CS 555 Course Overview

(Spring 2004)

   

Description

This course is an introduction to the basic theory and practice of cryptographic techniques used in computer security.  The course is intended for graduate students.

Textbook Information

Textbook:

  • Douglas R. Stinson, Cryptography: Theory and Practice, Second Edition. 

Other references:

  • William Stallings: Cryptography and Network Security, Principles and Practice, Second or Third Edition.
  • Bruce Schneier: Applied Cryptography, Second Edition.

Grading

The grade will be based on written homework assignments (HW), course project (PR), midterm exam (ME) and final exam (FE), as follows:
Grade = 30% * HW + 15% * PR + 25% * ME + 30% * FE.

Exams are closed books and closed notes.  Midterm exam will be second week of October.  Final will the second week in December.

Homeworks

  • There will be six to seven homeworks
  • Homeworks must be TYPED, preferable in Latex.  You must work alone on the assignments.
  • All homeworks are due in class. In case you cannot make it to the class or you are using your extra days, you can submit by-email. Please email the TA a copy of your homework, by 3PM the day the homework is due.
  • Every student has three extra days in total.  If you are using extra days, the day ends at 3PM. Any portion of a day used counts as one day.
  • If you are not sure that you understood what the homework asks you to solve, please email/see the instructor or the TA for clarifications.
  • Homeworks are returned in class. All uncollected homeworks can be picked up from the instructor (email me first or stop during office hours)

Course Project

  • The project must be a programming project using some crypto library (in Java, C/C++, Perl, or others). 
  • Students are expected to write a proposal about the project they would like to work on. Proposals are due in the end of September.
  • A meeting will be scheduled with the instructor to discuss what was achieved in the project.  During the meeting, Students are supposed to show a demo of their prototype that counts toward their grade.  A written report is also required. 
  • The project is due before Thanksgiving.
  • Students can work alone or in pairs, working in pairs is recommended. 

Academic Integrity

Academic Honesty and Ethical behavior are required in this course, as it is in all courses at Purdue University ( here is the guide for academic integrity). The class will be conducted according to the policy written by Professor Gene Spafford. Please take the time to read it carefully. This will be followed unless the instructor provides written documentation of exceptions.

As of Spring 2004, all students taking CS courses, including CS 555, must read and "sign" the Purdue University Department of Computer Science Academic Integrity Policy. This is available on the CS Department Website. Click on the link "Student Resource Page Now Online" and from there the link to "Academic Integrity Policy". You will need your Purdue Career Account login and password to access this page. There, after reading the policy, you will indicate that you have read and understand both the policy and its consequences. There is also information there about some implementation details.

Students are encouraged to talk with the instructor about any questions you have about what is permitted on any particular assignment.