University of York
- Start Date: 18 Sep, 2023
- 3 weeks
- Study Content: Videos
Explore the history of code breaking and cryptography to prepare for the future of communications and quantum computing.
Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility
Course Description
This course is made available through the eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn partnership.
Crack the code of cryptography with the University of York
The ability to use codes to send secret messages has been of critical importance to civilisations for thousands of years. Nowadays, the need for messages to remain hidden from anyone intercepting them underpins services we use every day: internet banking, online shopping, instant messaging, and more.
On this course from the University of York, you’ll travel back in time to discover the earliest codes and ciphers. With an emphasis on mathematical developments that have helped make and break some of the strongest codes in history, you’ll learn what makes cryptography vital to humans and society.
Trace the history of cryptography, from Roman times to the Second World War
You’ll start by tracing two millennia of codes and code cracking, from the first ciphers used by Roman emperors to Nazi communications decoded during the Second World War. In Week 2 of the course, you’ll explore in detail the maths which was used to break the legendary Enigma machine.
As you move through the chronology of cryptography, you’ll investigate key mathematical concepts, including modular arithmetic, permutations, and prime numbers.
Explore current and future developments in secure communication and quantum computing
In the last week of the course, you’ll flash forward to the present day of cryptography. You’ll learn about cutting-edge cryptographic techniques, and the mathematics of modern-day secure communications.
Finally, you’ll look to the future of encryption and cryptography. You’ll discuss how quantum computers could transform the way we communicate and share information.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in the mathematical theory underlying a variety of cryptographic techniques.
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the history and future of code breaking, with an emphasis on mathematical concepts that have shaped cryptography.
It will particularly interest A-Level or undergraduate students who want to go beyond their syllabus and explore a cutting-edge field of mathematics and technology.
Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.
University of York
The University of York combines the pursuit of academic excellence with a culture of inclusion, which encourages everyone – from a variety of backgrounds – to achieve their best. We are a high-performing, research-intensive Russell Group university, committed to providing an environment where great minds can thrive.
We support our students’ ambitions by offering opportunities to develop and grow, and to learn from the diverse skills and perspectives in our community. Through this approach, we create independent critical thinkers of the future who prosper in a global workplace.
York’s diverse community makes it an inspiring and exciting place to work. Our academics are world-leading in their field, undertaking research that has a global impact and is supported by an informal culture which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. At York, students are taught by these researchers and benefit from their extensive knowledge and real-world experience.
Situated in the historic and cosmopolitan city of York, the University’s green and open campus is an excellent environment in which to live and to learn.
This institution is available on eLearnAfrica through partnership with FutureLearn.
COLLABORATION POLICY
By enrolling in a course on or through eLearnAfrica, you are joining a special worldwide community of learners. The aspiration of eLearnAfrica is to provide anyone with an internet connection access to courses from the best universities and institutions in the world and to provide our learners the best educational experience internet technology enables. You are a part of the community that will help eLearnAfrica achieve this goal. eLearnAfrica depends upon your motivation to learn the material and to do so with honesty and academic integrity. In order to participate in eLearnAfrica, you must agree to the Honor Code below and any additional terms specific to a class.
ELEARNAFRICA HONOR CODE PLEDGE
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Complete all tests and assignments on my own, unless collaboration on an assignment is explicitly permitted.
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Maintain only one user account and not let anyone else use my username and/or password.
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Not engage in any activity that would dishonestly improve my results, or improve or hurt the results of others.
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Not post answers to problems that are being used to assess student performance.
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Abide by any and all requirements of the eLearnAfrica Participants as may regard the expectations of civil or academic behavior or of community standards.
VIOLATIONS
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Receiving a zero or no credit for an assignment;
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Having any certificate earned in the course withheld or revoked;
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Being unenrolled from a course, learning program or degree program; or
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Termination of your use of the App and/or Site.
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Additional actions may be taken at the sole discretion of eLearnAfrica and eLearnAfrica course providers.
No refunds will be issued in the case of any corrective action for such violations.
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CHANGING THE HONOR CODE
Please note that we review and may make changes to this Honor Code from time to time. Any changes to this Honor Code will be effective immediately upon posting on this page, with an updated effective date. By accessing the App and/or Site after any changes have been made, you signify your agreement on a prospective basis to the modified Honor Code and any changes contained therein. Be sure to return to this page periodically to ensure familiarity with the most current version of this Honor Code.
Effective Date: September 22, 2016