This volume contains the proceedings of the AMS Special Session on Computational Algebra, Groups, and Applications, held April 30-May 1, 2011, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, and the AMS Special Session on the Mathematical Aspects of Cryptography and Cyber Security, held September 10-11, 2011, at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Over the past twenty years combinatorial and infinite group theory has been energized by three developments: the emergence of geometric and asymptotic group theory, the development of algebraic geometry over groups leading to the solution of the Tarski problems, and the development of group-based cryptography. These three areas in turn have had an impact on computational algebra and complexity theory. The papers in this volume, both survey and research, exhibit the tremendous vitality that is at the heart of group theory in the beginning of the twenty-first century as well as the diversity of interests in the field.

Covering relations between three different areas of mathematics and theoretical computer science, this book explores how non-commutative (infinite) groups, which are typically studied in combinatorial group theory, can be used in public key cryptography.

Group theory appears to be a promising source of hard computational problems for deploying new cryptographic constructions. This reference focuses on the specifics of using groups, including in particular non-Abelian groups, in the field of cryptography. It provides an introduction to cryptography with emphasis on the group theoretic perspective, making it one of the first books to use this approach. The authors provide the needed cryptographic and group theoretic concepts, full proofs of essential theorems, and formal security evaluations of the cryptographic schemes presented. They also provide references for further reading and exercises at the end of each chapter.

From the reviews: "This book [...] defines the boundaries of the subject now called combinatorial group theory. [...] it is a considerable achievement to have concentrated a survey of the subject into 339 pages. [...] a valuable and welcome addition to the literature, containing many results not previously available in a book. It will undoubtedly become a standard reference." Mathematical Reviews

This volume contains the proceedings of the International Conference on Group Theory, Combinatorics and Computing held from October 3-8, 2012, in Boca Raton, Florida. The papers cover a number of areas in group theory and combinatorics. Topics include finite simple groups, groups acting on structured sets, varieties of algebras, classification of groups generated by 3-state automata over a 2-letter alphabet, new methods for construction of codes and designs, groups with constraints on the derived subgroups of its subgroups, graphs related to conjugacy classes in groups, and lexicographical configurations. Application of computer algebra programs is incorporated in several of the papers. This volume includes expository articles on finite coverings of loops, semigroups and groups, and on the application of algebraic structures in the theory of communications. This volume is a valuable resource for researchers and graduate students working in group theory and combinatorics. The articles provide excellent examples of the interplay between the two areas.

From the winner of the Turing Award and the Abel Prize, an introduction to computational complexity theory, its connections and interactions with mathematics, and its central role in the natural and social sciences, technology, and philosophy Mathematics and Computation provides a broad, conceptual overview of computational complexity theory—the mathematical study of efficient computation. With important practical applications to computer science and industry, computational complexity theory has evolved into a highly interdisciplinary field, with strong links to most mathematical areas and to a growing number of scientific endeavors. Avi Wigderson takes a sweeping survey of complexity theory, emphasizing the field’s insights and challenges. He explains the ideas and motivations leading to key models, notions, and results. In particular, he looks at algorithms and complexity, computations and proofs, randomness and interaction, quantum and arithmetic computation, and cryptography and learning, all as parts of a cohesive whole with numerous cross-influences. Wigderson illustrates the immense breadth of the field, its beauty and richness, and its diverse and growing interactions with other areas of mathematics. He ends with a comprehensive look at the theory of computation, its methodology and aspirations, and the unique and fundamental ways in which it has shaped and will further shape science, technology, and society. For further reading, an extensive bibliography is provided for all topics covered. Mathematics and Computation is useful for undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, computer science, and related fields, as well as researchers and teachers in these fields. Many parts require little background, and serve as an invitation to newcomers seeking an introduction to the theory of computation. Comprehensive coverage of computational complexity theory, and beyond High-level, intuitive exposition, which brings conceptual clarity to this central and dynamic scientific discipline Historical accounts of the evolution and motivations of central concepts and models A broad view of the theory of computation's influence on science, technology, and society Extensive bibliography