College Seminar (101-7-20)

Instructors

Sandy Zabell
8474915564
Lunt 227

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L05: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Topic: Cryptology

Cryptology is the study of secret writing, or more generally secure communication. We will discuss classical methods of cryptography, followed by the use of the German Enigma machine during World War II, and end by discussing modern cryptosystems such as RSA and PGP, digital signatures, and their use in internet security.

Registration Requirements

Learning Objectives

Methods of encryption and decryption for both classical and modern systems.

Teaching Method

Discussion and problem sets.

Evaluation Method

Presentations, problem sets, class discussion.

Class Materials (Required)

Simon Singh, The Code Book, Paperback: 432 pages, Publisher: Anchor; Reprint edition (August 29, 2000), Language: English, ISBN-10: 0385495323

Simon Singh, The Code Book, Paperback: 432 pages, Publisher: Anchor; Reprint edition (August 29, 2000), Language: English, ISBN-10: 0385495323

Secret History: The Story of Cryptology (Chapman & Hall/CRC Cryptography and Network Security Series); Bauer, Craig
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chapman and Hall/CRC; 1st edition (April 20, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 640 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1138061239
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1138061231
eBook ISBN9781315162539
Available online from the University Library

Class Notes

Professor Zabell has a joint appointment in the Math and Statistics departments. His interests include mathematical probability, applied statistics, forensic science, and the history of cryptography.

Class Attributes

WCAS College Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required