Blockchain Technologies

Evaluate blockchain’s impact in modern business environments

Discover the future of digital innovation in business

Learn how new technologies are transforming modern business environments and driving competitive advantage.

This module helps learners understand how blockchain affects modern businesses. Students will learn about the basics of blockchain, including distributed ledgers, decentralisation, cryptocurrencies and dApps. 

The course also covers the ethical and legal issues of using blockchain technologies. Additionally, it looks at how businesses can use blockchain to gain a competitive edge. By the end of the module, students will have the knowledge to use blockchain effectively in business.

 

Embrace a new era of innovative digital learning

Teaching is fully online and includes hybrid learning with both live (synchronous) and self-paced (asynchronous) activities. Expert tutors support students throughout the course. Learning involves live lectures, self-study, and hands-on labs.

Methods like problem-based learning, gamification and flipped classrooms are used, leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence. Progress is measured through ongoing and final assessments, including a project (50%) on applying Data Science to business problems and a final test (50%).

Time commitment

Classroom and demonstrations: 24 hours
Practical work/tutorials: 24 hours
Independent learning: 77 hours
Total: 125 hours

Credit points

5 ECTS

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Full course breakdown

Subjects covered:

Blockchain Technologies is a 5 ECTS module delivered over four hours per week for 12 weeks. An indicative schedule of topics to be addressed each week is outlined below:

  1. Introduction
    • Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
    • Historical Context of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
    • Overview of Different Blockchain Types
    • Introduction to the Blockchain Stack and its Core Components
  2. Blockchain Stack and Core Components
    • In-depth Discussion on Web3 and Technological Fundamentals
    • Detailed Analysis of Block Composition and Consensus Mechanisms (POET/ POB/ POS/ POW)
    • Basics of Distributed Systems and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
    • Cryptographic Foundations: Hashing and the Merkle Tree
  3. Blockchain Management
    • Principles of Decentralisation and Brewer’s CAP Theorem
    • Examination of Public, Private, and Enterprise Blockchains
    • Business Case Development for Blockchain Applications
  4. Cryptocurrencies and the Blockchain
    • Handling Cryptocurrencies: Storage, Use, and Wallets
    • Exploration of Altcoins and Mining Processes
    • Overview of Recent Trends and Developments in the Cryptocurrency Space
  5. Evolution of Blockchain
    • Detailed Study on the Evolution and Revolution of Blockchain: From Bitcoin to Hyperledger
    • Discussion on Enterprise Blockchain, Digital Identities, and Current Use Cases
  6. Security, Identity & Cryptography in Blockchain
    • The CIA Triad in Blockchain: Confidentiality, Integrity, Authentication
    • Exploration of Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption, Non-Repudiation, and Public/Private Keys
    • Hash Functions, Digital Signatures, Anonymity, and the Concept of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)
  7. Blockchain Applications I – Bitcoin
    • Comprehensive Overview of the Bitcoin System and Stack
    • Examination of Bitcoin Transactions, the P2P Network, and the Mining Process
    • Consensus Mechanisms: Proof of Work (POW)
  8. Blockchain Applications II – Ethereum
    • Comprehensive Overview of the Ethereum System
    • Smart Contracts, Decentralized Applications (DApps), and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
    • Introduction to DAOs, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and NFTs
  9. DApp Development I
    • Introduction to DApp Development Environments and the Web3 Stack
    • Basics of NodeJS and Express in the Context of Blockchain
  10. DApp Development II
    • Advanced Tools for DApp Development: Infura, RemixIDE, ERC Smart Contracts
    • Practical Use of Ganache, Truffle, and Blockchain APIs
  11. Legal & Ethical Aspects of Blockchain
    • Discussion on the Regulatory Landscape for Cryptocurrencies and Tokens
    • Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Know Your Transaction (KYT) Requirements
    • Ethical Considerations and Ongoing Legal Dynamics
  12. Emerging Topics in Blockchain
    • Exploration of Current Research Directions and Emerging Topics: CBDCs, Privacy, the Metaverse, and Quantum Computing’s Impact on Blockchain
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Module leader

Horacio González-Vélez, National College of Ireland

Horacio González-Vélez is a Post Professor of Computer Systems and the Founding Head of The Cloud Competency Centre at NCI. He began his academic journey at Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico, and later earned advanced degrees from the University of Essex, Okinawa International Centre, University of Edinburgh, and Robert Gordon University. 

Horacio has held prominent roles, including Associate and Full Professor at the National College of Ireland, University Lecturer at Robert Gordon University, and Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. He also has industry experience with Sun Microsystems and Silicon Graphics. His recent research projects focus on advanced digital skills, cybersecurity and data management, funded by prominent European and Irish agencies. Horacio has published extensively on topics such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, blockchain and data integrity, making significant contributions to cutting-edge research in computer science and digital innovation.

A key part of the Digital4Business network

This Blockchain module is integral to the Digital4Business programme, an innovative online master’s funded by the EU. It develops future digital leaders and strategists, exploring how digital transformation drives business innovation and efficiency, providing the future-facing expertise needed for the digital era.

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FAQ

Minimum C1 English proficiency, plus 2 years' work or education in an English-speaking environment. IELTS: 6.0; TOEFL PBT: 600; TOEFL CBT: 200; TOEFL iBT: 100

Applicants need a suitable cognate EQF Level 6 qualification (e.g. STEM, economics, etc.). Description of the eight EQF levels Those without such a qualification will undergo an interview and assessment to determine the suitability of their certifications, other qualifications, and/or professional experience.

This EU-funded programme is open to all EU nationals with a passport or valid ID from one of the 27 EU countries