The Blockchain Fundamentals DeCal is a comprehensive survey of relevant topics in cryptocurrency and the wider blockchain space. The goal of this class is to cut through the diverse and often contrasting rhetoric around blockchain and focus on the technological underpinnings, after which you will have the tools that you need to develop your own opinion about the technology.

We will explore the myriad of ideas and technologies relating to blockchain – from developing a solid fundamental understanding of Bitcoin by building it from the bottom up to studying related and complementary fields such as cryptography and economics.

Beyond the technical, we examine the history of and philosophical motivations behind digital currencies, as well as survey the regulations, organizations, trends, and communities in the current space – thus painting a complete picture of the blockchain ecosystem.

You do not need any prior Computer Science or Blockchain-specific background or knowledge to do well in this course, just a willingness to learn! As a result, we encourage individuals from all majors and fields to join us!

Grading:
Discussions: 25%
Lecture Attendance: 25%
Weekly Quizzes: 25%
Mid-Semester Paper Checkpoint: 10%
Final Paper: 15%