Module aims
Decentralised ledgers, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, have gained considerable popularity, attracting the attention of academics, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers. They promise new disruptive markets, and revolutionise how we think of money and financial infrastructure. In this module you will have the opportunity to explore the foundational principles behind decentralised ledgers and learn about current research in cryptocurrencies. This will include the foundations of distributed computing, applied cryptography and incentive mechanisms.
Most topics discussed during the module require a general knowledge of computer networks, distributed systems and programming languages.
Recommended (not required) prerequisites: Networks and Communications, Network and Web Security, Cryptography Engineering
Related modules (if running): Privacy Engineering, Scalable Systems and Data, Systems Verification, Advanced Databases, Distributed Algorithms
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module you will be able to:
- instantiate and experiment with your own blockchain
- conduct a critical analysis of blockchain security
- evaluate the privacy of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin
- design, implement and assess smart contract applications
- evaluate the scalability of blockchain applications and build scalable solutions
Module syllabus
- Hash Functions
- Digital Signatures
- Decentralisation and permissionless/ permissioned ledgers
- Wallets and transactions
- Authenticated data structures
- Blocks and the blockchain
- Proof of work and mining
- Ethereum smart contracts
- Smart contract security
- Network layer propagation
- Blockchain security and privacy
- Building decentralised applications
- Security and privacy of distributed ledgers
- Scaling decentralised ledgers
- Network and Hardware aspects of decentralised ledgers