IIST (Institute of Integrated Science and Technology)

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COT500D1(計算基盤 / Computing technologies 500)
IIST Special Lecture 3
IIST特別講義3: Blockchain Technology and Applications

Keping YU

Class code etc
Faculty/Graduate school IIST (Institute of Integrated Science and Technology)
Attached documents
Year 2022
Class code YD967
Previous Class code
Previous Class title
Term
Day/Period
Class Type
Campus 小金井 / Koganei
Classroom name 各学部・研究科等の時間割等で確認
Grade
Credit(s) 2
Notes
Class taught by instructors with practical experience

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Outline and objectives

Blockchain is an emerging technology platform for developing decentralized applications and data storage, over and beyond its role as the technology underlying the cryptocurrencies. This course aims to provide a conceptual understanding of the function on blockchains as a method of securing distributed ledgers, how consensus on their contents is achieved, and the new applications that they enable.

Goal

(1) To understand the structure of a blockchain and why it is better than a simple distributed database.
(2) To analyze the incentive structure in a blockchain-based system and critically assess its functions, benefits, and vulnerabilities.
(3) Understand what constitutes a “smart” contract, what are its legal implications, and what it can and cannot do, now and in the near future.
(4) To evaluate the setting where a blockchain-based structure may be applied, its potential, and its limitations.

Default language used in class

英語 / English

Method(s)(学期の途中で変更になる場合には、別途提示します。 /If the Method(s) is changed, we will announce the details of any changes. )

The lectures will be given in a highly interactive manner. The students will be asked to discuss the fundamental distributed database issues and consider their own solutions. Most homework assignments will be on open questions without standard answers. The students will be encouraged not only to learn the knowledge but also to think about how it can be used.

Active learning in class (Group discussion, Debate.etc.)

あり / Yes

Fieldwork in class

あり / Yes

Schedule

授業形態/methods of teaching:対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[未定/undecided]:Introduction and class policies

Introduction to current centralized systems. Structure of blockchain. Examples of blockchain.

2[未定/undecided]:Blockchain technology: Why, What, How

Why use blockchain technology? What are the main barriers to blockchain adoption? How to use blockchain?

3[未定/undecided]:Cryptographic Elements in Blockchain

Public Key & Private Key. Digital Signature & Hash Value.

4[未定/undecided]:Cryptographic Technology in Blockchain

Key questions for blockchain. Who can modify transactions? Who will maintain transactions? How to protect our privacy?

5[未定/undecided]:Consensus Mechanisms

Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Delegated Proof of Stake, Proof of Authority, etc.

6[未定/undecided]:Bitcoin

All the technical concepts learned so far will be used to understand the invention and working of Bitcoin. The focus will be on the use of economic incentives, mining, transaction fees, and algorithmic inflation.

7[未定/undecided]:Smart contracts & Ethereum

It will cover conditional transactions as enabled by the second most prominent blockchain platform, tokens, and the notion of trustless computing.

8[未定/undecided]:Blockchain Applications (1)

Use cases for blockchain applications.

9[未定/undecided]:Blockchain Applications (2)

Analysis of 1-2 blockchain applications from a technical perspective.

10[未定/undecided]:The Limitations, Opportunities, and Challenges of Blockchain

Risks and limitations of blockchain: privacy and security, etc.

11[未定/undecided]:The “Evil Sides” of Blockchain and Legal Regulations for Blockchain

The “Dark” side of blockchain. Does blockchain need legal regulations?

12[未定/undecided]:Myths about Blockchain Technology

Blockchain and AI. Blockchain and Digital Transformation.

13[未定/undecided]:Standardization of Blockchain

Standardization activities for blockchain in ITU-T, ISO, IEEE.

14[未定/undecided]:Final Presentation

Every student gives a 10-minus presentation. In-class discussion.

Work to be done outside of class (preparation, etc.)

【Preparatory study and review time for this class are 4 hours each.】Homework (reports and presentation).

Textbooks

Handouts and prints will be distributed.

References

References to scientific papers and book chapters are given in the lecture slides.

Grading criteria

Homework 50% + Final Presentation 50%

Changes following student comments

None in particular.