PSCDSBCT1001 - Diverse Applications of Blockchain Technology
This course is designed to inform curious observers into active participants of the blockchain revolution. It will contextualize the origins of bitcoin and distributed ledger technologies and explore how those innovations will fundamentally change the landscape for a wide range of industry applications. We will give students a foundational technical understanding of smart contract construction and the Ethereum decentralized network. With that knowledge, we will explore a broad spectrum of blockchain applications, ranging from the arts to corporate structures. Equipped with foundational economics, technical tools, and exposure to a diverse set of blockchain applications, students will complete the course by publishing a white paper outlining a new use for blockchain technologies in their communities of interest. No prior knowledge of economics or programming is required for this course. Students will be given the option to work in groups or as individuals to complete weekly assignments and work on a final project. The course will invite classmates to teach one another about technical challenges of their individual areas of expertise. Outside guests will also expose our students to active implementations of blockchain technologies in Houston, TX.
Course Details
Anyone who heard about blockchain, but does not understand it. This will be an excellent way to learn about the technologies without needing to code.
- Foundations of a blockchain network
- Consensus protocols
- Principles of blockchain security
- What is the difference between bitcoin and ethereum networks?
- How does traditional network architecture impact our lives?
- What does decentralization enable us to do?
- Basics of smart contract design
- Use cases for art, gaming, social services, supply chain, corporate governance, and labor
Financial assistance information can be found on Rice Financial Aid's Visiting and Continuing Education Students page.
Due to the high demand for courses, registrations are considered final as of 10 working days before class starts. No refunds will be issued after these dates and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a portion of a program. Refund requests before the deadline are subject to a 10% processing fee and must be made in writing to gscs@rice.edu. If books have been issued, the cost of the books and any shipping fees will be deducted. Refunds for credit card payments will be processed as credits to the accounts from which they were paid and may not appear as a credit until the following statement. Refunds for enrollments paid by check take up to four weeks to be processed and mailed by the Rice University accounting office. There is a $30 charge for any check returned for insufficient funds.