Cryptographic currencies are revolutionizing the digital society, providing a digital alternative to traditional coins and paper-based contracts. A fundamental feature is the possibility to securely perform distributed transactions, and in general computations, without the need for a trusted third party.

In this course, students will learn the foundations of cryptographic currencies, including distributed consensus, blockchains, and smart contracts, explore their application domains, and investigate their economical, legal, and societal consequences.

- Introduction to crypto and cryptocurrencies
- Decentralization in Bitcoin
- Mechanics of Bitcoin (networking, blockchain, scripts)
- Bitcoin Mining (proofs of work)
- Privacy considerations
- Altcoins (e.g., Ethereum and ZCash)
- Credit Networks (Ripple)

ECTS Breakdown

40h lecture
60h project
47h self-study
3h exam

Written Exam.

No specific knowledge is required.