COURSES

Content

The use of cryptographic libraries for encrypting files and communication, authentication methods, integrity protection, public key infrastructures, composition of secure protocols, secure methods for obtaining random bits, smartcards, digital signatures.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Use cryptographic libraries and Python tools to implement practical security mechanisms.
• Apply hash functions, MACs, symmetric encryption, and public-key cryptography correctly.
• Use digital signatures, certificates, PKI, and revocation checking in real-world systems.
• Explain and implement core ideas behind TLS, smart cards, Tor, and blockchain-based systems.
• Evaluate how cryptographic protocols support practical security goals in software engineering.

Programme

Topics to be covered:
1. Randomness, PRNG, One-Time Pad, Stream Cipher
2. Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1)
3. Hash functions
4. Block ciphers (AES)
5. Public Key Cryptography (RSA)
6. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)
7. Public key certificates (X.509)
8. Revocation checking (CRL/OCSP)
9. Digital signatures (XAdES)
10. Smart cards (EstEID)
11. Smart cards (JavaCard)
12. Transport Layer Security (TLS)
13. Transport Layer Security (TLS)
14. The Onion Router (Tor)
15. Bitcoin

Teaching format

The course is 100% web-based and can be completed asynchronously. The course consists of pre-recorded online  lectures and intensive homework tasks. Cryptography concepts will be explained as we proceed.

Assessment method(s)

Grade system: differentiated (A, B, C, D, E, F, not present)

Final grade consists of homework (70%) and test (30%). Home exercises will be given each week, requiring implementation of some cryptographic functionality discussed at that week's lecture. The solutions usually must be submitted within a week. The test consists of 70 open-ended questions that have to be answered in a concise manner.

Lecturers

Arnis Paršovs

Course dates

This course takes place in the first semester of the academic year 2026-2027. It starts in the first week of September and runs until mid-December.

This is 100% self-learning course with weekly homework deadlines. Info on course schedule is available HERE

ENLIGHT students will be able to take the test remotely via Internet In December (exact time to be specified).

Entry requirements: Basic programming skills are a critical prerequisite.

Students from all ENLIGHT partner universities and from all disciplines are eligible to participate. For application, please use this form. Apply by August 17, 2026. The University of Tartu will select the permitted number of students and inform the admitted students as soon as possible. 

Before applying, students should check with their home faculty or programme whether the course can be included in their curriculum and whether the credits will be recognised. Students from Ghent University must obtain faculty approval by completing this form and having it signed by the Faculty Student Administration.

Contact your ENLIGHT coordinator for further information on the application process or consult the linked information:

• University of the Basque Country: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Bern: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at the University of Bern
• University of Bordeaux: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
• Comenius University Bratislava: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Galway: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Ghent University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIP's and virtual courses
• University of Groningen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Göttingen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses)
• Uppsala University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at Uppsala University

Arnis Paršovs - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.