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263-4660-00L 8 Credits BSC , DR , MSC , WBZ D-ITET , D-INFK , D-MATH , D-PHYS

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Applied Cryptography

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Kenneth Paterson, Dr. Felix Günther

VVZ CR 3.7

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:23:14

Abstract

This course will introduce the basic primitives of cryptography, using rigorous syntax and game-based security definitions. The course will show how these primitives can be combined to build cryptographic protocols and systems.

Objective

The goal of the course is to put students' understanding of cryptography on sound foundations, to enable them to start to build well-designed cryptographic systems, and to expose them to some of the pitfalls that arise when doing so.

Content

Basic symmetric primitives (block ciphers, modes, hash functions); generic composition; AEAD; basic secure channels; basic public key primitives (encryption,signature, DH key exchange); ECC; randomness; applications.

Resources

Literature

Textbook: Boneh and Shoup, “A Graduate Course in Applied Cryptography”, http://toc.cryptobook.us/book.pdf .

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DR , MSC , WBZ
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: end-of-semester examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: None

- 20% laboratory assessment (2 graded labs, worth 10% each),- 30% mid-term exam (bonus, only if it improves the grade),- 50% final exam (at the end of the semester)

Registration & Places

Max Places: 180

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Applied Cryptography	Mon 15:15-16:00 (CAB G 61) Tue 14:15-16:00 (ML H 44)	3 h weekly
exercise	Applied Cryptography	Thu 12:15-14:00 (CAB G 56) Thu 12:15-14:00 (CAB G 57) Fri 10:15-12:00 (CAB G 51) Fri 10:15-12:00 (CAB G 52) 23.02 Date 12:15-14:00 (CAB G 11)	2 h weekly
practical/laboratory course	Applied Cryptography	Fri 14:15-16:00 (HG D 11) Fri 14:15-16:00 (HG D 12) Fri 14:15-16:00 (HG E 19) Fri 14:15-16:00 (HG E 26.1) Fri 14:15-16:00 (HG E 26.3)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Mathematics Bachelor
- Electives
  - Auswahl: Theoretical Computer Science (In the Bachelor's programme in Mathematics (Programme Regulations 2016) 401-3052-05L Graph Theory is eligible as an elective course, but only if 401-3052-10L Graph Theory isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Computer Science Master
- Majors
  - Major in Secure and Reliable Systems
    - Core Courses
- Minors
  - Minor in Information Security
Mathematics Master
- Electives (For the Master's degree in Applied Mathematics the following additional condition (not manifest in myStudies) must be obeyed: At least 15 of the required 28 credits from core courses and electives must be acquired in areas of applied mathematics and further application-oriented fields.)
  - Electives: Applied Mathematics and Further Application-Oriented Fields (¬)
    - Selection: Theoretical Computer Science, Discrete Mathematics (In the Master's programme in Mathematics 401-3052-05L Graph Theory is eligible as an elective course, but only if 401-3052-10L Graph Theory isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
CAS in Computer Science
- Focus Courses and Electives
Doctorate Computer Science (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
DAS in Cyber Security
- Elective Courses
Cyber Security Master
- Field of Specialization
  - Core Courses
Quantum Engineering Master
- Electives (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)