Lecture: MWF 11:00-11:50, Weber 223.
Office hours: Wed 12-1 and Thurs 2-3 in Weber 205A.

Course description: The main goal of this course is to understand historical and modern cryptosystems from a mathematical point of view. The first use of cryptography to send information secretly was around 2000 BC in ancient Egypt. With the invention of computers, people had to develop new ways of encrypting messages to be secure. Modern cryptosystems rely on the mathematical topics of algebra and number theory. In addition, they use error-correcting codes to make sure that every part of a message is transmitted accurately. We will study the number theory used to implement and attact cryptosystems. Along the way, we will develop skills to solve unfamiliar problems with creative insight and logical reasoning.

Text: Hoffstein, Pipher, Silverman, An Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography. e-ISBN 978-0-387-77994-2. This book is freely available to CSU students through SpringerLink. Follow the instructions below and let me know if you have trouble:

step 1: go to the CSU library page CSU library page or (on-campus only?) link.springer.com .
step 2: in the almost everything box, type in keywords (e.g. Hoffstein and Pipher and Cryptography) and click the search icon.
step 3: click on the item (blue and yellow book), look for full text available, and download.

Syllabus

Homework: Doing homework problems is crucial for doing well in this class. The process of doing homework will help you solve problems on the tests. Two kinds of homework problems will be assigned: arithmetic problems, which you are independently responsible for doing; and conceptual and open-ended problems, which will be graded. Homework must be neat, legible, and stapled in order to receive credit. I encourage you to brainstorm the problems in groups and write up your solutions independently.
Detailed information on homework and exams

Examinations:
Midterm 1: Monday September 23
Writing assignment due: Monday October 7
Computer lab due: Monday October 14
Midterm 2: Monday November 4
Final: Wednesday December 18, 4:10-6:10 pm.

There are no makeups for missed exams, regardless of the reason for absence. You must take the final examination at this time scheduled by the university; no final exams will be given earlier. If you have two final examinations scheduled at the same time, it is the responsibility of the other department to provide an alternate exam. Examinations will not be rescheduled because of travel arrangements. It is your responsibility to schedule travel appropriately.

Grading: The course grades will be computed as follows.
Homework 20%, Computer lab 10%, Writing assignment 10%, Midterm 1 15%, Midterm 2 15%, Final 30%. Borderline grades will be decided on the basis of class participation.

Class policies: We will frequently spend class time working collaboratively using handouts. Please be positive and respectful - we all have different backgrounds and experiences. Also, don't worry - everyone makes mistakes!
Cellphones and social media: Pulling out a cellphone interrupts your learning, annoys your classmates, and distracts your professor. Unless you are the the primary emergency contact for someone, turn off your phone during class.

CSU Honor Pledge: Academic integrity is important to me. Paraphrasing the words of Greg Dickinson, Director of Graduate Studies; Professor, Dept. of Communication Studies:
Plagiarism is the unauthorized or unacknowledged use of a person's academic or scholarly work. Regardless of how it occurs, plagiarism is a theft of intellectual property.
Academic integrity means having a true educational experience. It involves doing your own reading and studying. It includes regular class attendance, careful consideration of all class materials, and engagement with the class and other students. Academic integrity lies at the core of our common goal: to create an intellectually honest and rigorous community.
Because academic integrity is so central to our mission as students, teachers, scholars, and citizens, we will ask you (but not require you) to sign the CSU Honor Pledge when completing all major assignments.
"I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance."
If you plagiarize in your work you could lose credit for the plagiarized work, fail the assignment, or fail the course. Each instance of plagiarism, classroom cheating, and other types of academic dishonesty will be addressed according to the principles published in the CSU General Catalog (see page seven, column two: http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/FrontPDF/1.6POLICIES1112f.pdf).

Help: Help is always available if you have trouble with homework or lecture material. If your classmates can't answer your question, come ask me!
Office hours are Wed 12-1, Thurs 2-3, or by appointment in Weber 205A.