CS5288 Cryptography: Theory and Practice

Part I

Course Duration: One semester
Credit Units: 3
Level: P5
Medium of Instruction: English
Prerequisites:
(CS5222 Computer Networks and Internets or equivalent) and
(MA2144 Discrete Mathematics or equivalent)
Precursors: Nil
Equivalent Courses: Nil
Exclusive Courses: Nil

Part II

Course Aims
The course provides an in-depth study of cryptographic techniques and their role in practical computer systems and applications.  It covers the algorithms for symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hash functions, and pseudo random number generation; and the protocols to achieve practical security objectives such as confidentiality, authentication, data integrity, non-repudiation.  Associated protocols such as key distribution and public key infrastructure systems will also be dealt with.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

No.

CILOs

Weighting
(if applicable)

1.

ability to perform modular arithmetic mathematic and basic group theoretic/finite field operations related to cryptographic techniques;

 

2.

ability to describe basic concepts and algorithms of cryptography, including encryption/decryption, hash functions, pseudo random number generation;

 

3.

ability to estimate and evaluate strength of cryptographic functions;

 

4.

ability to construct protocols for various security objectives with cryptographic tools;

 

5.

ability to describe the impact of potential future development of cryptography such as quantum cryptography.

 

Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs)
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

Teaching pattern:
Suggested lecture/tutorial/laboratory mix: 2 hrs. lecture; 1 hr. tutorial.

CILO No.

Lectures

Tutorials

CILO 1

X

X

CILO 2

X

X

CILO 3

X

 

CILO 4

 

X

CILO 5

X

X


Assessment Tasks/Activities
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course) 

   Examination duration:  2 hours
   Percentage of coursework, examination, etc.:  30% CW; 70% Exam

CILO No.

Assignment #1

Assignment #2

Quiz

Exam

CILO 1

5%

5%

4%

20%

CILO 2

4%

5%

4%

20%

CILO 3

 

 

 

10%

CILO 4

1%

 

 

20%

CILO 5

 

 

2%

 

Total

10%

10%

10%

70%

Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations
Grading pattern: Standard (A+, A, A-…F)
For a student to pass the course, at least 30% of the maximum mark for the examination must be obtained. 

Part III

Keyword Syllabus:

Basic number theory, one-way functions, basic randomness, symmetric encryption, one-tine Pad, Feistel structure, DES, IDEA, AES, brute force attacks, strength of encryption functions, block and stream cipher, key distribution problem, secret sharing, asymmetric encryption, RSA, prime number generation, public key protocol, hybrid encryption, key exchange protocol, Diffie-Hellman, authentication protocols, hash functions, MD5, SHA, data integrity, message integrity code, non-repudiation, digital signature, RSA signature, ElGamal, DSA, elliptic curve cryptosystem, trust model, digital certificate, PKI, zero knowledge proofs, blind signature, quantum cryptography.

Related Links
Department of Computer Science