Introduction to Blockchain - Q4

Participation Prerequisites

No previous coursework is required. Full participation in lectures and studying the provided materials will equip students to succeed in quizzes and the group-project. Course credit is linked to participation in quizzes, the simulation game, and the group project. Basic understanding of a programming language may help but is by no means required.

Course Content

MODULE 1

Blockchain Foundations:

• Discover the technology underpinning blockchain
• Understand the structure of blockchain
• Explore the scope of the blockchain industry by analyzing the scale of investment in the industry, key stakeholders, and the evolution of the industry landscape.

MODULE 2

Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies:

• Understanding blockchain’s foundational concepts and enabling technologies
• Exploration of cryptocurrencies, with a focus on Bitcoin’s functionality, transaction processes, and its role in decentralized finance
• Examination of unique properties of cryptocurrencies, such as pseudonymity, decentralization, and the double-spending problem

MODULE 3

Consensus Mechanisms:

• Detailed look at consensus mechanisms, including Proof of Work (PoW) and alternative protocols
• Understanding the role of consensus in securing blockchain networks
• Examination of the CAP theorem and the Byzantine Generals Problem to illustrate challenges in distributed systems
• Install Ethereum Wallet on your smartphone, purchase some Ether and execution of a live transaction

MODULE 4

Smart Contracts:

• Introduction to smart contracts and their application in creating decentralized systems.
• Discussion to the main elements of the Ethereum protocol and its key role in blockchain use cases
• Exploration of Solidity, the Turing‑complete programming language that is underlying the Ethereum network
• Introduction of zero-knowledge proofs and the concept of homomorphic encryption for data sharing

MODULE 5

Privacy & Anonymity:

• Exploration of privacy and anonymity concepts within blockchain
• Discussion on the limitations of Bitcoin's pseudonymity and the challenges of ensuring privacy
• Introduction to methods like taint analysis and deanonymization techniques within blockchain systems

MODULE 6:

Blockchain Cryptography

• Introduction to classic ciphers and early encryption mechanisms
• Explanation of symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, along with a discussion on its limitations in blockchain applications
• Examination of key cryptographic algorithms, such as Diffie-Hellman for secure key exchange and RSA for asymmetric encryption, which are crucial for secure, decentralized blockchain networks

MODULE 8

Real-world Applications

• Presentation of group projects and subsequent discussion of current applications of blockchain technology across industries

MODULE 9

Simulation Game

• Hands-on blockchain simulation game focused on resource allocation, strategy, and real-world decision-making within a DLT-based environment

Intended Learning Outcomes and Competencies

By the end of this course, students will have a solid grasp of blockchain basics, from understanding how distributed ledgers and cryptocurrencies work to identifying key security and privacy aspects. They'll be able to explain core concepts like consensus mechanisms and smart contracts, and recognize where blockchain can be applied in different industries. We aim to provide students with a real-world understanding of the potential of blockchain technology.

Instruction Type

Lectures and Discussions: Teaching of foundational concepts with Q&A.

Hands-On Labs: Introductory exercises to foster understanding.

Simulation Game: Experiencing blockchain in a simulated environment.

Project-Based Learning: Self-led understanding of a use case of blockchain technology within a group project.

Form of Examination

Literature

Build Your Own Blockchain: A Practical Guide to Distributed Ledger Technology, Springer, ISBN 978-3-030-40141-2

Introducing Ethereum and Solidity: Foundations of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Programming for Beginners