CSE403: Blockchain & Cryptocurrency (Spring 2022)
Introduction
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of
blockchain and cryptocurrency. We introduce the core
encryption technology used in blockchain and the core
technologies applied in Bitcoin. Then we introduce the core
technologies of the Ethereum and Smart Contracts. We also
introduce the development of Decentralized Apps (DApp) using
smart contacts. We introduce and compare public and private
blockchains and some of the most popular blockchain
platforms. A number of popular applications using Blockchain
will be introduced. We will discuss the most important
issues in blockchains including scalability, security, and
performance. We introduce the methods that the
blockchain startups are using to attract investments.
We also introduce cryptocurrency, token economy, crypto
exchanges, and the latest concepts such as DID, DeFI, CBDC,
NFT, etc.
Instructor:
Lectures:
Teaching Assistant (TA):
- Chae-Hyun Lee (DPNM Lab, PIAI Room 422), 054-279-5641, chlee0211(@)postech.ac.kr
- Wonseok Choi (DPNM Lab, PIAI Room 422), 054-279-5641, ws4583(@)postech.ac.kr
Course Schedule:
Pre-requisites:
- A course on data stuctures, OS and computer networking are recommended.
Required Textbook:
There will not be a textbook for this course.
My lecture slides and various materials (videos, papers, software,
presentations, etc.) found from the Internet will be used for the
course.
Suggested Materials:
- My MOOC lectures on Blockchain & Cryptocurrency (in Korean)
- Youtube Videos:
- Blockchain
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum & Smart Contracts
- DApp
- Consensus Algorithms
- Hyperledger
- Token Economy
- Use Cases
- My favorite Youtube channel
- Articles & Books:
- Blockchain platforms
International Conferences & Exhibitions
-
2022 International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (ICBC 2022), May 2~5, 2022, Beijing, China
-
2021 International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (ICBC 2021), May 3~6, 2021, Sydney, Australia
-
2020 International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (ICBC 2020), May 3~6, 2020, Toronto, Canada
-
2019 International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (ICBC 2019), May 15~17, 2019, Seoul, Korea
-
IEEE Blockchain Summit Korea, May 7-8, 2018, Seoul, Korea
Evaluation:
- Evaluation on each student will be done based on the following:
- Assignments - 40%
- Quizzes - 10%
- Term Project - 40%
- Class Participation - 10%
- Note: the above evaluation scheme may change slightly during the course.
Term Project:
There will be a major term project (worth 40% of the final mark) on Blockchain.
The project topics will be discussed in class.
Students will be asked to prepare, submit and present materials (Word & Powerpoint)
related to the project throughout the course.
-
Project Proposal (due: Midnight, Apr. 3, 2022)
(Presentation: Apr. 4, 2022)
- Project Requirements & High-Level Design (due: Midnight, Apr. 17, 2022) & Presentation (Apr. 18, 2022)
- Detailed Design (due: Midnight, May 1, 2022)
Presentations (May. 2, 2022)
- Final Document (Technical Paper on the project in 4-6 page IEEE format-due: Midnight, June 5, 2022)
& Powerpoint Slides & Final Presentation & Demo (June 10, 2022 - 9:30AM ~ 6PM).
Please note that there will be a celebration dinner party after the presentations (for those who wish to attend).
- Note: the above project schedule may change slightly during the course.
- Final Presentation Video
- Photos from the Final Presentation
Assignments:
- There will be a few assignments (worth 40% of the final mark).
You should submit your assignment materials to LMS.
- Assignment 1 - Creating a user account in a crypto exchange (e.g., Coinone)(1%) (Out: Feb. 21, Due: Midnight, Feb. 25)
- Assignment 2 - Read and submit a 1-page summary of Bitcoin white paper (2%) (Out: Feb. 28, Due: Midnight, Mar. 6)
- Assignment 3 - Survey of Blockchain-based Applications (2%) (Out: Mar. 7, Due: Midnight, Mar. 13)
- Assignment 4 - Project Ideation (3%) (Out: Mar. 14, Due: Midnight, Mar. 20)
- Assignment 5 - Bitcoin Core (5%) (Out: Mar. 21, Due: Midnight, Apr. 3)
- Assignment 6 - Project Proposal (Out: Mar. 21, Due: Midnight, Apr. 3)
- Assignment 7 - Go-Ethereum (5%) (Out: Apr. 4, Due: Midnight, Apr. 17)
- Assignment 8 - Smart Contract (8%) (Out: Apr. 25, Due: Midnight, May 8)
- Assignment 9 - Simple Ethereum Wallet (8%) (Out: May 9, Due: Midnight, May 22)
- Assignment 10 - Write a technical paper on your term project (IEEE format) (5%) (Out: May 16, Due: Midnight, June 5)
- Note: the above assignment schedule may change slightly during the course.
- Late assignments may be handed in, but there will be
a penalty of 20% of the mark for assignments turned in less than one day
late, and an additional penalty of 10% for each day thereafter.
- Cheating Policy -- Cheating will not be tolerated in this course.
Students are encouraged discuss things related to courses and assignments
but the materials handed in must be his/her own. The maximum penalty for
the first offense is for the assignment in question. For
subsequent offenses may result in an automatic failure of the course
and possibly other academic punishments.
Class Participation:
Students are strongly encouraged to listen to all online lectures,
do the quizzes, attend all classes. Students are also
strongly encouraged to participate in discussions during
classes. 10% of the final mark is assigned for good
and active class participation.
Topics Covered: