CMSC 858K --- Introduction to Cryptography
Spring 2011
Course Outline
This course is a graduate-level introduction to cryptography, suitable for
students interested in mathematics or theoretical computer science (and, in particular, research in cryptography), as well as those interested in
applications of cryptography to computer/network security.
The first one-half to two-thirds of the course will cover the textbook
Introduction to Modern Cryptography.
This is the same textbook used in the undergraduate cryptography course (CMSC 456);
we will cover the material at a faster pace and in more depth.
The remainder of the course will cover advanced topics. Depending on the time available and the interests of the students, topics may include zero-knowledge proofs, secure distributed computation, chosen-ciphertext security, identity-based encryption, lattice-based cryptography, and/or database privacy.
No prior knowledge of cryptography is assumed and there are no
formal mathematical prerequisites. However, the
course is theoretical and focuses on definitions, foundations,
and rigorous proofs. Mathematical maturity (including the ability to think abstractly, and to read and write proofs) is required.
Lecture Schedule
After each lecture, I will post a summary of what we cover here.
General Information
- Instructor: Jonathan Katz (jkatz AT cs). Office: 3225 AV Williams. Office hours: by appointment.
- Midterm solutions are available.
- The class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 - 1:45 in CSIC 2107.
- Grading will be based on a midterm exam, a final exam, and class participation.
Review Questions