Program Overview

Course Overview

The course Selected Topics in Cryptology (IIK8100) is a doctoral degree level course offered at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The course can be taught every year and every semester based on demand, both in Trondheim and Gjřvik.

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Doctoral degree level
• Course start: Autumn 2025 / Spring 2026
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Gjřvik and Trondheim
• Examination arrangement: Aggregate score

Course Content

The contents of the course may vary. Common topics include advanced elements of information theory and the theory, design, and analysis of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The candidate possesses advanced knowledge on the frontier in the field of cryptology, masters academic theory and scientific methods in cryptology, can consider suitability and use of different methods and processes in research in the field of cryptology, and can contribute to the development of new knowledge, theories, methods, interpretations, and forms of documentation in cryptology.

Skills

The candidate is capable of formulating problems, planning and completing research projects in cryptology, can perform research and development at a high international level, can handle complex academic tasks, challenge established knowledge and practice in cryptology.

General Competence

The candidate is capable of identifying relevant - and possibly new - ethical problems and exercising research in cryptology with academic integrity, can manage complex interdisciplinary tasks and projects, can disseminate the results of research and development in cryptology through approved national and international publication channels, is capable of taking part in debates in international forums within the field of cryptology, and can consider the need for, take initiative to, and engage in innovation in the field of cryptology.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course is a self-study course. Regular meetings with the candidate(s) are organised where various topics from the field of cryptology are discussed, and guidance for the project is offered. If sufficient students take the course simultaneously, structured lectures can be organised.

Evaluation

Oral presentation of the project and an oral exam.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

• TTM4135 - Applied Cryptography and Network Security
• TTM4137 - Wireless Network Security
• TTM4205 Secure Cryptographic Implementations
• TMA4160 - Cryptography
• IMT4124 - Cryptology
• or similar

Course Materials

To be announced at the beginning of the course.

Credit Reductions

• Course code: IMT6041
• Reduction: 5 sp
• From: Autumn 2024 This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

• Information Security

Examination Details

Ordinary Examination - Autumn 2025

• Assignment: Weighting 50/100, Date: Submission, Time: 23:59, Exam system: Inspera Assessment
• Oral exam: Weighting 50/100, Examination aids: Code C, Duration: 1 hour

Ordinary Examination - Spring 2026

• Assignment: Weighting 50/100, Exam system: Inspera Assessment
• Oral exam: Weighting 50/100, Examination aids: Code C, Duration: 1 hour