MIS20060 Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and Web3

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is focused on cryptocurrencies, blockchains and the emerging Web3 culture. We start with Bitcoin, the most well-known blockchain and the reasons for its rise, as well as the unique challenges it has faced along the way. We then turn to Bitcoin’s main competitor, Ethereum. Ethereum broadens the meaning of what constitutes a blockchain to include self-reinforcing business logic through smart contracts. Through Ethereum, we will be introduced to the Web3 ecosystem and its main applications: Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs), Decentralised Finance (DeFi) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT).

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

What will I learn?

Learning Outcomes:

On completing this module, you will be able to:

(1) Explain how Bitcoin and Ethereum work to a general audience.
(2) Gain specialist knowledge about the Web3 ecosystem.
(3) Learn how to operate within a Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO).
(4) Be able to handle a Web3 entry-level job interview.

Indicative Module Content:

Since the area is constantly evolving the content changes a bit each year.
However, the most consistent topics are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Decentralised Finance (DeFI), Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs), and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).