Blockchain Finance Course Syllabus

Course Overview

Course Code: 125100M05042Z
English Title: Finance of BlockChains
Duration: 32 hours
Credits: 2.00
Course Type: Professional Elective
Instructor: Prof. Xianhua Wei

Learning Objectives

This course equips graduate students with foundational blockchain knowledge, explores technical implementations, and examines mechanisms of select cryptocurrencies. Students will learn to analyze blockchain projects critically.

Prerequisites

None

Curriculum Structure

Chapter 1: Cryptography & Cryptocurrency Primer (1.5 hours)

Section 1: Course introduction (0.5 hours)
Section 2: Cryptographic hash functions, hash pointers, digital signatures, and public-key systems (1 hour)

Chapter 2: Decentralization in Bitcoin (3 hours)

Section 1: Centralized vs. decentralized systems (0.5 hours)
Section 2: Distributed consensus mechanisms (0.5 hours)
Section 3: Blockchain-based identity-free consensus (1 hour)
Section 4: Incentive structures and proof-of-work (1 hour)

Chapter 3: Bitcoin’s Operational Mechanics (3 hours)

Section 1: Transaction workflows (0.6 hours)
Section 2: Bitcoin scripting language (0.6 hours)
Section 3: Script applications (0.6 hours)
Section 4: Network architecture (0.6 hours)
Section 5: Limitations and optimizations (0.6 hours)

👉 Explore Bitcoin’s technical underpinnings

Chapter 4: Bitcoin Storage & Transactions (3 hours)

Section 1: Local storage methods (0.2 hours)
Section 2: Hot vs. cold storage (0.3 hours)
Section 3: Key sharding/sharing (0.5 hours)
Section 4: Wallets and exchanges (0.5 hours)
Section 5: Payment services and fees (0.5 hours)
Section 6: Currency markets (0.5 hours)

Chapter 5: Bitcoin Mining (3 hours)

Section 1: Miner roles (0.6 hours)
Section 2: Hardware requirements (0.6 hours)
Section 3: Energy consumption and sustainability (0.6 hours)
Section 4: Mining pools (0.6 hours)
Section 5: Mining incentives (0.6 hours)

Chapter 6: Anonymity in Bitcoin (3 hours)

Section 1: Anonymity fundamentals (0.6 hours)
Section 2: Deanonymization techniques (0.6 hours)
Section 3: Coin mixing (0.6 hours)
Section 4: Zero-knowledge proofs (0.6 hours)

👉 Learn about cryptocurrency privacy

FAQs

1. What’s the focus of this course?

This course emphasizes blockchain fundamentals, Bitcoin mechanics, and decentralized finance applications.

2. Are programming skills required?

No, but familiarity with basic cryptography concepts is beneficial.

3. How are grades evaluated?

Assessment includes project analysis and exams on theoretical/practical modules.

Instructor Profile

Prof. Xianhua Wei specializes in risk management, financial systems, and payment清算 research at the School of Economics and Management. His work spans:

Financial market risk methodologies
Regulatory mechanisms
Portfolio strategies
Payment liquidity analysis