Course

Blockchain Technologies and Application (DAT655)

The course gives insight into different technologies, models, and applications for blockchain systems.


Dette er emnebeskrivelsen for studieåret 2025-2026

Fakta

Emnekode

DAT655

Vekting (stp)

5

Semester undervisningsstart

Autumn

Undervisningsspråk

English

Antall semestre

1

Vurderingssemester

Autumn

Content

NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by August 20th.

The first part of the course covers fundamental technology behind blockchains, including proof of work and proof of stake consensus mechanisms. We also cover different models, including permissioned and permissionless deployment.

The second part covers smart-contract programming, security of smart contracts and applications. This part will also cover payment channels and similar technology.

The third part focuses on different applications for blockchain technology. Among others, self-sovereign identity and decentralized storage applications are discussed. This part also discusses how blockchain technology may contribute to or threaten UN sustainability goals.

In the lab students work on simulations to better understand the technology and learn to implement a secure application using smart contracts. Additionally some lab sessions are discussion on different application scenarios.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

  • Know when and how to apply blockchain technology
  • Know about different models for blockchains with both open and closed membership.
  • Know about different consensus mechanisms used in blockchain and their probabilistic guarantees.
  • Know about smart contracts and different execution models for smart contracts.

Skills

  • Be able to develop applications for execution on a blockchain.
  • Be able to reason about systems and applications involving blockchain technology.

Forkunnskapskrav

Ingen

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Oral exam 1/1 20 Minutes Letter grades None permitted


Individual oral exam with 20-30 minutes duration.

Vilkår for å gå opp til eksamen/vurdering

Mandatory in class presentation of a research paper

There are two mandatory activities, that must be approved before students can participate in the exam.

  • Students have to complete lab assignments and simulations. This can either be done during lab hours, or at home, with successive approval.
  • Students need to contribute to discussion on application areas, either through active participation during lab hours, or through the presentation of a review article on one application area.

Fagperson(er)

Head of Department:

Tom Ryen

Course coordinator:

Leander Nikolaus Jehl

Method of work

Weekly 2 hour lecture and 2 hour lab.

Åpent for

Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology
Computer Science - Master of Science Degree Programme Computer Science - Master of Science Degree Programme, Part-Time
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Emneevaluering

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.
The course description is retrieved from FS (Felles studentsystem). Version 1