term exercises), workgroups will also do

· a written report on an assigned historical aspect of cryptography – due 10/1.

· a written report and a creative presentation on current ethical considerations and controversies in cryptography – due 11/12.

· a written report and presentation of a project involving current theoretical areas of interest to cryptographers and cryptanalysts – due scheduled final exam period, 12/17.

Grading: This is an elective course with expectation of successful participation by all students. The grade will be determined for each student by equal weightings of their successful participation in the eight areas of

· participation in class and group meetings

· submission of written evaluation of group work

· participation in production and use of programs

· homework exercises

· more homework exercises

· historical report

· ethics and controversies report and presentation

· project report and presentation