Introduction to Blockchain Syllabus

Module 1. Introduction

Topics:

• History and evolution of blockchain
• Basic concepts: Blocks, Chains, Transactions
• Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) fundamentals

Practical:

• Setting up a simple blockchain using tools like Ganache or Remix
• Hands-on with creating transactions and mining blocks

Module 2. Cryptography Essentials

Topics:

• Hash functions (SHA-256)
• Public-key cryptography
• Digital signatures and Merkle trees

Practical:

• Writing a Python script for hashing and creating a simple Merkle tree
• Verifying transactions with digital signatures

Module 3. Consensus Mechanisms

Topics:

• Proof of Work (PoW)
• Proof of Stake (PoS)
• Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) & Tendermint

Practical:

• Simulation of a PoW consensus using Python
• Deploying a PoS-based blockchain (e.g., Ethereum 2.0 test network)

Module 4. Smart Contracts and DApps

Topics:

• Introduction to smart contracts
• Solidity programming
• Decentralized applications (DApps)

Practical:

• Writing and deploying smart contracts using Solidity and Remix
• Interacting with smart contracts via web3.js

Module 5. Blockchain Platforms

Topics:

• Overview of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger, and others
• Use cases and industry applications (finance, supply chain, IoT)

Practical:

• Comparison of transactions on Bitcoin and Ethereum networks
• Deploying a Hyperledger Fabric network and setting up nodes

Module 6. Privacy and Security in Blockchain

Topics:

• Anonymity and privacy: Mixing and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)
• Attack vectors: 51% attack, Sybil attacks

Practical:

• Implementation of simple privacy techniques (e.g., CoinJoin) in Python
• Analyzing real-world blockchain vulnerabilities

Module 7. Blockchain Scalability and Interoperability

Topics:

• Layer 1 vs Layer 2 scaling solutions
• Sidechains, Lightning Network, and cross-chain interoperability

Practical:

• Implementing a basic off-chain payment channel simulation
• Testing interoperability using Polkadot or Cosmos SDK

Final Project

Practical:

• Students develop a full-fledged DApp or blockchain use case
• Present project, including architecture, implementation, and demo

Course Summary

This course balances Blockchain's foundational knowledge with practical experience.