Course Title: Algebra for Information Security
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Algebra for Information Security
Credit Points: 12.00
Important Information:
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
MATH2148 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 1 2016 |
MATH2148 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 1 2023 |
MATH2172 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 1 2016 |
MATH2172 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 1 2023 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Graham Clarke
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3225
Course Coordinator Email: g.clarke@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: B015-03-014
Course Coordinator Availability: By arrangement
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Required Prior Study
You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.
Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.
Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.
Course Description
This course builds on the formal proof techniques and technical content of a foundation course in Discrete Mathematics. The knowledge of finite fields and the introduction to error correcting codes and public key cryptosystems will be used in core MC159 Master of Cyber Security courses INTE1124, INTE1125 and INTE1127.
Two components are introduced: Groups and Codes and Ring and Field Theory for Information Security. Groups and Codes introduces you to the fundamental ideas and applications of group and ring theory, extending your knowledge of basic proof techniques in mathematics and demonstrating the practical application of algebraic theory to error-correction coding for digital communications. In Ring and Field Theory for Information Security, concepts of group theory are particularised to rings and finite fields, where further theory is developed. Applications to private and public key cryptography are covered.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for MC159 Master of Applied Science (Information Security and Assurance)
Knowledge and Technical Competence
- The ability to use the appropriate and relevant, fundamental and applied mathematical and statistical knowledge, methodologies and modern computational tools.
Problem-solving
- The ability to bring together and flexibly apply knowledge to characterise, analyse and solve a wide range of problems
- An understanding of the balance between the complexity / accuracy of the mathematical / statistical models used and the timeliness of the delivery of the solution.
On completion of this course you should be able to
- Construct logically valid proofs for mathematical propositions.
- Recognise algebraic systems as having a group, ring or field structure.
- Use group and ring properties to construct error correcting codes including cyclic codes.
- Apply finite field properties to construct public key cryptosystems.
Overview of Learning Activities
All learning activities are student-centred, designed to interest and motivate you to be actively involved in your study. More specifically your learning activities consist of:
- Reading the current section of the lecture notes prior to each class.
- Viewing the video on each recorded topic.
- Joining the online classes where the subject matter of the lecture notes and videos will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples.
- Participating in the online classes by working through examples set as class exercises, which are designed to build your capacity to solve problems, think critically and analytically, and obtain further practice in the application of theory and procedures. These classes are open-book and you are encouraged to work collaboratively with your peers and, if necessary, to seek help from the instructor before completing your individual solutions.
- In addition to the in-class activities, students will have the opportunity to develop greater understanding of the concepts in this course through their reading, discussion with other students and with the lecturer, and private study.
- Assignments, in-class assessments and class exercises will enable you to gauge your progress and provide you with feedback on your understanding of the course material.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Written tests with online submission
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 - 4
Assessment Task 2: Written assignments with online submission
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 - 4
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.