Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce students to the theory and practice of block ciphers, cryptographic hash functions,
public key cryptography and cryptographic protocols.

Outline Of Syllabus

Algorithms – cryptographic algorithms
- Historical overview of cryptography
- Private-key cryptography and the key-exchange problem
- Public-key cryptography
- Digital signatures
- Security protocols
- Applications (zero-knowledge proofs, authentication, and so on)
Net-Centric Computing – network security
- Fundamentals of cryptography
- Secret-key algorithms
- Public-key algorithms
- Authentication protocols
- Digital signatures

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To be able to:
• Compare the major cryptographic algorithms and protocols
• Relate the historical development of cryptography to modern systems and challenges
• Analyse the authentication and related protocols in real world situations
• Incorporate cryptographic requirements into net-centric computing systems

Intended Skill Outcomes

To be able to:
- Analyse the cryptographic requirements of a system and select an appropriate solution
- Implement cryptographic algorithms to encode and decode messages and data
- Develop software to apply more complex cryptographic algorithms
- Evaluate the efficacy of cryptographic algorithms in practical applications.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials will be largely taught present-in-person and may include short podcasts or modified ReCAPs. They are to introduce the learning material, delivering content and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning. This will be aided by (1) scheduled in-person Q&A time in practicals and (2) non-synchronized online discussion via Canvas.

Students aiming for 1st class marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of lecture notes through background reading (recommended textbooks).

Students are expected to spend time on preparing and completing the coursework and associated quizzes.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination tests the students' possession of knowledge as well as their understanding of the concepts and techniques that are relevant to cryptographic systems. The quizzes allows them to assess their knowledge and understanding as the module progresses.
Study abroad students may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the length of the exam may differ from that shown in the MOF.

General Notes

N/A