Fall 1999, 5:00-6:20 TTh PS 113

 MAS 6217, NUMBER THEORY AND CRYPTOGRAPHY (MST)

Instructor

Fred Richman, SE224, Office hours 10:00-11:30 MWF are the official ones, but I'm around a lot.

Text

A course in number theory and cryptography, by Neal Koblitz. The focus will be on Chapters III and IV which deal with cryptography. When necessary, we will go back and pick up material from Chapters I and II.

Outline

Basic concepts and current techniques of encryption and decryption. The recent use of number theory in cryptography. Simple substitution ciphers, multiple substitution ciphers, frequency analysis, public key cryptosystems, finite fields, the role of prime numbers, intractable problems, trapdoor functions.

Homework

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on Thursdays, starting September 2, except on September 23, October 28, and November 11 (Veteran's Day). Late homework will not be accepted. Paper should be the standard 8¹/₂×11 size, without ragged edges or folded corners. Write on one side of the paper only, and make it readable.

Tests

There will be two 60-minute tests: Thursday, September 23 and Thursday, October 28. Under no circumstances will make-up tests be given.

Final Exam

A comprehensive final examination will be given on Tuesday, December 7, from 5:00 to 7:30.

Grades

The final grade will be based on the test grades (30%), the homework grades (40%), and the final examination grade (30%).