| Course code | CSCI5590 |
| Course title | Advanced Topics in Blockchain 區塊鏈進階 |
| Course description | This course aims to cover advanced topics on blockchain. The focus will be on advanced topics like permissionless blockchain, Ethereum, smart contract, mining pool, permissioned blockchain, anonymity, new consensus, sidechain, ripple, offchain and lightning network. Advisory: Students are expected to have solid foundations on operating systems and database systems. 本科旨在研討區塊鏈的技術。重點將放在進階話題上，如無權區塊鏈，Ethereum，智能合同，採礦池， 權區塊鏈，匿名學，新共識，側鏈，ripple，offchain和雷電網絡。 建議:學生應在操作系統和數據庫系統上有堅實的基礎 。 |
| Unit(s) | 3 |
| Course level | Postgraduate |
| Pre-requisites | CSCI3150 & CSCI3170 (for UG students) |
| Exclusion | IERG5590 or FTEC5520 |
| Semester | 1 or 2 |
| Grading basis | Graded |
| Grade Descriptors | A/A-: EXCELLENT – exceptionally good performance and far exceeding expectation in all or most of the course learning outcomes; demonstration of superior understanding of the subject matter, the ability to analyze problems and apply extensive knowledge, and skillful use of concepts and materials to derive proper solutions. B+/B/B-: GOOD – good performance in all course learning outcomes and exceeding expectation in some of them; demonstration of good understanding of the subject matter and the ability to use proper concepts and materials to solve most of the problems encountered. C+/C/C-: FAIR – adequate performance and meeting expectation in all course learning outcomes; demonstration of adequate understanding of the subject matter and the ability to solve simple problems. D+/D: MARGINAL – performance barely meets the expectation in the essential course learning outcomes; demonstration of partial understanding of the subject matter and the ability to solve simple problems. F: FAILURE – performance does not meet the expectation in the essential course learning outcomes; demonstration of serious deficiencies and the need to retake the course. |
| Learning outcomes | At the end of the course of studies, students will have acquired the ability to 1. Understand what most kinds of cryptocurrencies out there and what are the differences between them. 2. Understand the advanced technology in blockchain. 3. Understand the other potential applications of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency. |
| Assessment (for reference only) |
Essay test or exam: 50% Homework or assignment: 50% |
| Recommended Reading List | 1. Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction, by Arvind Narayanan, Joseph Bonneau, Edward Felten, Andrew Miller, Steven Goldfeder 2. Research Perspectives and Challenges for Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies, by Bonneau, Miller, Clark, Narayanan, Kroll and Felten 3. Cryptocurrency Online Bibliography, maintained by Jeremy Clerk |
| CSCIN programme learning outcomes | Course mapping |
| Upon completion of their studies, students will be able to: | |
| 1. identify, formulate, and solve computer science problems (K/S); | TP |
| 2. design, implement, test, and evaluate a computer system, component, or algorithm to meet desired needs (K/S); |
TP |
| 3. receive the broad education necessary to understand the impact of computer science solutions in a global and societal context (K/V); | TP |
| 4. communicate effectively (S/V); |
P |
| 5. succeed in research or industry related to computer science (K/S/V); |
T |
| 6. have solid knowledge in computer science and engineering, including programming and languages, algorithms, theory, databases, etc. (K/S); | P |
| 7. integrate well into and contribute to the local society and the global community related to computer science (K/S/V); | T |
| 8. practise high standard of professional ethics (V); | P |
| 9. draw on and integrate knowledge from many related areas (K/S/V); |
TP |
| Remarks: K = Knowledge outcomes; S = Skills outcomes; V = Values and attitude outcomes; T = Teach; P = Practice; M = Measured | |