Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC481
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Cryptography is the study of secret writing that allows for messages to be converted to cyphertexts intelligible only to the intended recipients in possession of cryptographic keys. Cryptographic techniques are vital in modern cybersecurity to ensure confidentiality, integrity, authenticity and non-repudiation, and to protect data in storage and transit.
In this unit you will gain an understanding of the principles and practice of cryptography, starting with number and information theoretic concepts, and classical ciphers. You will learn about contemporary symmetric and public-key cryptosystems for encryption, authentication and digital signatures, as well as techniques for key management.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of number and information theories and apply them to analyse ciphers;
- understand the principles behind classical ciphers and use software tools to break them;
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced understanding of modern cryptosystems, and be able to analyse and evaluate them; and
- design and/or implement a cryptosystem and conduct experiments to empirically compare it to a state-of-the-art system.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Assignment |
| Assignment | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Group Assignment |
| Quiz | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Multiple choice and/or short answers and/or long answers. |
| Weekly quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | |
| Final Examination | Yes | 40% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice
ISBN: 9780136707226
William Stallings, Pearson 8th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
