DLT5000 - Introduction to Blockchain, DLTs and Cryptocurrencies

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Summer Period

5 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Day

This unit is intended as a general introduction to the basics of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) and their applications. This unit will give the student a thorough understanding of what blockchain and DLTs are to be able to evaluate how and to what extent such systems can bring change to their life.

Without making any assumptions of technical knowledge, the way blockchain systems store and process information, and how they provide certain guarantees on safety, security and dependability is explained. This is complemented with an exposition of how smart contracts use blockchain structures to enforce behavior on a blockchain. These foundations are used to explain different applications of the technology, including but not limited to cryptocurrencies. The challenges and approaches to implementing policy, regulation and legislation, of cryptocurrencies and DLTs will also be discussed.

An introduction to the following topics will be covered:

Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies
Smart Contracts
Cryptocurrencies
Applications of blockchain
Regulatory aspects of blockchain systems

Method of Assessment

Assessment Component/s

Weighting

Assignment

100%

Main Reading List

New Scientist, The End of Money: The story of bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and the blockchain revolution. John Murray. Learning Publishers, ISBN: 978-1857886696, 2017.
The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking. Saifedean Ammous. ISBN: 978-1119473862, 2018.

Supplementary Reading List

Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin Is Changing Money, Business, and the World. Don Tapscott. Penguin Publishing. ISBN: 978-1101980132, May 2016.

Need help?

Please check your eligibility to join this short course and time-tabling details with the Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies. The short course will only be delivered subject to a minimum number of applications being received.

Information for International applicants

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Study-unit Aims

The aim of this study-unit is that of introducing the students to (i) Blockchain, Distributed Ledger Technologies and Cryptocurrencies; (ii) their uses and applications; (iii) the general concepts of decentralisation, trust, immutability and consensus; and (iv) challenges and solutions in providing a decentralised ledger and applications that operate on top of it.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Differentiate the way blockchain applications work as opposed from the approach used by centralized systems;
Explain fundamentals of blockchain technologies and how it goes beyond cryptocurrency;
Compare and evaluate blockchain applications and their implications on standard workprocesses;
Follow ongoing developments and applications in blockchain.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Use blockchain applications, including but not limited to basic cryptocurrencies;
Research and assess how novel blockchain applications work;
Assess use of blockchain applications to evaluate potential risks and non-risks when adopted in e.g. eGovernment;
Discuss the appropriateness of blockchain systems for concrete applications;
Evaluate proposed blockchain solutions in e.g. health, education, etc., by being able to identify the advantages and disadvantages they offer.

Non EU Applicants:

EUR500

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