Module Code: H9BCC
Long Title Blockchain Concepts and Technologies
Title Blockchain Concepts and Technologies
Module Level: LEVEL 9
EQF Level: 7
EHEA Level: Second Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Horacio Gonzalez-Velez
Module Author: Sean Heeney
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Msc degree in Computer Science. Experience Lecturing , work experience or projects in the specific domain
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Investigate Blockchain Technologies, Core Components and current state-of-the-art use cases while Demonstrating a concise understanding of Blockchain and DLT technologies with corresponding impacts on existing processes and industries
LO2 Distinguish the variations in protocols, challenges and ongoing disruptive nature of Blockchain and DLT Technologies, including ethical issues and adoption.
LO3 Compose and build a blockchain based application while critically evaluating blockchain applications the value and importance of the Blockchain and Cloud Computing Paradigm ensuring coverage of current use cases and future implementations
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

Internal to the programme
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Foundations of Blockchain Technologies
The History of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Types of Blockchain Blockchain Stack and Core Components
Blockchain Whitepapers & Literature
Foundational Academic Works - White Papers (BTC/ETH...)
Blockchain Management
Decentralization Consensus Mechanisms DLT - Distributed Ledger Technology Storing and Using Cryptocurrencies Mining Brewer's CAP
Implementations
Existing and Emerging Use Cases Evolution Thus Far (BitCoin/HyperLedger/Ethereum/Monero/Tor)
Security, Identity & Cryptography in Blockchain
Into to Cryptography Confidentiality, Integrity & Authentication Merkle , Back, Chaum & CypherPunks
Security Measures in Blockchain
Symmetric & Asymmetric Non-Repudiation Public & Private Keys Secure Hashing Algorithm - Hash Functions Digital Signatures vs Anonymity
Blockchain Applications
Bitcoin : Overview of Bitcoin System Transactions / P2P Network / Blocks Ethereum : Overview of Ethereum System EVM / Smart Contracts / DevOps / DApps
Development
Development of a DApp - Tools Blockchain API's
DevOps
The Blockchain Model for DevOps BC & DApps - Integrating with the Cloud
Cloud Computing & Blockchain
The BlockCloud Understanding the Paradigm Current Use Cases Real World implementations
Applications, Use Cases, Business and Legal Aspects
Cryptourbanomics - The Use of Blockchain in Urban Development Economy & Business Legal Aspects within the Public Sector Ethics in Blockchain and DLT Technologies
Trends & Future
Institutional Initiatives for Blockchain The Future for Blockchain
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Project % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 3
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Develop a working DApp - Blockchain - Suitable APi's - DB / Cloud Services - Web Dev Web3 / Java etc
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 50
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
n/a
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat failed items
The student must repeat any item failed
Reassessment Description
Reassessment of Project - Cohort must develop a POC inline with project description and requirements

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Per Semester 2.00
Practical No Description 24 Per Semester 2.00
Independent Learning No Description 77 Per Semester 6.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Imran Bashir. Mastering Blockchain, [ISBN: 9781788839044].
  • Andreas M. Antonopoulos. (2016), Mastering Bitcoin, O'Reilly Media, p.330, [ISBN: 9781491954386].
  • Andreas M. Antonopoulos,Gavin Wood. (2018), Mastering Ethereum, O'Reilly Media, p.384, [ISBN: 9781491971949].
  • Igor Pejic. (2019), Blockchain Babel, Kogan Page, p.288, [ISBN: 9780749484163].
  • Daniel Drescher. (2017), Blockchain Basics, Apress, p.255, [ISBN: 9781484226032].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: