course-details-portlet

TTM4195

Blockchain Technologies and Cryptographic Tools

Choose study year
Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

The course covers the cryptographic theory supporting Bitcoin (mainly) and other cryptocurrencies, as well as the practical aspects of how a cryptocurrency is designed. The advantages and disadvantages of different approaches will be explored. More general applications of blockchain technologies, such as smart contracts, will also be included.

The course content is related to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

4 - Quality education, target 4.4 - Increase the number of people who have relevant skills for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship,

9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure, target 9.3 - Increase access to financial services,

16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions, target 16.4 - Reduce illicit financial and arms flows and combat all forms of organized crime

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge: Students will learn the underlying principles and techniques associated with blockchain technologies along with their cryptographic tools. They will become familiar with the cryptographic building blocks and how they are used in a typical cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. B. Skills: Students will develop a practical understanding of how cryptocurrencies are implemented and the practical limitations of currently available blockchain and cryptocurrency systems.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars, guest lectures, student presentations and lab assignments. A group-based hands-on study of real cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Further on evaluation

Two assessments provide the basis for the final grade in the course, a portfolio and a digital final exam that count for 40 and 60% of the final grade, respectively. Both parts must be passed in order to pass the course. The results for each of the parts are given with a letter grade. The portfolio includes practical work and online quizzes. The digital exam is given only in English. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from digital to oral exam. If a student also after the re-sit exam has the final grade F/failed, the student must repeat the entire course. Also in the case a student wants to try to improve their grade, they must repeat both assessments.

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the term. The course material will be provided in the form of slides, notes, manuals, research articles, books.

Recommended textbook: "Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction", by Arvind Narayanan, Joseph Bonneau, Edward Felten, Andrew Miller, Steven Goldfeder, July 2016. Relevant web links will also be provided.

Subject areas

  • Telematics
  • Information Security
  • Communication Technology
  • Technological subjects

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Information Security and Communication Technology

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Written exam
Weighting 60/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.
Portfolio
Weighting 40/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Summer 2026

Written exam
Weighting 60/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.