Blockchain & Cryptocurrency

Module 1: Introduction to Blockchain

• What is Blockchain?

  • Understanding Blockchain technology: How it works, structure, and importance

  • Key components: Blocks, chains, nodes, consensus mechanisms, and cryptography

  • Types of Blockchains: Public, private, and consortium blockchains

• How Blockchain Works

  • Overview of decentralized networks and distributed ledgers

  • Understanding consensus algorithms: Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS), and others

  • The concept of miners, validators, and network participants

• Use Cases of Blockchain

  • Blockchain in finance (Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum)

  • Blockchain beyond crypto: Supply chain, healthcare, voting, identity management

IT Requirements:

• Laptop/PC with internet access

• Web browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

• No special software required; online tools and blockchain explorers can be used for demonstrations

Module 2: Understanding Cryptocurrencies

• What are Cryptocurrencies?

  • The role of cryptocurrency in the digital economy

  • Key cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), Litecoin, and others

  • The difference between coins and tokens (e.g., Bitcoin vs. ERC-20 tokens)

• How Cryptocurrencies Work

  • Overview of cryptocurrency wallets: Hot wallets vs. cold wallets

  • Transactions and how they are verified on a blockchain

  • Key concepts: Private keys, public keys, and digital signatures

• Buying and Storing Cryptocurrencies

  • How to buy crypto on exchanges (e.g., Binance, Coinbase)

  • Understanding the process of sending and receiving cryptocurrency

  • Wallets: Setting up, securing, and backing up a wallet

IT Requirements:

• Laptop/PC with internet access

• Access to a cryptocurrency exchange (e.g., Binance, Coinbase) for practice

• Wallet apps (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or hardware wallets for advanced users)

Module 3: Blockchain Development Basics

• Smart Contracts

  • Introduction to smart contracts: How they work and what problems they solve

  • Use cases of smart contracts (e.g., decentralized finance, gaming, real estate)

  • Hands-on: Writing a basic smart contract using Solidity on Ethereum

• Decentralized Applications (DApps)

  • Overview of DApps: What they are, how they work, and the platforms they run on

  • Building a simple DApp (e.g., a decentralized voting system or a simple token)

  • Introduction to Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and other blockchain platforms

IT Requirements:

• Laptop/PC with internet access

• Code editor (e.g., Visual Studio Code)

• Ethereum test network access (e.g., via MetaMask or Remix IDE for Solidity)

• Familiarity with basic coding (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) is optional but helpful

Module 4: Cryptocurrencies and Investment

• Introduction to Cryptocurrency Trading

  • Overview of cryptocurrency markets: Exchanges, price volatility, and liquidity

  • Understanding market orders: Limit vs. market orders

  • Technical analysis basics: Reading price charts, candlestick patterns, and indicators

• Crypto Wallets & Security

  • Types of wallets: Software, hardware, and paper wallets

  • Securing your wallet: Best practices for keeping your assets safe (e.g., 2FA, seed phrases, cold storage)

  • Avoiding scams and common mistakes in crypto trading

IT Requirements:

• Laptop/PC with internet access

• Access to a cryptocurrency exchange (for live market data, account creation)

• Wallet setup (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet)

• Basic knowledge of financial markets is a plus

Module 5: Future of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

• Blockchain Innovations

  • Exploring DeFi (Decentralized Finance), NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and tokenization

  • Blockchain in non-financial industries (e.g., supply chain, healthcare, digital identity)

  • How blockchain will transform industries and governance

• Legal and Regulatory Considerations

  • Blockchain regulations and crypto laws across the world

  • Understanding the impact of regulations on cryptocurrency markets

  • Real-world challenges and future of blockchain in legal frameworks

IT Requirements:

• Laptop/PC with internet access

• Research tools (e.g., legal and blockchain regulatory resources)

• Ability to access crypto news and research platforms (e.g., CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph)

Final Project: Blockchain in Action

• Capstone Project:

  • Design a simple blockchain-based application or a smart contract

  • Create a demo of using a cryptocurrency wallet and performing a transaction

  • Present a use case for a real-world blockchain application or cryptocurrency investment strategy

IT Requirements:

• Laptop/PC with internet access

• Blockchain development tools (e.g., Remix IDE for Solidity, MetaMask for transactions)

• Access to a test network (e.g., Rinkeby for Ethereum) for testing smart contracts

Course Tools & Platforms

• Blockchain Exploration Tools: Etherscan, Blockchair (for exploring transactions and blocks)

• Smart Contract Development: Remix IDE, Solidity, Truffle Suite

• Cryptocurrency Exchanges: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken

• Crypto Wallets: MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger (hardware wallet for advanced users)

• Market Data & News: CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, CoinDesk