The Mathematics of Cryptography: From Ancient Rome to a Quantum Future

Offered byFutureLearn

The Mathematics of Cryptography: From Ancient Rome to a Quantum Future
at
FutureLearn
Overview

Explore the history of code breaking and cryptography to prepare for the future of communications and quantum computing.

Duration	3 weeks
Total fee	₹2,205
Mode of learning	Online
Credential	Certificate

The Mathematics of Cryptography: From Ancient Rome to a Quantum Future
at
FutureLearn
Highlights

Earn a certificate from University of York

The Mathematics of Cryptography: From Ancient Rome to a Quantum Future
at
FutureLearn
Course details

More about this course

The ability to use codes to send secret messages has been of critical importance to civilisations for thousands of years. Nowadays, the need for messages to remain hidden from anyone intercepting them underpins services we use every day: internet banking, online shopping, instant messaging, and more.
On this course from the University of York, you'll travel back in time to discover the earliest codes and ciphers. With an emphasis on mathematical developments that have helped make and break some of the strongest codes in history, you'll learn what makes cryptography vital to humans and society.
You'll start by tracing two millennia of codes and code cracking, from the first ciphers used by Roman emperors to Nazi communications decoded during the Second World War. In Week 2 of the course, you'll explore in detail the maths which was used to break the legendary Enigma machine.
As you move through the chronology of cryptography, you'll investigate key mathematical concepts, including modular arithmetic, permutations, and prime numbers.
In the last week of the course, you'll flash forward to the present day of cryptography. You'll learn about cutting-edge cryptographic techniques, and the mathematics of modern-day secure communications.
Finally, you'll look to the future of encryption and cryptography. You'll discuss how quantum computers could transform the way we communicate and share information.
By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in the mathematical theory underlying a variety of cryptographic techniques.