BLC - Blockchain Technology

This course introduces the basic concepts of cryptography. Students will explore its core theoretical and practical principles that support blockchain technology. Definitions and security fundamentals that enable cryptography to serve well in distrustful computing environments will be addressed. Topics covered include block and stream ciphers, symmetric and public-key encryption, message integrity, hash functions (MSD/SHA), random and pseudo-random numbers, digital signatures, RSA algorithm, and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). Students will demonstrate an understanding of how data and information are secured in computing environments without the need for validation from middlemen. A biblical framework will be integrated in the presentation of cryptography concepts and applications.

This introductory course explores decentralized ledger and blockchain technology along with its underlying components. This technology stores data/information immutably over a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In this course, students will review the different types of cryptocurrencies and discuss strengths and benefits of blockchain technology. Students will identify the limitations of traditional technology used in centralized databases. Concepts to be discussed include hashing, public key infrastructure, consensus protocol, mining, smart contracts, use cases, and blockchain solutions. In simulating applications, students will identify design principles and challenges in the blockchain ecosystem. A biblical framework will be integrated into concepts and applications within blockchain and cryptocurrency environments.

This course provides students a basic overview of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency (e.g.,Bitcoin) with investment prospects. The course introduces students to the different investment opportunities such as DeFi (Decentralized finance) and yield farming, ICO (Initial Coin Offering)/IDO (Initial DEX Offering), NFTs (Non-fungible token), exchange traded funds (ETFs), metaverse, cryptocurrency trading/mining, and gaming. Common digital currencies and exchanges will be explored. Students will be able to examine the main investment strategies and how to pick coins to invest in ways that will yield a profit. A biblical framework will be integrated in the presentation of blockchain investment concepts and applications.

This course will examine the applications of blockchain technology within various industries of the economy such as financial services, government, media and entertainment, telecommunications, real estate, insurance, and healthcare. New architectures created for the different industry applications will be explored. Students will identify the different layers of the blockchain technology stack and explain how these affect the governance of blockchain systems. A biblical framework will be integrated in the presentation of blockchain applications. Prerequisites: BLC-300 and BLC-310

This course covers the common structures and consensus algorithms used in blockchain. Programming of blockchain and cryptocurrency will be covered extensively. Common blockchain data structures, functional architectures (e.g., supply chain), and programming languages will be discussed. Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of the basic approaches necessary to program and implement blockchain enabled smart contracts. Students will utilize hash, mining, Application Programming Interface (API), peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and create a web interface. A biblical framework will be integrated in the presentation of blockchain and crypto programming concepts and applications. Prerequisites: BLC-300 and BLC-310

This project-based course serves as the capstone for the blockchain technology program. Students will design a blockchain system or solve a blockchain problem based on knowledge gained from the program of study. Communication skills and technical expertise gained throughout the program of study in blockchain technology will be integrated in the project. Students will work in teams to architect, design, implement, or solve a blockchain problem. In constructing the projects, students will be required to define a problem, develop, and demonstrate the solution, and present the project. Advanced topics like blockchain regulatory issues and launching of initial coin offerings (ICOs) and crypto launchpad (IDOs) will be addressed. A biblical framework will be integrated into the development of the final project. Prerequisites: BLC-300, BLC-310, BLC-320, BLC-400 and BLC-410