Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Course details

This course offers an in-depth exploration of decentralized finance—often referred to as DeFi—a blockchain-based form of finance that does not rely on traditional financial intermediaries such as brokerages, exchanges, or banks. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the revolutionary changes DeFi is bringing to the financial ecosystem, from lending and borrowing platforms to prediction markets, tokenized assets, and more.

Start Date

TBD

Target Audience

Undergraduate students with a foundational knowledge of blockchain technology and an interest in the evolving landscape of finance.

Duration

14-15 weeks

Learning Objectives

Grasp the foundational concepts and principles of decentralized finance.
Understand the technical mechanisms behind DeFi platforms.
Analyze the potential risks and benefits of DeFi.
Gain hands-on experience with DeFi tools and platforms.
Examine the future of finance in a decentralized world.

Key Features

Hands-on workshops with popular DeFi tools and platforms.
Insightful guest lectures from DeFi entrepreneurs and pioneers.
Group projects focused on designing and conceptualizing DeFi solutions.
Extensive resources, including whitepapers, articles, and tutorials via the LMS.

Learning path

Unit 1: Introduction to Decentralized Finance (4)
Unit 2: DeFi Lending and Borrowing Platforms (6)
Unit 3: Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) (4)
Unit 4: Tokenized Assets and Synthetic Assets (4)
Unit 5: Prediction Markets and Insurance (6)
Unit 6: DeFi Governance and Future Directions (4)

Topics covered

Traditional vs. Decentralized Finance
The Rise of DeFi: History and Evolution
The Core Principles of DeFi
Examining the DeFi Stack

Overview of Lending and Borrowing in DeFi
Collateralized Loans and Stablecoins
Yield Farming and Liquidity Mining
Risks and Rewards in DeFi Lending
Case Study: MakerDAO
Case Study: Compound

Understanding Decentralized Exchanges
Liquidity Pools and Automated Market Makers
Case Study: Uniswap
The Future of DEXs

Introduction to Tokenization
Benefits and Challenges of Tokenized Assets
Exploring Synthetic Assets in DeFi
Case Study: Synthetix

The Concept of Decentralized Prediction Markets
Case Study: Augur
DeFi-based Insurance Platforms
Case Study: Nexus Mutual
Risk Management in DeFi Insurance
Future Trends in Decentralized Insurance

The Role of Governance Tokens
Challenges in DeFi Governance
The Regulatory Landscape of DeFi
The Future of Finance: What’s Next for DeFi?

Grading:

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

Reading Material: A combination of foundational textbooks on decentralized finance, latest articles, and research publications on the evolving DeFi space. Essential whitepapers that have shaped the DeFi industry will also be included. All resources will be made accessible through the Learning Management System (LMS).

Assignments: Ranging from theoretical essays to practical applications, assignments will test students' understanding of course material and their ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Faculty: A leading expert in the field of decentralized finance with a balance of academic prowess and practical experience in the DeFi world.

Teaching Instructors: TBD