Blockchain Technology

This course provides an introduction to blockchain technology, covering the fundamentals, architecture, and applications. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how blockchain works, its underlying principles, and the potential impact on various industries.

Session 1: Introduction to Blockchain

• Overview of distributed ledger technology


• Historical context and evolution of blockchain


• Key concepts: decentralization, consensus, immutability

Session 2: Basics of Cryptography

• Cryptographic principles in blockchain


• Public and private keys, digital signatures


• Hash functions and their role in securing transactions

Session 3: Understanding Blockchain Architecture

• Components of a blockchain: blocks, transactions, nodes


• Blockchain consensus algorithms (e.g., Proof of Work, Proof of Stake)


• Smart contracts and their role

Session 4: Popular Blockchain Platforms

• Overview of major blockchain platforms (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)


• Comparisons and use cases for different platforms


• Hands-on exploration of basic transactions

Session 5: Blockchain Mining and Transactions

• Mining process and its role in blockchain


• Transaction validation and confirmation


• Fee structures and incentives for miners

Session 6: Decentralized Applications (DApps)

• Introduction to decentralized applications


• Building and deploying simple smart contracts


• Hands-on experience with DApp development tools

Session 7: Blockchain Security

• Common security challenges in blockchain


• Securing wallets and private keys


• Best practices for secure smart contract development

Session 8: Permissioned Blockchains and Enterprise Use Cases

• Overview of permissioned blockchains


• Use cases for blockchain in enterprise environments


• Case studies of successful implementations

Session 9: Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

• Legal and regulatory landscape of blockchain


• Privacy concerns and compliance


• Ethical considerations in blockchain development

Session 10: Future Trends and Advanced Topics

• Emerging trends in blockchain technology


• Interoperability and scalability challenges


• Advanced research topics and ongoing developments

Assessment

• Quizzes and Assignments


• Mid-term Project: Smart Contract Development


• Final Project: Blockchain Use Case Analysis

Resources

• Assigned readings and research papers


• Online tutorials and documentation


• Guest lectures from industry experts