Objectives and competences
The objective of the course is to train students to know and understand the basics of blockchain and other related technologies. The goal is also to prepare students to understand the possibilities of using this technology, including limitations and differences in support frameworks, and to know how to use this technology or the supporting tools for their own cases.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Basic concepts of distributed databases
• Introduction into cryptography basics
• Basic concepts of distributed and decentralized networks
• Distributed ledger technologies (versions 1.0, 2.0, 3.0)
• Blockchain (network types, platforms, limitations, use cases)
• Smart contracts (basic concepts, use cases, insight into the programming language Solidity)
• Distributed file storage (IPFS, Ethereum Swarm)
• Web3 and Decentralized Applications, and their relation to the concepts of decentralization (web3.js, ethers.js)
• Decentralized concepts and technologies (decentralized identity, self-sovereign identity)
Learning and teaching methods
• Lectures
• Seminars
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding:
On completion of this course the student will be able to
• understand and present the concept of decentralization,
• understand the operation of distributed ledger technologies (e.g., blockchain technologies),
• understand and present the concept of smart contracts,
• understand and present the concept of Web3,
• understand and present the differences of the supporting platforms, networks, and tools of blockchain technology,
• understand and plan the use of the presented technologies in a chosen domain.
Transferable/Key skills and other attributes:
• Communication skills: presentation of decentralization concepts, technically oriented expression.
• Use of information technology: use of software tools to work with blockchain technology, smart contracts and Web3.
• Problem solving: planning own use cases using presented technologies.
• Teamwork: cooperation in interdisciplinary research and development teams.
• Organizational skills: organizing the process of planning, evaluating and implementing the use of decentralized technologies. Definition of roles and distribution of work in the group.
Readings
• Imran Bashir, Mastering Blockchain: A technical reference guide to the inner workings of blockchain, from cryptography to DeFi and NFTs, 4th Edition, 2023, Packt Publishing.
• Elad Elrom, The Blockchain Developer: A Practical Guide for Designing, Implementing, Publishing, Testing, and Securing Distributed Blockchain-based Projects, 2019, Apress.
• Sushmita Ruj, Blockchains: A Handbook on Fundamentals, Platforms and Applications (Advances in Information Security, 105), 2023, Springer.
• Shashank Mohan Jain, A Brief Introduction to Web3: Decentralized Web Fundamentals for App Development, 2022, Apress.
• Heričko, M., & Beranič, T. (ur.). OTS 2022: sodobne informacijske tehnologije in storitve: zbornik petindvajsete konference, Maribor, 7. in 8. september 2022 (izbrana poglavja/članki)
Prerequisits
Understanding the basics of databases and IS architectures.
