Module Details

Module Code: SYST
Module Title: Blockchain Technology
Title: Blockchain Technology
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Nigel Whyte
Module Author:: Martin Harrigan
Domains:  
Module Description: The module provides a broad understanding of blockchains and distributed ledgers, including consensus protocols, digital assets, scalability and privacy. The module puts particular emphasis on practical skills and blockchain implementations in real-life applications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Understand and describe the most prevalent forms of blockchains and distributed ledgers, including their consensus protocols.
LO2 Investigate and critically appraise the possible applications and use cases for blockchain technology.
LO3 Design and implement blockchain-based applications that involve tokens, smart contracts and/or timestamping.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Blockchain Taxonomies
Decentralised vs. distributed vs. centralised systems, permissionless vs. permissioned systems
The Building Blocks of Blockchain Technology
Peer-to-peer networks, gossip protocols, blocks and transactions, UTXO vs. account based transaction models, digital signatures, consensus protocols, proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, permissioned voting, Sybil attacks
Issuing and Managing Digital Assets
Fungible tokens, e.g., currency, utility tokens, governance tokens, token economies; non-fungible tokens, e.g. certifications, collectibles, domain names; smart contracts; decentralised applications; oracles
Scalability and Privacy
Payment channels, digital identity and pseudonymity
Other Applications
Notarization, e.g., timestamping
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment25.00%
Project50.00%
Practical25.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
The students will answer a series of short questions that test their knowledge of consensus protocols, the issuance and management of digitals assets and real-world use cases.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
The students will complete an individual project in the form of a decentralised application. The application will rely on a blockchain for some of its functionality.
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
The students will complete weekly practicals and submit their work for assessment.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
The student will be provided with a modified specification of the project that will examine all of the learning outcomes.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact In class lectures, discussion 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Laboratory Contact Laboratory exercises, instruction, feedback 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Non Contact Study, practical application of material, project work 15 Weeks per Stage 5.93 89
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Arvind Narayanan, Joseph Bonneau and Edward W. Felten. (2016), Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction, 1st. Princeton University Press.
  • Andreas M. Antonopoulos and Gavin Wood. (2018), Mastering Ethereum, 1st. O'Reilly.
  • Andreas M. Antonopoulos. (2018), Mastering Bitcoin, 1st. O'Reilly.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: