University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This course develops basic concepts in private and public key cryptosystems, explores some of the associated algorithmic number theory, and introduces more advanced topics such as the use of elliptic curves in cryptography.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply substitution ciphers and understand their weaknesses.
  2. Encrypt and decrypt messages using RSA.
  3. Describe and apply algorithms for primality testing and integer factorisation and indicate their relevance to RSA.
  4. Understand the discrete logarithm problem and apply the Diffie-Hellman key exchange and ElGamal cryptosystem.
  5. Define elliptic curves, compute their groups of points, and explain their use in public key cryptography
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (70%)
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "A Course in Number Theory and Cryptography" by Neal Koblitz
    Publisher: Springer
  2. "Understanding Cryptography" by C. Paar, J. Pelzl
    Publisher: Springer
  3. "Cryptography: An Introduction" by N. Smart
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  4. "Cryptography: Theory and Practice" by D.R. Stinson, M. Paterson
    Publisher: CRC Press
The above information outlines module CS402: "Cryptography" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.