The overall aim is to provide students with an understanding of the role played by various aspects of cryptography in computer security, and to explore topics such as the modern theoretical bases of cryptography—a central aspect of contemporary computing both in theory and in practice.

Learning objectives include:

• an understanding of various cryptographic systems including stream ciphers, block ciphers, and public key encryption schemes;
• an appreciation for the mechanisms by which a cryptographic system’s security is analysed, in particular the concepts of semantic security;
• a basic understanding of the principles of quantum computing and their role in cryptography;
• understand computer security fundamentals and the role of security engineering;
• explain threats cryptography cannot protect against;
• describe the different participants in single-sign-on systems and how they interact;
• exploring emerging topics such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies;
• critically analysing a cryptographic issue and related literature.

Lectures are shared between COSC312 and COSC412.

• Tuesday, 14:00–16:00, St David Seminar Room E (SDAVE)

There is a one-hour tutorial time allocated each week for COSC312.

• Friday, 12:00–12:50, Castle B (CASTB).

There is a two-hour lab time allocated each week for COSC312.

• Wednesday, 14:00–15:50, Owheo Lab A.

• Professor David Eyers

• Assignments = 40%
• Final exam = 60% (You must gain at least 40% in the exam to pass this paper.)

In COSC312 we place high value on the principles of academic integrity, and view academic misconduct as a very serious matter.