Math 392.01-Introduction to Coding Theory and Cryptography
Try Problem of the Week !
Instructor: Noah Aydin
Office: RBH 319
Phone: 5674
E-mail: aydinn@kenyon.edu
Office hours: M: 10-11 and 3-4; T: 1-2; WF: 10-11
and other times by appointment
Classroom: RBH 203
Class Meeting Times: M,W,F: 11:10-12
Text: Coding Theory and Cryptography The Essentials,
D. R. Hankerson et al., 2nd ed, revised and expanded, Marcel Dekker.
Course Description: Coding theory, or the theory of error-correcting codes, and cryptography are two recent applications of algebra and discrete mathematics to information and communications systems. The goals of this course are to introduce students to these subjects and to understand some of the basic mathematical tools used. While coding theory is concerned with the reliability of communication, the main problem of cryptography is the security and privacy of communication. Applications of coding theory range from enabling the clear transmission of pictures from distant planets to quality of sound in compact disks. Cryptography is a key technology in electronic security systems. Topics likely to be covered include: basics of block coding, linear codes, cyclic codes, BCH and Reed-Solomon codes, classical and public-key cryptography. Other topics may be included depending on the availability of time and the background and interests of the students. Other than some basic linear algebra, the necessary mathematical background (mostly abstract algebra) will be covered within the course.
We will cover chapters 1-3, 10, 12 and possibly some additional chapters like 4, 5.