| Module Title |
Blockchain: Basics & Applications |
| Module Code |
CSC1148 (ITS: CA688) |
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Faculty |
Engineering & Computing |
School |
Computing |
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NFQ level |
9 |
Credit Rating |
7.5 |
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Description
This module will introduce the students to Blockchain technology and how it can be used in applications.
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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.
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
|---|
| Lecture | 36 | Lectures and Lab | | Assignment Completion | 24 | No Description | | Independent Study | 127 | No Description |
| Total Workload: 187 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 10639 | Part of Term | Semester 1 | | Coursework | 40% | Examination Weight | 60% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | N | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Irina Tal | Module Teacher | |
| | Section Breakdown | | CRN | 21147 | Part of Term | Semester 2 | | Coursework | 40% | Examination Weight | 60% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | N | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Irina Tal | Module Teacher | |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Assignment | The students will be given several use cases/topics and will be asked to do an analysis of the best blockchain platforms that suits the given scenario or a relevant investigation in the chosen topic following a clearly devised research methodology. Students will need to prepare a scientific paper that documents the analysis/investigation and they will also need to prepare a presentation to present their analysis/research and defend their work. Students will undertake a mandatory oral examination to demonstrate their understanding of the research they conducted. | 30% | n/a | | Laboratory Portfolio | Students will be presented during labs with worksheets they need to complete and submit on Loop. This include various activities (smart contract coding, vulnerability analysis, etc.) | 10% | n/a | | Formal Examination | End of Semester Exam | 60% | End-of-Semester |
| Reassessment Requirement Type |
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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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
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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).
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Indicative Reading List
Books:
- Imran Bashir: 2023, Mastering Blockchain, 4, Packt Publishing, 978-178883904
Articles:
None |
Other Resources
None |
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