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Cryptography Theory & Practice - COM00048H

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Siamak Shahandashti
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

The module aims to provide a broad overview of modern cryptography. The module will cover the fundamental security goals achieved through cryptographic algorithms and protocols, how they are formalised, designs that enable achieving those goals, and how formal security arguments can be made for the design achieving the security goals.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The module aims to provide a broad overview of modern cryptography. The module will cover the fundamental security goals achieved through cryptographic algorithms and protocols, how they are formalised, designs that enable achieving those goals, and how formal security arguments can be made for the design achieving the security goals.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module the students will be able to:

  1. describe and apply the fundamental security properties provided by cryptographic algorithms and protocols;

  2. describe how these security properties are formalised;

  3. describe the implications of cryptographic security arguments;

  4. identify security requirements for a given practical scenario and identify the appropriate cryptographic tools to achieve the security requirements;

  5. assess whether given cryptographic algorithms and protocols meet identified security requirements; and

  6. analyse the security and efficiency of cryptographic protocols from both theoretical and practical points of view.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : CTAP-H Coursework Assessment		 N/A 50
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Open exam : CTAP-H Exam Assessment		 3 hours 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : CTAP-H Coursework Assessment		 N/A 50
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Open exam : CTAP-H Exam Assessment		 3 hours 50

Module feedback

Feedback is provided through work in practical sessions, and after the final assessment as per normal University guidelines.

Indicative reading

[1] J. Katz, Introduction to modern cryptography, Third edition :: Chapman & Hall/CRC, 2020
[2] J.-P. Aumasson, Serious cryptography : a practical introduction to modern encryption :: No Starch Press, 2018
[3] C. Paar, Understanding cryptography : a textbook for students and practitioners :: Springer, 2009
[4] A. McAndrew, Introduction to cryptography with open-source software :: CRC Press, 2011
[5] W. Stallings, Cryptography and network security : principles and practice, Seventh edition :: Pearson, 2017
[6] A. J. Menezes, Handbook of applied cryptography :: CRC Press, 1997


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.