Introduction to Blockchain and its Business Applications

3 credits

The objective of this course is to introduce the business of blockchain--a technology that has the potential to drastically alter the way value is stored, exchanged, shared, and distributed. It is the backbone of the next iteration of the Internet: Web 3.0 or The Internet of Value. This course does not require any technical knowledge or prior knowledge of the subject, and is designed to give students a foundational knowledge of blockchain technology and a familiarity with the basic principles that govern blockchain protocols. Students will obtain a fluency in the terms and concepts required to understand how this powerful technology works. Most importantly, students will study real-world applications of the technology, which range far beyond blockchain's original use case (cryptocurrency) and hear from a number of influential guest speakers who are using or investing in blockchain technology at their companies today. Students who complete the course will understand blockchain and cryptocurrency's game-changing potential, be able to separate fact from hype, and be effective leaders in the space.STEM-designated. This course was formerly numbered: ISYS6655