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Special Topic
*Blockchain Technologies and Cryptocurrencies*The course covers the cryptographic theory supporting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as well as the practical aspects of how a cryptocurrency is designed. The advantages and disadvantages of different approaches are explored. More general applications of blockchain technologies are also included.This course covers the practical exploration of real cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The course mainly combines lectures and tutorials. If possible, invited lectures will be considered. Weekly tutorials and online quizzes will support the theory aspects. Tutorials can include either exercises or sessions for questions related to assignments. Assignments will be written reports and possibly oral presentations, and are developed to assert the students’ understanding. Cryptography-related lectures will cover mathematical concepts (number theory). Exercises during tutorials will be provided to strengthen the assimilation and application of those concepts.
1. Learning and evaluating the underlying principles and techniques associated with blockchain technologies.2. Becoming familiar with the cryptographic building blocks and analyzing how they are used in a typical cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.3. Developing a practical understanding of how cryptocurrencies are implemented and a critical evaluation of existing limitations of currently available blockchain and cryptocurrency systems.
Subject to the approval of the Head of Department
Clementine Gritti
Narayanan, Arvind; Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies : a comprehensive introduction ; Princeton University Press, 2016.
1. Lecture slides and tutorial slides.2. Online readings will be provided.4. Additional resources and textbooks may be suggested from the development and application of the course.
Domestic fee $1,033.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Computer Science and Software Engineering .