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COMP4137: BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES

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Type	Open
Level	4
Credits	10
Availability	Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap	None.
Location	Durham
Department	Computer Science

Prerequisites

COMP3731 Cryptography OR COMP3657 Security Engineering OR (MATH3401 Cryptography And Codes III AND COMP1051 Computational Thinking)

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None

Aims

To introduce students to an advanced topic in Computer Science that is finding application in modern technology.
To give students knowledge and understanding of the theoretical basis, security and history of cryptocurrencies.

Content

Secure hash functions and digital signatures.
Simple blockchains.
Decentralisation of blockchains.
Bitcoin transaction and block details.
Bitcoin mining.
Anonymity in cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum and smart contracts.
Recent developments in blockchains and cryptocurrencies.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

On completion of the module, students will 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
the structure and use of smart contracts in a blockchain
an understanding of some recent developments in cryptocurrencies and blockchains

Subject-specific Skills:

On completion of the module, students will 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:

On completion of the module, students will 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

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures enable the students to learn new material relevant to blockchains and cryptocurrencies as well as their applications.
Practical 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.
Examination assesses an understanding of core concepts of blockchains and cryptocurrencies.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total
lectures	22	2 per week	1 hour	22
preparation and reading				78
total				100

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework		Component Weighting: 50%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Summative Assignment		100	No

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 50%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Examination	2 hours	100	No

Formative Assessment

Example exercises are given during the course.

More information

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