UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA 
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS

Math 5248: Cryptology and number theory

Fall 2006


Instructor: Mark Feshbach
Office: Vincent Hall 459
Telephone : 625-0523
E-mail: feshbach@math.umn.edu 
Lectures: Monday, Wednesday 3:35-5:00pm
LindH 305
Office hours: Mon 1:25 pm - 2:15 pm, Wed 11:15am-12:05 pm, and by appointment
Text: We will be working from a specially photocopied and recently revised version of the previous text for the course:
Making, breaking codes: An introduction to cryptology by Paul Garrett, Prentice Hall.
These notes should be available at the bookstore, in the usual area for math course texts.
The topics covered will be similar to when the course has been taught in the past by Prof. Paul Garrett ( see his crypto page, which in particular has his slides from his own lectures )
Homework: There will be homework assignments due every other week, with a few exceptions. Collaboration is encouraged as long as everyone collaborating understands thoroughly the solution, and you write up the solution in your own words, along with a note at the top of the homework indicating with whom you've collaborated.
Homework solutions should be well-explained-- the grader has been told not to give credit for an unsupported answer.
Exams: Midterm Exams: Wed. Oct. 11 and Wed. Nov. 15.
Final Exam: Fri. Dec. 15 1:30-3:30 pm
The midterms and final exam are open-book.
Grading:  Homework = 40% of grade
Each of 2 midterms = 15% of grade
Final exam 30% of grade.

Policy on incompletes:  Incompletes will be given only in exceptional circumstances, where the student has completed almost the entire course with a passing grade, but something unexpected happens to prevent completion of the course. Incompletes will never be made up by taking the course again later. You must talk to me before the final exam if you think an incomplete may be warranted.