Cardiff School of Technologies>Courses>Crypto Currencies and Blockchain 101 Micro-Provision Course

Crypto Currencies and Blockchain 101 Micro-Provision Course

​​​​​In an era of digital transformation and technological advancements, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology have emerged as ground-breaking innovations with the potential to revolutionise various industries. This comprehensive hands-on micro-course is designed specifically for undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking to upskill and dive deep into the world of digital currencies and distributed ledger technology.

Led by the research team leading Centre for Industry 4.0 and Blockchain Research (CI4.0BR), this immersive course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in understanding cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, and the underlying principles of blockchain technology. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, participants will embark on an exciting journey that explores the intricacies and real-world applications of these transformative technologies. Participants will learn writing smart contacts in Solidity and participate in hands on development of cryptocurrencies, NFTs and other applications.

By the end of the micro-course, you’ll have a solid understanding of the basics of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology. You will learn how to write decentralised applications (DAPPs) to solve real world problems. These skills can open doors to exciting opportunities in various fields.

Micro-courses are flexible short courses, delivered in mixed online and face-to-face formats. Currently they are being piloted across Welsh universities with no cost to the learner. You can attend a micro-course to upskill and learn something new, as a pathway to employment, or to have a taste of a specific subject. Digital technology micro-courses at Cardiff Met cover topics that are in demand by industry.

Course Content

The micro-provision course consists of ten 2-hour sessions packed with engaging learning experiences. These sessions include a mix of on-campus lectures, hands-on lab work, interactive learning activities, and collaborative small group work. Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to attend insightful lectures, apply your knowledge in practical lab exercises, participate in interactive learning activities, and collaborate with peers in small groups. This dynamic approach ensures a well-rounded learning experience that is both informative and engaging.

Throughout the course, students will delve into key topics including:

  • Blockchain Technology: Uncover the power and potential of blockchain as a decentralised, immutable ledger. Dive into the fundamentals of blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts. Analyse the impact of blockchain on various industries, such as finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and more.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Gain a comprehensive understanding of digital currencies, their origins, and how they function within the financial ecosystem. Explore the different types of cryptocurrencies, their unique features, and the mechanics behind blockchain-based transactions.
  • Wallets and Security: Learn best practices for securely storing and managing cryptocurrencies. Explore different types of wallets, including hardware and software options, and understand how to protect against potential vulnerabilities and threats in the crypto space.
  • Blockchain Development: Acquire hands-on experience in blockchain development by building decentralised applications (DApps) and smart contracts using industry-leading platforms such as Ethereum. Discover how to write, deploy, and interact with smart contracts while exploring real-world use cases.

Coursework and Assessment

Assessments are designed to consolidate your learning. You will complete a final poster/presentation demonstrating your blockchain knowledge (equates to around 2,000 words)​.

Suggested Reading

Tapscott, D., & Tapscott, A. (2016). Blockchain revolution: how the technology behind bitcoin is changing money, business, and the world. Penguin.

Daniel, D. (2017). Blockchain basics: a non-technical introduction in 25 steps. Berkley: CA: Apress, Berkley, 223-233.

Antonopoulos, A. M. (2014). Mastering Bitcoin: unlocking digital cryptocurrencies. O’Reilly Media, Inc.

Antonopoulos, A. M., & Wood, G. (2018). Mastering ethereum: building smart contracts and dapps. O’Reilly Media.

How to Apply

You can book your place on the Crypto Currencies and Blockchain 101​ micro-provision course on the Cardiff Metropolitan University Online Store. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Contact Us

For more information about this course, please contact:

Dr Fiona Carroll (FCarroll@cardiffmet.ac.uk)

Dr Ali Shahaab (AShahaab@cardiffmet.ac.uk)

Dr Imtiaz Khan (IKhan@cardiffmet.ac.uk)

Mr Ali Abed (AAbed@cardiffmet.ac.uk​)

Key Course Information

​​​Place of Study:
​Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff School of Technologies
Western Avenue
Cardiff
CF5 2YB

School:
Cardiff School of Technologies

Course Length:
10 weeks

Start Date:
September 26th every Tuesday 6-8pm​

Max Number:
20 people

Cost:
Free

Full terms and conditions in relation to accepting an offer to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University can be found by visiting www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/terms