Foundations of Blockchain Platforms

This unit introduces the core concepts, history, and ecosystem variety of distributed ledger technologies and major public and permissioned blockchains. It builds on prerequisite digital literacy and prepares students for deeper technical design, development, security, and governance topics in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the core components (data structure, consensus, nodes, smart contracts, and tokens) of blockchain systems and compare architecture and trade-offs of at least four platforms (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Hyperledger).
• Evaluate real-world use cases and industry impacts by constructing brief case analyses for banking, insurance, title services, and government that identify benefits, risks, and regulatory considerations.
• Demonstrate understanding of blockchain evolution by summarizing the histories and key technical differences among Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot, Solana, Cardano, Hyperledger, and Bitcoin Cash in written or presentation form.
• Apply basic security and transaction practices by performing a simulated wallet setup, key-management workflow, and exchange/transfer scenario while explaining legal and compliance constraints relevant to cryptocurrency custody and transactions.