Cryptology: Math and Codes

Make and break secret codes in this exciting introductory cryptology course. You'll begin with simple Caesar ciphers, learning to encrypt and decrypt messages as well as the history behind the cipher. We'll then move through more advanced mathematical concepts to learn substitution ciphers, Vigenère ciphers, and multiplicative and affine ciphers. All of your newly acquired knowledge will be put to the test by finishing with public key cryptography and the modern-day RSA cryptosystem. This course combines mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering, and it's an excellent choice for those wishing to enhance their grasp of modern cryptology concepts such as ATM cards, computer passwords, and e-commerce. Prepare to be challenged, though,many of the concepts covered in this course are often not seen until college. Your assigned CTY instructor will be available for learning support and one-on-one review sessions for graded assessments. Recommended length of enrollment: 3 months Group Session Meeting Times (optional): Mondays - 8 p.m. ET Time Commitment: 5-8 hours per week (1-hour optional meeting, 5-7 hours of independent work). Course Overview Learning Objectives: Encrypt and decrypt messages with a variety of codes Invent your own ciphers Discuss relevant historical events and literature Apply number theory concepts to cryptology