CRJ 270 Introduction to Blockchain and Cybercurrency

3.0 Credit(s)

This course is a foundational learning experience that covers the mathematical, security, computational, and economic foundations of blockchain while providing students with an understanding of this relatively new technology’s societal and legal implications. In this course, students learn the fundamental concepts related to blockchain technology and its uses, critical components of blockchain technology, the differences between public and private blockchain use and implementation, the push vs. pull paradigm, potential attacks (i.e., 51% attack), and more. In studying the history of cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, students will explore ethical considerations of cybercurrency use, nefarious use by terror and organized crime organizations, and the potential long-term impact on anti-fraud, cybercrime, and international/multinational crime deterrence efforts. The course also explores various forms of cryptocurrency/cybercurrency (i.e., bitcoin), their uses, and their implications of use. Students will expand their understanding of blockchain technology, its uses, and its limitations in this course. Since 2012, blockchain has been the universal ledger for cybercurrency transactions. The course begins with the history and evolution of blockchain and its connection bitcoin, and by extension, other cryptocurrencies/cybercurrencies. Three lecture hours per week.