A prominent expert in the number theory Godfrey Hardy described it in the beginning of 20th century as one of the most obviously useless branches of Pure Mathematics”. Just 30 years after his death, an algorithm for encryption of secret messages was developed using achievements of number theory. It was called RSA after the names of its authors, and its implementation is probably the most frequently used computer program in the world nowadays. Without it, nobody would be able to make secure payments over the internet, or even log in securely to e-mail and other personal services. In this course we will start with the basics of the number theory and get to cryptographic protocols based on it. By the end, you will be able to apply the basics of the number theory to encrypt and decrypt messages, and to break the code if one applies RSA carelessly. You will even pass a cryptographic quest!
This course is part of the Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science Specialization
Offered By
About this Course
Skills you will gain
- Number Theory
- Cryptography
- Modular Exponentiation
Offered by
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Modular Arithmetic
Euclid's Algorithm
Building Blocks for Cryptography
Cryptography
Reviews
- 5 stars68.83%
- 4 stars21.33%
- 3 stars5.56%
- 2 stars1.29%
- 1 star2.96%
TOP REVIEWS FROM NUMBER THEORY AND CRYPTOGRAPHY
Excellent course, this course is more about numerical theory behind cryptography.
It has excellent assignments using Python.
Its a good course to the beginers of cryptography.If you want to join you should know basic number theory and computer language python.
It was a great course which helped me learn number theory and introduced me to Cryptography.
The teaching assistants could have been more active.
Excellent course to learn number theory and building blocks of cryptography. Excellent instructors make such topics easy to understand and not boring.
About the Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science Specialization

Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.