Blockchain in Finance: Cryptocurrencies and Beyond

Course details

This course delves deep into the intersection of blockchain and finance, particularly the rise and significance of cryptocurrencies. Students will gain an understanding of how traditional finance paradigms are being disrupted and how cryptocurrencies function not just as a form of digital money but also as a revolutionary investment instrument.

Start Date

TBD

Target Audience

Undergraduate students keen on exploring the financial ramifications and potential of blockchain technology.

Duration

14-15 weeks

Learning Objectives

Acquire a solid understanding of how cryptocurrencies function.
Explore the history and rise of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies.
Understand the financial and economic aspects of cryptocurrencies.
Delve into advanced topics like decentralized finance (DeFi).
Grasp regulatory, security, and privacy aspects of crypto finance.

Key Features

Detailed lectures on the history and evolution of major cryptocurrencies.
Interactive sessions on crypto trading, investments, and market trends.
Workshops on using cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges.
Insights into the global regulatory landscape concerning cryptocurrencies.
Case studies on crypto adoption by major corporations and its impact.

Learning path

Unit 1: Introduction to Cryptocurrencies (4)
Unit 2: Major Players in the Crypto World (6)
Unit 3: Economic & Financial Aspects (4)
Unit 4: Advanced Topics: DeFi and Beyond (4)
Unit 5: Security, Privacy & Regulation (4)
Unit 6: Future of Crypto Finance (6)

Topics covered

Cryptocurrencies: What, Why, and How.
Historical Journey: From Bitcoin's inception to the present.
Understanding Blockchain's Role in Cryptocurrencies.
Crypto as Money: Comparing with Traditional Currencies.

Deep Dive into Bitcoin: Mechanics and Significance.
Ethereum and Smart Contracts.
Rise of Altcoins: Ripple, Litecoin, Cardano, and more.
Stablecoins: Concept and Importance.
Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) & Token Sales.
Cryptocurrency Exchanges: How they work.

Valuation of Cryptocurrencies.
Trading, Investing, and Hedging with Cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency Derivatives and Financial Instruments.
Economic Implications of a Crypto Dominant World.

Introduction to Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
Lending, Borrowing, and Yield Farming in DeFi.
Understanding Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs).
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and their significance.

Ensuring Security in Crypto Transactions.
Privacy Coins: Monero, ZCash, and their role.
The Regulatory Landscape: Global perspectives.
Challenges and criticisms of Cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrencies as an Asset Class.
Adoption by Institutions: Banks and Corporations.
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
Integration with IoT, AI, and other tech.
Future Predictions and Speculations.
Course Review and Final Discussions.

Grading:

Class Participation: 10%
Weekly Assignments: 30%
Group Project: 20%
Mid-Term Examination: 20%
Final Examination: 20%

Reading Material: Core textbooks detailing the financial and economic nuances of cryptocurrencies, complemented by whitepapers and articles from leading experts. Further resources available on the LMS.

Assignments: Theoretical tasks coupled with practical exercises, like using crypto wallets or analyzing crypto markets.

Faculty: An expert with a blend of academic rigor and practical experience in cryptocurrency and blockchain finance.

Teaching Instructors: TBD