Description

Decentralized cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, have gained rapid popularity, attracting the attention of academics, entrepreneurs, economists, and policymakers. They promise to create new disruptive markets, and revolutionize how we think of money and financial infrastructure.

The goal of this course is to introduce students to current research in cryptocurrencies. We’ll cover the technical background of applied cryptography and incentive mechanisms. The bulk of the course will consist of reading and discussion of recent research papers from top security conferences. Assignments will involve handson practice with cryptocurrency tools, such as sending and receive cryptocurrency payments, and programming smart contracts. The course will culminate with an original research project.

More course description:

The first few classes will consist of lectures from the instructor, especially intended to establish the necessary background. Thereafter, we will read and discuss research papers, especially from computer security conferences, Financial Cryptography, and the Bitcoin Research workshop, PETS, WEIS, etc.