Module Code: |
H8BLF |
Long Title
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Blockchain Foundations
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Title
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Blockchain Foundations
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Module Level: |
LEVEL 8 |
EQF Level: |
6 |
EHEA Level: |
First Cycle |
Module Author: |
Alex Courtney |
Departments: |
School of Computing
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Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff |
MSc degree in Computer Science. Experience Lecturing, work experience or projects in the specific domain
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Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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Learning Outcome Description |
LO1 |
Investigate Blockchain Technologies, Core Components, & Current State of the art use cases. |
LO2 |
Distinguish the variations, protocols, challenges & ongoing disruptive nature of Blockchain Technologies. |
LO3 |
Compose & Build while critically evaluating blockchain applications and infrastructure. |
LO4 |
Demonstrate a concise understanding Blockchain technologies & its corresponding impacts on existing processes and industries. |
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).
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No recommendations listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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No Co-requisite modules listed |
Entry requirements |
Learners should have attained the knowledge, skills and competence gained from stage 3 of the BSc (Hons) in Computing.
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Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content |
Foundations of Blockchain Technologies
The History of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. Types of Blockchain. Brief: Blockchain Stack and Core Components
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Blockchain Publications in Academia
Foundational Academic Literature - White Papers (BTC/ETH). Blockchain for Education
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Blockchain Stack and Core Components
Block Composition - Cross Section of Components. Consensus Mechanisms (POET/POB/POS/POW). Proof of Elapsed Time / Burn / Stake / Work etc. DLT - Distributed Ledger Technology. Hashing - Merkle Tree
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Blockchain Management
Decentralization. Brewer's CAP. Public, Private & Enterprise
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Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies
The Current Exchange. Storing and Using Cryptocurrencies. Mining. Recent Trends and Developments:. Libre / BitCash / LiteCoin / ETH / BTC
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Current State of Blockchain
Existing and Emerging Use Cases. A Thorough Study: Evolution & Revolution. Evolution Thus Far (BitCoin/HyperLedger/Ethereum/Monero/Tor)
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Security, Identity & Cryptography in Blockchain
Cryptography - revision. Confidentiality, Integrity & Authentication. Symmetric & Asymmetric. Non-Repudiation. Public & Private Keys
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The Blockchain Identity
Merkle , Back, Chaum & CypherPunks. Secure Hashing Algorithm –. Hash Functions. Digital Signatures vs Anonymity
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Blockchain Applications
Bitcoin: Overview of Bitcoin System. Transactions / P2P Network / Blocks. Ethereum: Overview of Ethereum System. EVM / Smart Contracts / DevOps / DApps
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Development in Blockchain
Development of a DApp - Tools. Blockchain API's
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Blockchain Use Cases, Business and Legal Aspects
Cryptourbanomics - The Use of Blockchain in Urban Development. Economy & Business. Legal Aspects within the Public Sector
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The Future for Blockchain
Institutional Initiatives for Blockchain. The Future for Blockchain
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Coursework | 40.00% |
End of Module Assessment | 60.00% |
AssessmentsFull Time
Coursework |
Assessment Type: |
Formative Assessment |
% of total: |
Non-Marked |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4 |
Non-Marked: |
Yes |
Assessment Description: Formative assessment will be provided on the in-class individual or group activities. |
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Assessment Type: |
Continuous Assessment |
% of total: |
40 |
Assessment Date: |
Week 10 |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: Literary Review of White Papers supporting blockchain inception and developments. Within this assessment is also the task to understand current Use Cases and for the student to identify and document other potential implementations and use cases of Blockchain technologies. e.g. Bitcoin / Ethereum / Monero / Libre White Papers e.g. Use Cases / Medical / Supply Chain / Audit Framework / Financial Markets / Consumer Markets |
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End of Module Assessment |
Assessment Type: |
Terminal Exam |
% of total: |
60 |
Assessment Date: |
End-of-Semester |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: End of semester examination. |
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Reassessment Requirement |
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
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Reassessment Description Repeat examination Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
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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 |
Classroom & Demonstrations (hours) |
24 |
Every Week |
24.00 |
Tutorial |
Other hours (Practical/Tutorial) |
24 |
Every Week |
24.00 |
Independent Learning |
Independent learning (hours) |
202 |
Every Week |
202.00 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
48.00 |
Workload: Part Time |
Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Lecture |
No Description |
24 |
Per Semester |
2.00 |
Tutorial |
No Description |
36 |
Per Semester |
3.00 |
Independent Learning |
No Description |
190 |
Per Semester |
15.83 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
5.00 |
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources |
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Andreas M. Antonopoulos,Gavin Wood. (2018), Mastering Ethereum, O'Reilly Media, p.384, [ISBN: 9781491971949].
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Andreas M. Antonopoulos. (2016), Mastering Bitcoin, O'Reilly Media, p.330, [ISBN: 9781491954386].
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Imran Bashir. Mastering Blockchain, [ISBN: 978-1788839044].
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Ethereum White Paper Butlerin, V. (0), Ethereum White Paper: A next-generation smart contract and decentralized application platform, https://github.com/ethereum/wiki/wiki/White-Paper.
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Bitcoin White Paper. (0), Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf.
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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Igor Pejic. (2019), Blockchain Babel, Kogan Page, p.288, [ISBN: 978-0749484163].
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Article/Paper List.
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Type.
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Item.
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Hal Finney.. (2004), , Reusable PoW, n/a, https://cryptome, htm, org/rpow.
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Wei Dai. (0), B-Money, n/a, http://www.weidai.com/bmoney.txt.
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Eric Hughes.. (1993), , A Cypherpunk's Manifesto, https://www, net/cypherpunk/manifesto, activism.
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Dr Adam Back.. (1997), , Hashcash, http://www, org/papers/announce, hashcash.
| This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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This module does not have any other resources |
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