MAT 1908 - CODES & SECRET MESSAGES: CRYPTOGRAPFOR NON-MATH

credits: 3.0
Ciphers and codes have had a profound impact on many human endeavors throughout history. The advent of computers and the Internet have increased their importance in recent years. In this course we will look at an overview of the history of Cryptography and discuss some of the mathematics involved in its application. Topics of discussion may include substitution ciphers, frequency analysis, binary numbers and arithmetic, the American Standard Code for Information Interchange, modular arithmetic, RSA Encryption, counting and mechanical encryption. Objectives: This course is intended to give students an appreciation of the importance of Cryptography both historically and in the Modern World. Elementary mathematical topics will be discussed as needed from a layman’s perspective. Method of Instruction: Lecture and in-class activities. Method of Evaluation: Grades will be based primarily on one midterm exam and a comprehensive final. Meets *MQR Distribution Requirements.

Prerequisite(s): AN ADEQUATE SCORE ON THE DEPARTMENTAL PLACEMENT TEST and either of MAT 1030 - COLLEGE ALGEBRA (or) MAT 1092 - PRE-CALCULUS II (or) MAT 2010 - CALCULUS I (or) MAT 2020 - CALCULUS II