Semester Offered: First Semester Credits (Range): 3 hours Attribute:3NS, QP-F
A study of secret codes and their relationship to computers. Principally, the mathematics underlying codes and codebreaking (cryptanalysis), and the impact of computers that has resulted in the need for more complex techniques. A historical survey will consider such topics as the deciphering of the Enigma code during World War II. Also considered is the fundamental role of encoding in the principals of computing. Students will write small programs demonstrating deciphering techniques, and use software especially designed for this course. Instructor: R. Salter Prerequisites & Notes Prerequisites: High-school mathematics or consent of the instructor.