Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC481
*You are viewing the 2026 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 | 15% | All offerings | Assignment |
| Assignment | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Group Assignment |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit. |
| Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Multiple choice and/or short answers and/or long answers. |
| Weekly quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings |
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 Global edition
ISBN: 9781292437484
William Stallings, Pearson 8th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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