NDAK17002U Subjects in Blockchain Technology (SBT)

Volume 2026/2027
Content

The term blockchain encompasses decentralised peer-to-peer systems maintaining a joint ledger (log of events) 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 block of code'', a full block 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, Decenteralized Finance), reporting and applications such as backup, bill of lading and resource tracking. Each team can choose a blockchain platform (such as the Ethereum network, Solana, etc) that is adequate for the particular use case.

It is important that students understand that this course focuses on building business models on decentralized technologies, and have an interest in building prototypes on top of it and learning relevant business models. If your interest is only in the technology it may not be the right course for you.

We look for a diversified group 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.
     

  • Important characteristics of and corresponding techniques for implementing distributed ledgers

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

  • Building business models on distributed ledger

  • Refinement of the business models


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 the suitability of applications for implementation on a particular distributed ledger system
     
  • Build business models on DLTs 
     
  • Build iterating business models on DLTs with feedback

 

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

  • Build decentralised business models 

  • Learn to develop iterative prototypes with feedback
     

A reading list of relevant up-to-date articles will be distributed to the participants at the start of the course.

If you wish to prepare before the course we would suggest looking into these three generalised ledgers:

  • Ethereum
  • Solana
Some programming experience in e.g. Python or Java is recommended. Furthermore, we recommend looking into Solidity programming in advance.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
The blockchain course will have 2 introductory classes, followed by building a prototype of your groups initial project (for the rest of the course you will work on extending this case study project).
Weekly status updates of the coursework and presentation to the class (specific guidelines will be given during the course).
You will receive continuous feedback and show the progress to the rest of the class.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 20
  • Preparation
  • 45
  • Project work
  • 140
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral exam on basis of previous submission, 20 minutes
Type of assessment details
Specifically, the exam consists of two parts:

1. A group report (written assignment) based on the group project.
2. An individual oral examination (without preparation) based on the group report.

The written and oral examination are not weighted, only one overall assessment is provided for the entire exam.
Aid
All aids allowed except Generative AI and internet access

Students are allowed to bring their group project report.

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

Same as the ordinary exam.

(Re)submission of the project report 2 weeks prior to the reexam week.

If a student has not qualified for the exam or handed in a project report, then the student must prepare a full project on their own and submit the project report. The exam qualification must be met no later than two weeks prior to the reexam.

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome