1.1-1.2 and 3.1, due on September 1

Difficult: I find it difficult to comprehend how a code would be "unbreakable", as mentioned in section 1.2.3. It would seem that, given enough time, any code would be breakable, just like even extinct languages can sometimes be translated with much effort. I'm disappointed that the book says we will not be looking even a little more into the one-time pad system.

I'm familiar with all of the theorems in section 3.1 except for the Prime Number Theorem. I'm not sure how useful this theorem is (though it seems interesting). It seems that we only use it once here though, to get the approximate number of primes with 100 digits, so maybe a better understanding of this is not important enough for me to look it up?

Reflective: I was expecting mainly computation Linear Algebra to be important in this class, but here right at the start we are using Abstract Algebra, a little ring theory. This caught my interest and makes me even more excited to be in this class. I love to see pure subjects used for "real" tasks like this. It helps me to make connections and remember the concepts I learned in the classes. Also, the first chapter, with history and motivation for studying cryptography, actually had me reading parts out loud to my wife. For example, the story of the Sahara outpost in WWII and the different types of attacks on cryptosystems.

Introduction, due on September 1

What is your year in school and major?

I am a second semester PhD student in mathematics.

Which post-calculus math courses have you taken?

This could take a while...

Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Intro. to Topology, Proof Structures, Combinatorics, Intro. to Abstract Algebra, Knot Theory, Topological Chemistry, Advanced Calculus, Real Analysis (two semesters), Complex Analysis, Modern Algebra (two semesters), Point Set Topology, one semester of Algebraic Topology, Multi-linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, and Differential Geometry.

I'm currently in Real Analysis (so I can be prepared for the PhD exam at this university), Differential Topology, and Intro. to Cryptography.

I might have missed a class or two there, it's been a long time since calculus.

Why are you taking this class?

I am taking this class because I have never had the opportunity to take a class in cryptography before and it seems interesting to me. I am also exploring different ideas for what I would like to do with myself after I am finished schooling, and wanted to check out the basics of what they do at the NSA.

Do you have experience with Maple, Mathematica, SAGE, or another computer algebra system?

Yes, I am proficient (but not expert) in using Mathematica. I used Maple for my Multi-Linear Algebra class, but I did not learn it well enough to feel comfortable with it.

Programming experience? How comfortable are you with using one of these programs to complete homework assignments?

I have, and am currently, programming in Mathematica for my research. I also know some Java, but I do not think that is relevant to this class. I think I would be comfortable using Mathematica for my homework, but if there is an opportunity to learn Maple, I would welcome it.

Tell me about the math professor or teacher you have had who was the most and/or least effective. What did s/he do that worked so well/poorly?

The math professor that was most effective in my life was my calculus 1, proof structures, and knot theory teacher when I was an undergraduate. He is actually the reason that I am in mathematics today. His approach to classes was to provide us with the tools we would need (theorems, procedures, etc.) and allow us to figure out much of the math on our own. He provided interesting projects and problems for us to work on above and beyond what was found in the text book and that would help illuminate the concepts for us.

My least effective professor attempted to use the Moore method, but failed miserably. He would assign us problems to present to one another in class, with little explanation of the tools we might have at hand. He would present in class sometimes, but usually the lectures were disconnected and frequently there were mistakes in what he was working on that caused us to have to go back almost to the beginning to fix. He frequently was late or did not show up for class.

Write something interesting or unique about yourself.

I can speak Hungarian, which is pretty unique among Americans. And I suppose kind of interesting.

If you are unable to come to my office hours, what times would work for you?

Your office hours are during one of my classes. Better times for me would be from 3:00-3:50 on MWF, or any time before 12:00 PM on MWF.