MODULE 1: BLOCKCHAIN INTRODUCTION

An introduction to the basics of blockchain technology. This module will cover the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including the Byzantine generals problem, consensus algorithms, hashing, cryptography, proof of work, proof of stake, Bitcoin, and other altcoins.

MODULE 2: BLOCKCHAIN ECONOMY AND ECONOMICS

An overview of the blockchain economy, web3, and new paradigms. This module explores blockchain entrepreneurship, market infrastructure, token types, crypto economics, and tokenomics vs ponzinomics. The module covers the basics of the blockchain economy, the concept of web3 and how blockchain technology can be used to create new paradigms, such as decentralised finance (DeFi).

MODULE 3: BLOCKCHAIN INFRASTRUCTURE

An introduction to the blockchain ecosystem infrastructure. This module covers the basics of layer-1s, layer-2s, oracles, centralised and decentralised exchanges, stablecoins, dApps, bridges, wallet providers, payment processors, blockchain service providers, data providers, security token platforms, governance platforms, custody providers, analytics platforms, mining operators, and more.

Module 4: HACKATHON AND BUSINESS MODEL SPRINT

This module provides an overview of applied smart contract development, business modelling, and a hackathon including a business model sprint. Students will apply the fundamentals of blockchain technology and the development of smart contracts, as well as the importance of business modelling for successful project implementation. The module will provide students with the skills needed to design, develop, and execute successful projects. The module will include hands-on activities, such as creating and testing smart contracts, designing a business model, and participating in a hackathon.

Module 5: ATTACK VECTORS, VULNERABILITIES, AND THE CHANGING GLOBAL REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

This module provides an applied overview of legal and regulatory compliance, Cybersecurity, and smart contract security. The module covers the fundamental concepts of legal and regulatory compliance, such as the legal and regulatory frameworks for blockchain, the differences between public and private blockchains, and the requirements for compliance with relevant laws. Additionally, the module examines cybersecurity, from the basics of network security to best practices for protecting digital assets, and provides an introduction to smart contract security, including risk assessment, smart contract auditing, and secure coding practices. Students will apply what they learn in this module to the products they built in the hackathon for a more practical approach.

Module 6: LAYER-1S & SCALABILITY

This module covers the fundamentals of layer-1s, layer-1 interoperability, and layer-1 scaling. The module also explores consensus protocol improvements, sharding, and the merge. The module is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of these topics and to provide learners with the necessary knowledge and understanding to work with layer-1s and related technologies. The module goes into detail about the various protocols, their scalability, and their interoperability capabilities. The module also provides an in-depth look at the various tools and techniques used to enable layer-1 interoperability. It also explores the Ethereum Merge as a case study.

Module 7: LAYER-2S, SCALABILITY, & PRIVACY

This module provides an overview of the major technologies in layer-2 scaling, including sidechains, nested blockchains, and state channels. The module also covers the concept of rollups, which allow for the scaling of transactions off-chain. Finally, the module delves into the topics of privacy and security, discussing both zero-knowledge proofs (ZK) and multiparty computation (MPC).

Module 8: DECENTRALISED FINANCE (DEFI)

This module provides an overview of Decentralised Finance (DeFi), the evolution of the DeFi space, and the platform economics and potential future of DeFi. The module will examine the various types of tokens in the DeFi space, and explain their differences. The module will also provide a detailed examination of how these tokens interact with each other and how they can be used by DeFi users. The module will also explore the potential impact of DeFi on the global financial system.

Module 9: NFTS, TOKENIZATION, BLOCKCHAIN GAMING, AND VIRTUAL ASSETS

This module provides an overview of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and their various applications, from the tokenisation of real world and virtual assets to blockchain gaming and virtual asset management. The module examines the concept of bringing the offchain onto the blockchain via the use of oracles and the potential of optimising capitalism through the use of virtual assets. The module will explore the various applications of NFTs, the potential of tokenising real world and virtual assets, the significance of blockchain gaming and virtual assets, and the role of oracles in bridging the real world to the virtual.

Module 10: DECENTRALISED STRUCTURES AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

This module explores the emerging pillars of the future of work, including SSID, avatars, DAOs, metaverses, and the digital economy. The module covers the concept of self-sovereign identity, avatars as an application of SSID, and discusses DAOs and how they are revolutionising the way people do business across multiple industries. Finally, the module examines metaverses and their role in the digital economy, discussing how they can be used to create new economic opportunities.

LAYER-2S, SCALABILITY, & PRIVACY

This module provides an overview of the major technologies in Layer-2 scaling, including sidechains, nested blockchains, and state channels. It also covers the concept of rollups, which allow for the scaling of transactions off-chain. Finally, the module delves into the topics of privacy and security, discussing both zero-knowledge proofs (ZK) and multiparty computation (MPC).

FINAL PROJECT FOCUS WEEKS

Block 4 provides students with the final time and support required to complete their final master’s thesis and prepare for the project defence and pitch night.

CLOSING

Project defence and pitch night

BUSINESS PATH

Students that choose the business path will deep dive into entrepreneurial thinking, business model design and work on developing a holistic business model for a blockchain project including a white paper, pitch deck and business plan.

TECHNICAL PATH

Students that choose the technical path will develop a blockchain based application from the technical perspective. The technical path is taught blockchain agnostic and is driven mentoring-based. Students opting for the technical path are expected to have coding skills before the start of the technical path.