NDAK17002U Subjects in Blockchain Technology (SBT)

Volume 2017/2018
Content

The term blockchain encompasses decentralised peer-to-peer systems maintaining a joint ledger (log of event) without central control or privileged platform providers or users, as well as applications conceived for and made possible by such technology.

Blockchain has gained much interest due to the growing interest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. However, the potential of blockchain technology is not limited to transfers of cryptocurrencies, but expands to a variety of smart contracts. Some believe it has the potential to revolutionise the world just like the internet did.

We will engage in a "blockchain summer of code'', 4 weeks of software development where we will have a compact introduction to state-of-the-art blockchain technology, followed by implementing a prototype in a team to solve a real-world problem using blockchain technology. Examples of potential projects are contract management languages, identity (Know-Your-Customer, data mining), reporting and applications such as backup, bill of lading and resource tracking. Each team can choose an blockchain platform (such as the Ethereum network or R3 Corda) that is adequate for the particular use case.

We look for diversified groups of participants from different technical disciplines including computer science, economics, mathematics, engineering, etc.) as the project will depend not only on the technology but also on the  usability of the solutions.   

Learning Outcome

Knowledge of

  • A distributed ledger (= blockchain) platform supporting executing programs ("smart contracts") such as Ethereum or Corda
     

  • Important characteristics of and corresponding techniques for implementing distributed ledgers

  • Potential of distributed ledger technology for solving real-world problems


Skills to 

  • Design, analyse, implement and test smart contract code on a state-of-the-art distributed ledger platform
     
  • Set up and deploy prototype smart contract code on a distributed ledger test system
     
  • Analyse suitability of applications for implementation on a particular distributed ledger system

 

Competences to

  • Design basic distributed ledger based solutions to real-world problems

  • Produce rapid prototypes of distributed ledger applications

  • Report and present findings of a group project

Some programming experience in e.g. Python or Java.
A few days of intensive lectures, and supervision of a group project with weekly status assessment.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Lectures
  • 30
  • Preparation
  • 55
  • Project work
  • 120
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination, 20min (no preparation)
Group report based on the group project.
The written and oral examinations are not weighted, an overall assessment is provided for the two parts of the exam.
Exam registration requirements

Submission of weekly status updates (specific guidelines will be given during the course.)

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Same as original exam format.

The written report can be improved and resubmitted.

If the exam registration requirements have not been met the student must prepare a full project on their own and submit a report.
The exam registration requirements must be met no later than two weeks prior to re-exam.

 

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome