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Overview

The fundamental aspects of cryptography that support computer security, and key technologies used to build secure software systems.

The aim of this paper is to provide students with an understanding of the modern theoretical bases of cryptography and how it relates to computer security. The paper also explores a number of widely used computer security technologies.

About this paper

Paper title Cryptography and Security
Subject Computer Science
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
COSC 201 and one of (COSC 202, COSC 203, COSC 204)
Restriction
COSC 412
Recommended Preparation
COMP 210, MATH 130
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Science
Contact

Computer Science Adviser

Teaching staff

Professor David Eyers
 

Paper Structure

The paper covers two main topics, cryptography and security.

Part I (Cryptography) example topics:

  • Classical cryptosystems
  • DES and AES
  • The RSA algorithm
  • Signatures and secret sharing
  • Error correcting codes
  • Quantum cryptography

Part II (Security) example topics:

  • Kerberos and symmetric cryptography in practice
  • TLS/SSL and asymmetric cryptography in practice
  • Decentralised authorisation
  • Homomorphic encryption and cloud computing

 

 

Teaching Arrangements

There is one 2-hour lecture per week.

There is one 2-hour lab per week.

There is one 1-hour tutorial available per week.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Course outline

View the course outline for COSC312

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Scholarship, Communication, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

This paper will enable students to:

  • Understand the basic principles of cryptography and cryptanalysis
  • Identify the theoretical basis for modern cryptosystems
  • Understand the cryptosystems that are currently in widespread use
  • Appreciate the importance of complexity in computational tasks
  • Understand the advances on the "cutting edge" of modern cryptography and complexity
Assessment details
  • Two assignments worth 10% each
  • One internal assessment worth 20%
  • Final exam worth 60%

Overview

The fundamental aspects of cryptography that support computer security, and key technologies used to build secure software systems.

The aim of this paper is to provide students with an understanding of the modern theoretical bases of cryptography and how it relates to computer security. The paper also explores a number of widely used computer security technologies.

About this paper

Paper title Cryptography and Security
Subject Computer Science
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
COSC 201 and one of (COSC 202, COSC 203, COSC 204)
Restriction
COSC 412
Recommended Preparation
COMP 210, MATH 130
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Science
Contact

Computer Science Adviser

Teaching staff

Professor David Eyers
 

Paper Structure

The paper covers two main topics, cryptography and security.

Part I (Cryptography) example topics:

  • Classical cryptosystems
  • DES and AES
  • The RSA algorithm
  • Signatures and secret sharing
  • Error correcting codes
  • Quantum cryptography

Part II (Security) example topics:

  • Kerberos and symmetric cryptography in practice
  • TLS/SSL and asymmetric cryptography in practice
  • Decentralised authorisation
  • Homomorphic encryption and cloud computing
Teaching Arrangements

There is one 2-hour lecture per week.

There is one 2-hour lab per week.

There is one 1-hour tutorial available per week.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Course outline

View the course outline for COSC 312.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Scholarship, Communication, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

This paper will enable students to:

  • Understand the basic principles of cryptography and cryptanalysis
  • Identify the theoretical basis for modern cryptosystems
  • Understand the cryptosystems that are currently in widespread use
  • Appreciate the importance of complexity in computational tasks
  • Understand the advances on the "cutting edge" of modern cryptography and complexity
Assessment details
  • Two assignments worth 10% each
  • One internal assessment worth 20%
  • Final exam worth 60%
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