Limited number of fellowships available for Math 806T
Further your learning about real-world cryptology in Math 806T this summer through the Nebraska Math and Science Summer Institutes (NMSSI).
This course focuses on basic number theory results needed to understand the number theoretic RSA cryptography algorithm (an encryption algorithm that is in use today to secure information sent via the internet). It’s a great way for you to experience the relevant, real-world application of mathematics and open new math learning opportunities for your students.
Math 806T: Number Theory and Cryptology for Teachers will be offered in two formats for your scheduling convenience:
• Web conferencing for two weeks – July 12-16, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and July 19-23, 8 a.m.-noon on Zoom with breaks (Class # 3227), instructor: Dr. Allan Donsig, UNL Department of Mathematics
• Online asynchronous for eight weeks – May 17-July 9 (materials will start May 24; Class # 8560), instructor: Dr. Christine Kelley, UNL Department of Mathematics
In an article (link to article: https://www.quantamagazine.org/how-the-evercrypt-library-creates-hacker-proof-cryptography-20190402/) for QuantaMagazine, Kevin Hartnett explored a new set of digital cryptology tools called EverCrypt that helped scientists eliminate coding bugs and prove that their approach to online security is completely invulnerable to the main types of hacking attacks that have felled other programs in the past.
“Programmers are human, but mathematics is immortal,” Hartnett said in the article. When the researchers set out to make programming more mathematical, they began promising solutions to prevent hackers and security leaks and protect modern society from other digital dangers.
Thanks to courses like Math 806T, your students can relate to real-world math problems and figure out their own role in solving them. In this course, elementary methods for encoding and decoding are introduced to elucidate the nature of cryptology. These methods are readily adaptable for use as enrichment activities in the classroom. The connection of number theory to RSA encryption is a relevant application of mathematics.
Plus, fellowships worth $300 are available now to help pay for tuition! After a $300 NMSSI fellowship and the 20% discount for Nebraska teachers, the cost for one web conferencing course can be as low as $590.15. The online asynchronous section can be reduced to $796 with a $400 NMSSI fellowship. Apply for the NMSSI Summer 2021 Fellowship at: https://go.unl.edu/scimathapply.
If you are not a current student at UNL, click on this link for the admission application: https://go.unl.edu/gradapp. Apply for a master’s degree through the Mathematics (MAT) program or as a non-degree-seeking, post-baccalaureate student.
To see the other course options for middle-level and secondary math teachers, visit the course catalog at: https://scimath.unl.edu/nmssi/2021/course-catalog
The Benefits of the NMSSI:
• Each course is worth 3 graduate credit hours
• Courses are offered utilizing two instructional models to allow for flexibility in scheduling
• Enroll in one simple application as a post-bac student at https://go.unl.edu/gradapp
• Teachers can apply for a tuition fellowship from the NMSSI: https://go.unl.edu/scimathapply
Take advantage of these professional development opportunities conveniently and affordably. Join the NMSSI community and “learn in place!” Contact us at nebraskamath@unl.edu with questions.