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College Seminar (101-7-20)

Instructors

Sandy Zabell
8474915564
Lunt 227

Meeting Info

Lunt Hall 103: Mon, Wed, Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

Topic: Cryptology

Cryptology is the science of secret writing, or more generally secure communication. We will discuss classical methods of cryptography, followed by the use of the German Enigma machine and other systems 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

Register as a College Seminar.

Learning Objectives

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

Teaching Method

Assigned reading, in-class discussion and weekly problem set

Evaluation Method

Class presentations, problem sets, class discussion, and a final paper.

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 Materials (Suggested)

Articles and class notes that will be posted on Canvas, the course website.

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: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration. Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required