Module: Blockchain: Basics and Applications

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Blockchain: Basics and Applications
Module Code	CA688
School	School of Computing
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Irina Tal Semester 2: Irina Tal Autumn: Irina Tal
Module Teachers	Irina Tal Malika Bendechache
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Repeat examination

Description

This module will introduce the students to Blockchain technology and how it can be used in applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain a detailed understanding of how Blockchain works.
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of how transactions and exchanges are implemented using Blockchain technology.
3. Compare various smart contracts and how they can be implemented using Blockchain technology.
4. Critically evaluate various crypto-currencies, such as Bitcoin, and how they are built using Blockchain technologies.
5. Explain the key concept in crypto-economics.
6. Critically evaluate Blockchain weaknesses and attack vectors.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Online activity	36	Lectures
Assignment Completion	24	No Description
Independent Study	120	No Description
Total Workload: 180

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Blockchain Introduction
What is Blockchain? Types of Blockchain systems (public vs. private vs. hybrid, permissionless vs. permissioned). Decentralised Organisations. Alternative Blockchains.

Distributed Ledger Technologies:
Blockchain structure (structure of a block, structure of block header). Consensus algorithms and mining (PoW, PoS, DPoS, PoA, etc.).

Transactions and Exchanges
What are transactions? Types of transactions. Transaction data structure. Verification of transactions.

Smart Contracts
What are smart contracts. Smart contract templates. Oracles. Deploying smart contracts.

Cryptoeconomics
What is cryptoeconomics? Overview of Bitcoin. Wallets. Bitcoin innovations. Alternative cryptocurrencies. Limitations and threats.

Blockchain Threats and Challenges
Introduction to scalability. Privacy (Obfuscation, Homomorphic encryption, zero-knowledge proofs).

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	40%	Examination Weight	60%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Building a basic blockchain application	20%	n/a
Assignment	Building a basic smart contract application	20%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Imran Bashir: 2018, Mastering Blockchain, 2, Packt Publishing, 978-178883904

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

MCM	M.Sc. in Computing

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