COMP53515: Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technologies

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• To introduce students to an advanced topic in Computer Science with applications in modern technology.
• To introduce students to the theoretical basis, security and history of cryptocurrencies.
• To introduce students to the practical working of blockchain in real world use cases.

• Recap of Cryptography
• Secure hash functions and digital signatures
• Simple blockchains
• Decentralisation of blockchains
• Bitcoin transactions and block details
• Bitcoin mining
• Anonymity in cryptocurrencies
• Ethereum and smart contracts
• Consensus Algorithms
• Recent developments in blockchains and cryptocurrencies
• Real world applications of blockchain

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
• an understanding of the cryptographic protocols underlying blockchain security.
• knowledge of the key features and differences between a number of cryptocurrencies.
• knowledge of the structure and use of smart contracts in a blockchain.
• an understanding of some recent developments in cryptocurrencies and blockchains.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
• an ability to create and maintain a simple blockchain.
• an ability to interact with and transact in a cryptocurrency such as bitcoin programmatically.
• an ability to develop and deploy a smart contract on a blockchain such as Ethereum.

Key Skills:

• By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
• an ability to apply logical reasoning to practical scenarios.
• an ability to analyse complex protocols.
• an ability to read and understand technical papers.

• Lectures enable the students to learn new material relevant to blockchains and cryptocurrencies as well as their applications.
• Computer classes enable the students to put into practice learning from lectures and strengthen their understanding through application.
• Formative and summative assessments assess the application of methods and techniques.
• The assignment element of the coursework component consists of a coding exercise with accompanying report.

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