Cryptography

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
2. Applied Data Science Master's Programme (N2ADS)
3. Computer Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1COS)
4. Bachelor's Programme in Mathematics (N1MAT)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

To be eligible for the course the student should have successfully completed courses corresponding to 90 credits in the subject of Computer Science or Mathematics, including:

• 7.5 credits in algebra or discrete mathematics (covering topics: modular arithmetic, and elementary probability theory)
• 7.5 credits in programming

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

• Basic and advanced goals of cryptography (confidentiality, authentication, anonymity, zero-knowledge)
• Symmetric key cryptography: block ciphers, design principles and examples, modes of operation, message authentication codes.
• Public key cryptography: key exchange, asymmetric ciphers, signatures. Attack models and security notions.
• Cryptographic Protocols: secret sharing, zero-knowledge proofs.

After completing the course the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Recognize well-established cryptosystems and identify settings where they can be used to improve the security of a given system
• Demonstrate knowledge of principles behind provable security
• Understand the theoretic foundations of cryptography

Competence and skills

• Describe goals and design principles for, and common structures of, several cryptographic primitives and proof systems
• Identify, analyse and explain various forms of attacks based on improper usage of primitives, modes of operation, or protocols
• Reproduce rigorous proofs of security

Judgement and approach

• Exemplify when various notions of security are applicable and describe the security guarantees provided
• Apply the acquired knowledge in new situations.

The course is composed of lectures as well as exercise sessions, and assignments.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined by home assignments done individually or in groups, and a written exam done individually in an examination hall.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Written hall exam, 6 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)
2. Assignments, 1.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U).

In order to pass the course both the assignments and the written hall examination have to be approved. The grade for the entire course will be determined by the written hall exam.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course DIT250, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains DIT250. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course DIT250 is included.