QUEST GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS, JHANJERI (MOHALI)
Value Added Course (VAC)
Syllabus and Course Outcomes
VAC Code VAC111
VAC Title Introduction to Blockchain
Technology
VAC: Introduction to Blockchain Technology (VAC 111)
WEEK NO. CONTENT
WEEK 1 Week 1: Introduction to Blockchain (4 Hours)
Overview of Blockchain
o Definition, History, and Evolution
o Key Concepts: Distributed Ledger, Decentralization,
Immutability
How Blockchain Works
o Structure: Blocks, Chains, Nodes
o Basic Terminology: Transactions, Consensus
WEEK 2 Week 2: Blockchain Components (4 Hours)
Blockchain Architecture
o Nodes and Network Setup
o Transactions and Blocks
Cryptography Basics
o Public and Private Keys
o Hash Functions (e.g., SHA-256)
WEEK 3 Week 3: Consensus Mechanisms (4 Hours)
Introduction to Consensus Algorithms
o Proof of Work (PoW)
o Proof of Stake (PoS) and Variants (e.g., Delegated Proof of
Stake)
Comparing Consensus Methods
o Security, Efficiency, and Use Cases
o Use Cases and Real-World Examples
Blockchain Use Cases
o Financial Services: Cryptocurrencies, Payments
o Supply Chain Management
o Healthcare
o Voting System
WEEK 4 Week 4: Smart Contracts and dApps (4 Hours)
Smart Contracts
o Definition and Functionality
o Use Cases and Examples
Decentralized Applications (dApps)
o Overview and How They Operate
o Real-World Examples
WEEK 5 Blockchain Platforms (4 Hours)
Bitcoin Overview
o Basics, Use Cases, Limitations
Ethereum
o Introduction to Ethereum
o Smart Contracts and dApps on Ethereum
Other Platforms
o Brief Overview of Hyperledger, Ripple, Cardano
WEEK 6 Practical Blockchain Development (4 Hours)
Setting Up a Blockchain Node
o Basic Node Configuration and Operation
Creating and Deploying a Smart Contract
o Hands-On Exercise: Simple Smart Contract Deployment
WEEK 7 Blockchain Development Tools (4 Hours)
Development Environments
o Introduction to Remix and Truffle
Basic Solidity Programming
o Writing and Understanding Simple Smart Contracts
WEEK 8 Security and Privacy in Blockchain (4 Hours)
Security Concerns
o Common Threats: 51% Attacks, Sybil Attacks
o Best Practices for Blockchain Security
Privacy Issues
o Anonymity vs. Privacy
o Introduction to Zero-Knowledge Proofs
WEEK 9 Future Trends and Course Review (4 Hours)
Emerging Trends in Blockchain
o Blockchain in IoT, AI Integration
o New Consensus Mechanisms
Future of Blockchain Technology
o Regulatory and Legal Considerations
o Market Insights and Adoption Trends
Course Review and Q&A
o Summary of Key Concepts
o Open Discussion and Queries
o Additional Resources for Continued Learning
Course Outcomes
The "Basics of Blockchain Technology" course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the
principles, technologies, and applications of blockchain. The key objectives of the course are:
1. Understand Blockchain Fundamentals: Participants will gain a clear understanding of blockchain
technology’s core concepts, including the structure of a blockchain, the role of nodes, and how
transactions are recorded and verified. This foundational knowledge will cover the principles of
decentralization, immutability, and distributed ledger technology.
2. Explore Consensus Mechanisms: The course will introduce various consensus algorithms such as
Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS). Participants will learn how these mechanisms ensure
the integrity and security of blockchain networks and understand their advantages and limitations.
3. Develop Practical Skills: Through hands-on activities, students will acquire practical experience in
setting up blockchain nodes, creating and deploying simple smart contracts, and using blockchain
development tools like Remix and Truffle. This practical knowledge will be crucial for real-world
application.
4. Analyze Blockchain Use Cases: Participants will explore a range of blockchain applications across
different industries, including finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and voting systems.
This will help them identify how blockchain can address specific problems and create value in
various sectors.
5. Address Security and Privacy: The course will cover key security and privacy considerations
related to blockchain technology, including common threats, best practices for security, and concepts
like zero-knowledge proofs.
