Please read this page carefully. You will be responsible for all the information given here, and for any modifications to it that may be announced in class. Any such modifications will be made on the course webpage.
Text: The textbook for this course is Introduction to Cryptography with Coding Theory, (2nd edition), by Wade Trappe and Lawrence Washington
Instructor: Kimball Martin
| Office: | 924 Physical Sciences Center |
| Phone: | 325-3537 |
| Email: | kmartin@math.ou.edu |
| Office hours: | Wed 2-3:30, or by appointment |
| Course webpage: | http://www.math.ou.edu/~kmartin/codes/ |
Contact note: Even though I may send periodic emails from my university ou email address (as opposed to the math.ou.edu one above), I do not check it nearly as frequently. Thus you are advised to use the address above when contacting me if you want a timely response.
Prerequisites: I expect everyone to be familiar with reading and writing proofs, as well as some basic linear algebra. E.g., our Discrete Math (MATH 2513) and Linear Algebra I (MATH 3333) will be sufficient for this. If you have not had these courses, or do not feel comfortable with this material, please consult with me as soon as possible.
Class Participation: Class participation (e.g., asking questions) is highly encouraged. It is not only helpful for you and other students, but it also helps me understand what you are thinking and makes class more enjoyable. If you feel uncomfortable asking questions in class, you are especially encourage to come to office hours. Attendance is not taken. However, not all material covered in lecture is necessarily in the text.
Office Hours: You are encouraged to come to office hours to ask questions and discuss the course. This is also a good way for me to receive feedback on the course. You are also welcome to make impromptu visits outside of office hours, though I may be busy or away. If it is a premeditated affair, you can make an appointment with me.
Homework: Homework is, in my opinion, the most important part of the course. Homework is where you really learn the material. You should expect homework each week, usually due each Friday at the start of class, and you should plan to spend roughly 6 hours each week on work out of class. Each homework assignment will be posted on the course website, typically by the end of the day the Friday before it is due. Since you may run into difficulities or need assistance with the homework (particularly with the programming problems), it is recommended you start on the homework well in advance.
The homework policies are the following. Turning in an assignment means that, to the best of your knowledge and ability, you honestly abided by the following. Except where stated otherwise for a specific problem, you may not use the internet or other references to find solutions to exercises; however you are allowed to use other references to check your answers. Collaboration is allowed, and even encouraged, though you should earnestly try to solve each problem on your own before learning from someone else. However, you are to write up (not copy) your solutions by yourself, in your own words. Late homework is not accepted.
Examinations: There will be two in-class exams, tentatively scheduled on Friday March 16 and Friday April 25. More information will be posted on the course website as the exam dates approach. You may not use notes, texts, calculators, computers or other references during the exams. Make-up exams are not given except in extenuating circumstances.
Projects: There will be one project due at the end of the semester. More information on the project will be posted on the course website. Students enrolled in 5383 are also required to do a presentation during the final exam period (Fri May 9, 8am-10am), which students in 4383 are required to attend.
Grades:
It is always better to focus on learning the material and understanding the homework than to worry about grades. If you do this, and put forth a sincere effort in the class, your grade should not be an issue. This course is meant to be challenging and educational, but not stressful. If you ever find yourself worried about your grade or how you are doing in the course, please come see me. Please don’t wait until the end of the term to do this.
The grades will be computed as follows. A raw score is computed for you, which is
30% Homework
20% Exam 1
20% Exam 2
30% Project
Preliminary letter grades will be assigned to raw numeric scores.
The scores for letter grades will be determined at the end of the semester
depending upon the distribution of the numerical grades. For instance,
an A might be 90-100 or 86-100. However, the lower cut off for an A will never
be above 90% (similarly, and 80% will be at least a B, and 70% will be at least a C). (I.e., I will likely "curve up" a little bit, but never "curve down.")
Then I may adjust your final letter grade individually for such things as
attendance/participation, consistently good homeworks, or improvement throughout
the term.
Letter grades will be assigned separately for 4383 and 5383 (i.e., the "curves"
may be different).
Withdrawal Policy: Please see the academic calendar for the university schedule and policies for dropping a class.
Academic Misconduct: If cases of academic misconduct arise, they will be dealt with according to (rather strict) University policies. Remember that you responsible for knowing and adhering to the University guidelines for academic integrity:
as well as the student code:
Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability that may interfere with the demonstration of your abilities, please contact me as soon as possible to arrange accomodations necessary to ensure your full participation in the course. You should also contact the Office of Disability Services, Goddard Health Center, Suite 166 (325-3852 or TDD 325 4173).