Study Guide

Objective

After completing the course the student:
is familiar with the basic concepts and principles of cryptology
understands some mathematical backgrounds of cryptography
knows how symmetric and asymmetric ciphers function
can explain the workings of some cryptographic applications

Content

• basic concepts and principles of cryptology
• mathematical backgrounds of cryptography
• symmetric and asymmetric ciphers
• some up to date cryptographic applications

Location and time

September – December 2018.

Materials

Understanding Cryptography by C. Paar and J. Pelz (Springer, 2010). Some chapters of it are available for free.
Various internet sources, links & descriptions are provided in Optima.

Teaching methods

Teacher-directed classroom activities, group work and independent work; project work, task-based (homework), online activities (quizzes)

International connections

The contents of the course give understanding of the basic cryptographic tools and devices which are essential in the operating environment of an ICT engineer, such as all electronic and wireless communications, e-commerce applications etc. Up-to-date cryptography standards are included in the study material.
The students will team up for a project work on some current and relevant aspect of cryptology of their choice. The teams then present their work to the whole group, which gives everyone a broader understanding on the topic.
Task-based assessment supports learning and is continuous throughout the course. Studying in an international group develops students’ ability to intercultural communication and multicultural collaboration.

Completion alternatives

TBA

Student workload

Classroom activities: Classroom activities participation 40 h
Homework: Working on homework sets 1-6 25 h
Quizzes: Preparing for & taking quizzes 1-5 20 h
Project work: Research, writing report + presentation material, presentation 20 h
Final exam: Preparing for the final exam 25 h

Content scheduling

• basic concepts and principles of cryptology
• mathematical backgrounds of cryptography
• symmetric and asymmetric ciphers
• some up to date cryptographic applications
January – April 2020.
1/20 - 4/20: theory, homework, quizzes
3/20 - 4/20: project work + presentations
4/20: project report deadlines, final exam

Further information

All practical information on timetables, project work, grading etc., as well as links to web materials are provided in Optima.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Homework sets 1-5 30 %. Total of thirty homework exercises based on reading material and classroom notes [diagnostic/formative self / teacher evaluation] in connection with each homework set return session.
Quizzes 1-4 15 %. Online quizzes based on specified reading material [diagnostic/formative teacher evaluation], instant scoring.
Project report, presentation 15 %. Each outcome of the project work is assessed independently (assessment criteria is specified in Optima) [peer feedback, summative
teacher feedback at the end of the course].
Final exam 40 %. A written exam (1,5 hrs) on specified material [Summative
teacher evaluation at the end of the course].

Qualifications

Basics of Mathematical Analysis, Number Theory and Algorithmics