After successful completion of the course, students are able to master the foundations of blockchain technologies, becoming familiar with basic concepts (mining, consensus, etc.) as well as with the techninques underlying modern cryptocurrencies. 

- Introduction to crypto and cryptocurrencies
- Decentralization in Bitcoin
- Mechanics of Bitcoin (networking, blockchain, scripts)
- Mining (proofs of work, proofs of space, proofs of stake)
- Privacy
- Altcoins (e.g.,  ZCash, Monero)
- Ethereum and smart contract security (reentrancy and other attacks)
- Scalability techniques (payment channel networks)

Online lectures and practical assignments as homework. 

The first part of the course is based on the book "Bitcoind and Cryptocurrency Technologies" and associated videos (http://bitcoinbook.cs.princeton.edu). The second part covers advanced material and is based on dedicated slides and recorded videos. 

The teaching method will follow a flipped classroom approach, where students learn the material (book, slides, videos) at home and then discuss in class (online) the content with the lecturer.

ECTS Breakdown:
---------------------------------------------------

26h lecture

60h project

61h self-study

 3h exam
---------------------------------------------------
150h (6 ECTS)
---------------------------------------------------

Written exam and practical assignments. 

No specific knowledge is required.