Objectives

An introduction to general principles of computer science alongside specific encryption algorithms developed throughout history, culminating in an analysis of the fascinating and remarkable accomplishments of Alan Turing and the Allied codebreakers of World War II. Students will break classical ciphers and will also experiment with modern techniques that facilitate secure internet transactions.

This course is designed as an outreach course for liberal arts students not currently intending to major in mathematics or computer science.

Textbook

The Code Book, by Simon Singh.