| Unit name | Communication, complexity and number theory |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMS20002 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Bernhard |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
COMS11700 (unless taken as co-requisite) |
| Co-requisites |
COMS11700 (unless taken as pre-requisite) |
| School/department | Department of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
The unit aims to develop students' knowledge of and skills in algebra, and introduce students to basic concepts of coding and information theory.
Tak am abitry pce o Eslignh txt, and you can remove and change a fair number of letters yet with some effort, a reader can still reconstruct the original text. In the modern world, where most data is binary, is it still possible to compress and correct errors? How hard can reconstructing the original data be?
This unit explores the limits of efficient and effective communication from a theoretical perspective (why it is possible based on information theory) with practical applications (how to do it using coding theory).
To enable the practical applications, the unit also provides an introduction to algebra, with an emphasis on basic results and the ability to perform algebraic operations.
Together, algebra and coding/information theory are foundations for the mathematics required to reason about modern cryptography.
After following this unit you should be able to
Each week (except Explore Week) there will be 2 hours of lectures and a 1-hour lab session.
One summative 2-hour exam worth 80% of the unit mark.
Four pieces of coursework worth 5% each of the unit mark.
Formative weekly exercises may be provided in weeks where there is no coursework deadline.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. COMS20002).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
