Module Search

COMP4207: Coding and Information Theory

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type	Open
Level	4
Credits	10
Availability	Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap	None.
Location	Durham
Department	Computer Science

Prerequisites

COMP3697 Cryptography AND COMP3687 Data Compression

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None

Aims

To understand:
the main techniques for error correction;
the key results of information theory and their relevance to cryptography and data compression.

Content

Linear error correcting codes, including Hamming codes
Bounds on codes
Cyclic codes, including Reed-Solomon codes and their decoding
Code-based cryptography
Channel capacity and rate-distortion theory
Information-theoretic security.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
an understanding of the key features of error-correcting codes;
an understanding of public-key cryptosystems based on error-correcting codes;
an understanding of the how information theory describes the limits of data compression and cryptography.

Subject-specific Skills:

On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
an ability to assess the performance of error-correcting codes an ability to assess the effectiveness and security of code-based cryptosystems;
an ability to use information-theoretic tools to bound the performance of digital communication systems.

Key Skills:

On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
an ability to use algebraic techniques to solve communication problems;
an ability to apply information theory to related domains.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures enable the students to learn new material.
The examination assesses the knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the lectures.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total
Lectures	20	2 per week	1 hour	20
Preparation and reading				80
Total				100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Examination	2 hours	100	No

Formative Assessment

Example formative exercises are given during the course.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.