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Module Descriptors

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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 10/01/2023 11:17:17

Title of Module: Coding & Cryptography

Code: MATH10009 SCQF Level: 10
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)		 Credit Points: 20 ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator:TBC 

Summary of Module

The module begins by defining several concepts used in coding theory. Codes are then described, with a particular focus on applications such as the Universal Product Code (UPC), International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN), and codabar system.

Next, a range of topics in number theory are presented, such as divisibility, Euclid’s algorithm, linear Diophantine equations, prime numbers, and congruences. These concepts provide the theoretical underpinning needed for the rest of the module.

Cryptography is introduced and its historical significance is discussed. A range of cryptographic systems are then presented, in largely chronological order. These include the Ceasar shift, the Vigenere cipher, the Hill cipher,  the exponentiation cipher, the public key cryptosystems known as RSA and ElGamal, and the Merkle-Hellman cryptosystem. The Enigma machine, the Data Encryption Standard, the Advanced Encryption Standard, and elliptic curve cryptography are mentioned briefly.

Cryptographic protocols are discussed, including Diffie-Hellman key exchange, quantum key distribution, digital signatures, and secret sharing.

Finally, cryptanalysis is considered. In particular, the following topics are explored: frequency analysis, coincidence counting, Kasiski examination, the complexity of algorithms, integer factorisation, and the discrete logarithm problem.

The Graduate Attributes relevant to this module are given below:

  • Academic: Critical thinker; Analytical; Inquiring; Knowledgeable; Problem-solver; Digitally literate; Autonomous; Incisive; Innovative.
  • Personal: Motivated, Creative; Imaginative; Resilient
  • Professional: Ambitious; Driven.

Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:
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Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1check markTerm 2

 

Term 3

 

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Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate a good understanding of the purpose and operation of several elementary codes.

L2. Demonstrate a good understanding of divisibility, linear Diophantine equations, prime numbers, and congruences.

L3. Demonstrate a good understanding of various encryption and decryption algorithms, as well as cryptographic protocols.

L4. Demonstrate a good understanding of cryptanalytical methods for breaking ciphers.

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 10.

Demonstrating a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of standard techniques in coding and cryptography.

Demonstrating critical awareness of established techniques of enquiry.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 10.

Using a range of standard techniques to solve problems that are specialised, advanced and at the forefront of the coding and cryptography.

Carrying out defined investigative problems within a mathematically based subject and implementing relevant outcomes.

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 10.

Critically identify, define, conceptualise and analyse complex problems.

Critically review and consolidate knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in coding and cryptography.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 10.

Present, formally and/or informally, information about coding and cryptography to informed audiences.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 10.

Exercise autonomy and initiative in professional/equivalent activities.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
MATH08006
MATH08007
Module Title:
Discrete Mathematics
Linear Algebra
Other:Suitable equivalents.
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below: 		Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Lecture/Core Content Delivery36
Personal Development Plan6
Independent Study158
200 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

Coding & Cryptography class notes and tutorial sheets on the University VLE.

"Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction", D Poole

"Elementary Number Theory", D Burton

"Elementary Number Theory and its Applications", K Rosen

"An Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography", J Hoffstein, J Pipher, and JH Silverman

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

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Supplemental Information

Programme BoardPhysical Sciences
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelPhysical Sciences
ModeratorDr Kenneth C Nisbet
External ExaminerP Wilson
Accreditation Details
Version Number

1.07

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Assignment: one coursework assignment; 20% of the final mark.
Examination: a final, closed book assessment; 80% of the final mark
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Unseen closed book (standard)check markcheck markcheck markcheck mark802

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Class test (written)check markcheck markcheck markcheck mark206
Combined Total For All Components100% 8 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

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Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
The module is suitable for any student satisfying the pre-requisites.
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.

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