Cryptography course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Introduction to Cryptography
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Why cryptography is essential for security and privacy
- Understanding security goals: confidentiality, integrity, and authentication
- Historical and modern uses of cryptography
Module 2: Symmetric-Key Cryptography
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Introduction to block ciphers and stream ciphers
- Encryption modes and their applications
- Key management basics
- Real-world use cases: secure file storage and communication
Module 3: Public-Key Cryptography
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Asymmetric encryption and public/private key fundamentals
- RSA algorithm and its applications
- Diffie–Hellman key exchange
- Introduction to elliptic curve cryptography
Module 4: Hash Functions and Digital Signatures
Estimated time: 10 hours
- Properties and uses of cryptographic hash functions
- Digital signatures and verification
- Message authentication codes (MACs)
- Applications in software distribution and certificates
Module 5: Cryptographic Protocols and Security Applications
Estimated time: 10 hours
- SSL/TLS and secure communication protocols
- Authentication and key exchange mechanisms
- Secure messaging principles
- Common implementation mistakes and real-world attacks
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 8 hours
- Analyze a real-world cryptographic system
- Identify potential vulnerabilities and attack vectors
- Propose improvements based on course principles
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of computer science concepts
- Familiarity with fundamental mathematics (modular arithmetic, exponents)
- No prior cryptography experience required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand core principles of modern cryptography
- Explain how encryption and decryption protect data
- Differentiate between symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic techniques
- Apply knowledge of hash functions, digital signatures, and MACs to security scenarios
- Analyze cryptographic protocols for common vulnerabilities