Unit information: Cryptology (Teaching Unit) in 2022/23

Unit name	Cryptology (Teaching Unit)
Unit code	COMS30023
Credit points	0
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Dupressoir
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	COMS10017 Object Oriented Programming and Algorithms I or equivalent COMS10014 Mathematics for Computer Science A and COMS10013 Mathematics for Computer Science B or equivalent COMS20010 Algorithms II or equivalent or A working understanding of algorithms and complexity analysis Understanding Big-Oh notation Analyze WCET of an algorithm in terms of elementary operations Exposure to abstract algebra or number theory Groups, cyclic groups and finite fields Polynomials A working understanding of (discrete) probability theory General manipulation of probability expressions For assessment by coursework: basic programming skills in at least one language
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	EITHER Assessment units COMS30021 Cryptology (Exam assessment, 10 credits) OR COMS30065 Cryptology (Coursework assessment), 15 credits. Please note: COMS30023 is the Teaching Unit for the Cryptology option. Single Honours Computer Science and Mathematics and Computer Science students can choose to be assessed by either examination (10 credits, COMS30021) or coursework (15 credits, COMS30065) by selecting the appropriate co-requisite assessment unit. Any other students that are permitted to take the Cryptology option are assessed by examination (10 credits) and should be enrolled on the co-requisite exam assessment unit (COMS30021).
Units you may not take alongside this one
School/department	School of Computer Science
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Unit Information

Cryptology is a highly interdisciplinary field, deeply rooted in mathematics, but with branches in electronic engineering and computer science. The aim of this unit is to introduce various fundamental aspects of cryptology from a modern perspective, focusing on design and security aspects of cryptographic schemes used for secure two-party communication, and of their underlying primitives.

The syllabus will include aspects of:

• Mathematical preliminaries: basic modular arithmetic (inc. CRT); basic group and field theory; fundamental algorithms (e.g., GCD); cryptographic reductions.
• Symmetric cryptography: security models and proofs; encryption schemes (e.g., AES); cryptographic hash functions and MACs; modes of operation (e.g., CBC, CTR etc.); basic cryptanalysis.
• Asymmetric cryptography: security models and proofs; encryption schemes (e.g., RSA and ElGamal); digital signature schemes (e.g., RSA signatures, or DSA); modes of operation (i.e., padding schemes etc.); basic cryptanalysis.

Your learning on this unit

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Explain and apply the principles of modern cryptology in the context of secure communication
2. Link the design and operation of standard, state-of-the-art symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic schemes to their mathematical underpinnings
3. Explain and demonstrate the desired security of standard cryptographic schemes used for confidentiality and authenticity

When assessed by examination, in addition to the general ILOs above, students will also:

1. Explain and demonstrate the functionality and desired security of standard cryptographic schemes used for confidentiality and authenticity
2. Use basic cryptanalytic techniques to evaluate the security level of simple cryptographic schemes

When assessed by Coursework, in addition to the general ILOs above, students will also:

1. Explain and implement the functionality of standard cryptographic schemes used for confidentiality and authenticity
2. Implement and apply appropriate cryptanalytic techniques to evaluate the security level of classes of cryptographic schemes.

How you will learn

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.

Teaching will take place over Weeks 1-7, with coursework support in weeks 9-11 and for students assessed by examination, consolidation and revision sessions in Weeks 12.

How you will be assessed

Examination details:

2 hour exam (100%, 10 credits).

OR

Coursework details:

Coursework (100%, 15 credits) - to be completed during a specific period.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. COMS30023).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.