Blockchain and Virtual Currencies
muhammed.uludag@gmail.com
Content
Objective
This course introduces students to blockchain and virtual currency technologies. Students will explore the fundamental principles, mechanisms of operation, and potential applications of these technologies.
Course Content
Course Content
• How does Bitcoin work?
• What makes it different?
• How secure are Bitcoins?
• How anonymous are Bitcoin users?
• What applications can we build using Bitcoin as a platform?
• Can cryptocurrencies be regulated?
• If we designed a new cryptocurrency today, what would we change?
Course Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the basic principles of blockchain technology.
2. Understand the functioning of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
3. Assess the security and anonymity of cryptocurrencies.
4. Analyze the potential of blockchain-based applications.
5. Engage in discussions on cryptocurrency regulation.
Teaching and Learning Methods
• Following and analyzing online presentations by international experts
• Inviting Turkish experts to contribute to lectures
• In-class discussions and case studies
References
• https://bitcoinbook.cs.princeton.edu
• Supplementary materials provided during the course
Weekly Contents
| Week | Weekly Contents |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to cryptocurrencies |
| 2 | Decentralization |
| 3 | Mechanism of bitcoin |
| 4 | Storage and usage |
| 5 | Mining |
| 6 | Anonymity |
| 7 | Alternative mining puzzles |
| 8 | MT exam |
| 9 | Altcoins as Platforms |
| 10 | Altcoins |
| 11 | The future of bitcoin |
| 12 | DAOs |
| 13 | History of digital currencies |
| 14 | Applications |
Assessment System
| Activities | Number | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade | 1 | 40 |
| Contribution of final exam to overall grade | 1 | 60 |
| Total | 2 | 100 |
| Activities | Number | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 0 | 0 |
| Presentation | 0 | 0 |
| Midterm Examinations (including preparation) | 1 | 0 |
| Project | 0 | 0 |
| Laboratory | 0 | 0 |
| Other Applications | 0 | 0 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 |
| Term Paper/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Portfolio Study | 0 | 0 |
| Reports | 0 | 0 |
| Learning Diary | 0 | 0 |
| Thesis/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Seminar | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 |
| Make-up | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 |
ECTS
| Activities | Number | Period | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Hours | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Working Hours out of Class | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assignments | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Presentation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Midterm Examinations (including preparation) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Project | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Laboratory | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other Applications | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Final Examinations (including preparation) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Term Paper/ Project | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Portfolio Study | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Reports | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Learning Diary | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Thesis/ Project | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seminar | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Make-up | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Workload | 0 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 | 0.00 | ||
| Credits ECTS | 0 | ||