Blockchain Applications, Tokens, and Security

This unit focuses on applied, real-world blockchain skills: secure custody and transaction practices, token creation and evaluation, validator and governance participation, and critical review of metaverse and DeFi projects. Students will practice safe wallet use, deploy a simple ERC-20 on testnet, and assess project credibility and governance models to prepare for industry or capstone work.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze security risks and mitigation strategies for common user behaviors (address handling, public Wi‑Fi, exchanges, social-engineering scams) and demonstrate correct procedures for protecting keys and performing transactions
• Apply secure wallet practices by creating and using a cold (paper) wallet and executing testnet transfers while verifying addresses and recovery procedures
• Demonstrate the creation and deployment of a basic ERC‑20 token on a testnet and explain multichain considerations and validator nomination processes for network participation
• Evaluate blockchain projects (including NFTs, metaverse platforms, and DAOs) using technical, economic, and reputational criteria and justify investment or participation decisions using documented evidence from research sources