Math 441 Project Guidelines – Cryptography Group
Your group will work throughout the semester with the software packages Maple and Matlab to
investigate connections between abstract algebra and cryptography. As a primary reference you should
use Applications of Abstract Algebra with Maple and Matlab by Klima, Sigmon, and Stitzinger. However,
you are free to use other sources as well. Specific requirements are:
1) Throughout the semester your group will give class presentations to other students on
applications of abstract algebra to cryptography using Maple and Matlab. Keep in mind that
most of the class will not know much about cryptography. So try to emphasize the algebra when
possible and not the more intricate details of the cryptosystems.
2) You will provide weekly updates on your group’s progress. This can be done via e-mail or by
stopping by my office. Any questions or concerns about your progress should be noted.
3) At the end of the semester your group will turn in typewritten project consisting of Maple and
Matlab documentation so that future students can use the software with abstract algebra. In
addition to quality exposition, your project should contain (but not necessarily be limited to)
examples, output from Maple and Matlab, and some exercises and small projects from the text
cited above. The project should be at least 20 double spaced typewritten pages, although it
could be longer depending on the amount of computer output included. There should be a
significant portion written by the group. Your project must also include:
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A cover page with the project title and name of each group member
Careful documentation of participation of each group member. If some member(s) do more
(or less) work, it must be clearly documented in the final report.
References
Appendices as needed.
In the book cited above, the cryptography examples start in Chapter 6. Systems you should include in
your project include Shift, Affine, Hill, and Vigenere Ciphers as well as RSA. However, you are also free to
explore other cryptosystems.
The project will be graded on the quality exposition, including clarity and precise use of technical
terminology, as well as the depth of the content. This is a semester long project and should NOT be
done just late in the term. Note that not all group members will necessarily receive the same grade. If
some members do more (less) work, the grades will reflect this.
Grading:
Weekly reports – 10%
In class presentations – 25%
Written Project – 65 %