UG Courses

Our undergraduate blockchain courses seek to train both future blockchain-system developers and future blockchain policymakers.

  • Our computer-science course, CSE 242, focuses on the mathematical and computing concepts that are the foundation of blockchain.  Hands-on experience provides students a platform to put those concepts into practice.
  • Our interdisciplinary course, CSB 242, is open to students of any major and covers enough technical detail to allow for a deep understanding of the business and policy issues arising from the disruptive nature of blockchain.  This course includes interactive discussion and debate, student papers on issues in policy and business, and set of guest lectures from leaders in the blockchain industry.
  • Our blockchain projects course allows students to purse in-depth a single project for one or more semesters.  Students may work individually or in teams, but all students in this course meet regularly to share successes, to assist each other with challenges, and to discuss interesting developments in the field

Overall, our courses and projects involve approximately 150 students each academic year.

 

CSE 242 – Blockchain Algorithms and Systems

Description: Blockchain system concepts, data structures, and algorithms. Cryptographic algorithms for blockchain security. Distributed consensus algorithms for decentralized control in both a public and permissioned blockchain setting. Smart contracts. Cross-chain transactions. Blockchain databases and enterprise blockchains.  Offered fall semesters.

 

CSB 242 – Blockchain Concepts and Applications

Description: Blockchain is the technology underlying Bitcoin, along with other digital currencies, and a data-management technology applicable broadly in finance, accounting, marketing, supply-chain, and “smart” contracts. It offers the ability to decentralize financial transactions, automate record keeping, and increase privacy. This course gives students the basis for understanding the technological foundations of blockchain and the business impact of blockchain.  Offered spring semesters.

 

CSE 367 – Blockchain Projects

Description: Each student in the course will work on a pre-specified project related to blockchain systems and/or applications.  The projects can be either individual or in small groups.  In addition to project work, course requirements include one 75-minute class meeting in which each project team presents updates on status, progress, and open problems, and one student is selected for a longer prepared presentation.   Each project has a second meeting each week with the course instructor for a more in-depth discussion.  Grading is based on project results and participation in presentations.  This course may be repeated for credit.  Offered every semester.