CSSE 479 - Cryptography
General Information and Policies

1. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
2. Computer Science & Software Engineering

Also known as the "Syllabus"

Catalog course description:

Introduction to basic ideas of modern cryptography with emphasis on mathematical background and practical implementation. Topics include: the history of cryptography and cryptanalysis, public and private key cryptography, digital signatures, and limitations of modern cryptography. Touches upon some of the societal issues of cryptography.

Prerequisites

• CSSE220, Fundamentals of Software Development II: You should be comfortable implementing substantial algorithms in a language of your choice (Matlab, C, C++, Java, etc.)
• MA275, DISCO I: You should be comfortable with discrete math, basic number theory like divisibility, and reading and writing proofs.
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, perseverance, and a "can do" attitude!

Instructor, assistant, meeting times, and places

Matt Boutell

Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Email:	boutell@rose-hulman.edu
	Office phone:	(812) 877-8534
	Office address:	Moench F-203
	Home page: http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~boutell
	Office hours: feel free to stop by whenever I'm in the office.

Kevin Reed (assistant)

The class meets MTRF, 5th block, in Olin 269.

Texts and software

Required text

Introduction to Cryptography with Coding Theory, Second Edition, by Wade Trappe and Lawrence Washington.

See website for details, errata, and example code.

Required software

1. Tortoise SVN: A Windows client for version control used to submit programming assignments.
2. I'd like to give latitude as to which programming language you use (which determines which software you'll need), although I will provide support to no specific language. I'll be using Matlab for my personal coding, and occasionally Maple.
3. Dyknow (Usage TBA; this will be my first time using it.)

Grading:

Some class info will only be distributed via email. You are responsible for checking for class email daily on Angel. (Hint: it is easy to have Angel forward your email to another account.)

Your grade will be based on your demonstration of the learning outcomes, as measured by:

1. Weekly assignments, including written and programming problems (65%)
2. A term project (20%)
3. Quizzes (10%)
4. Class participation and citizenship (5%). Baseline grade for this is 75%; ask and answer questions regularly to increase it!

The in-class time in this course constitutes an important learning experience. After two absences, you should discuss continuation of the course with your instructor. Subsequent unexcused absences may result in automatic failure of the course, at the instructor's discretion.

All assignments and exams must be turned in on time if you want credit for them. However, each student will be granted 3 "late days" for the quarter to account for extenuating circumstances. Using a "late day" gives you a 24-hour extension on a written or programming assignment. Generally, only 1 may be used per assignment. They may not be used on in-class work, quizzes, exams, or group assignments.

Collaboration and academic integrity

"Rose-Hulman expects its students to be responsible adults and to behave at all times with honor and integrity."

Answers to assignments may not be taken from the Internet or from other students

Dishonesty on assignments, software development projects, quizzes or exams may result in a lowered course grade or a grade of an F in the course. More importantly, such dishonesty steals your own self-esteem, so don't cheat.

Ask me about the minimum penalty for plagiarism (and about any other questions you have).