MTH 371 THE MATHEMATICS OF SECRETS
This course will provide an overview of one of the most beautiful and useful areas of mathematics. Students will experience a fun and friendly introduction to number theory and its many applications in today's world, including the intriguing field of cryptography - the are of data encryption. Students will also build computational and written communication skills by engaging in standard mathematical research tasks such as data generation, conjecturing, and theorem proving. Topics covered include: prime numbers, modular arithmetic, the Euclidean algorithm, greatest common divisors, the theory of congruences, shift and affine ciphers, Fermat's Little Theorem and its generalization due to Euler, RSA public-key cryptography, primitive roots, quadratic reciprocity, and continued fractions.
Course Types
Science; Advanced Studies