Warnborough College is delighted to partner with Maal Data Labs to offer an exciting new Diploma in Blockchain Technology.
The programme will be conducted entirely online.
What will I learn?
The programme is split into 10 modules, focusing on blockchain technology and what it constitutes. The modules are as follows:
Module 1. Introduction to Blockchain Technology
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, its underlying principles, and its diverse applications across various industries. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, students will develop the necessary skills to analyse, design and implement blockchain solutions.
Module Content
- Define the fundamental concepts Blockchain technology and its characteristics.
- State the origin of Blockchain technology
- Discuss the history and evolution of Blockchain.
- Conduct a critical examination of the evolution of the web, components of Blockchain.
- Able to make comparison between Blockchain and traditional databases.
Module 2. Blockchain Architectures
Blockchain technology and traditional databases, while both used for storing and managing data, have fundamental differences in their architecture, operation, and overall purpose. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the unique advantages and limitations of each system.
Course Content
- Understanding of Blockchain Technology, Knowledge of Cryptography, Smart Contract Development, Blockchain Platforms and Frameworks
Module 3. Cryptography for Blockchain
Cryptography provides the backbone for its security and trust mechanism. Secure communications and ensuring that information is only accessible to intended recipients.
Course Content
- Understanding of Cryptographic Principles
- Knowledge of Blockchain Security
- Hands-on Experience
- Awareness of Cryptographic Attacks
- Privacy and Anonymity
Requirements
- Basic concepts: encryption, decryption, keys, algorithms.
- Cryptographic primitives: symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption, hash functions, digital signatures.
- Security properties: confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, non-repudiation.
Module 4. Certificate of Proficiency in Consensus Mechanisms
They are the protocols that ensure all nodes in a Blockchain network agree on the validity of transactions, maintaining the integrity and trust of the distributed ledger. Without consensus mechanisms, Blockchains would lack the necessary synchronization and agreement among nodes, leading to potential conflicts and security issues.
Course Content
- Define and understand the importance of consensus mechanisms in Blockchain networks.
- Compare and analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and suitability of various consensus mechanisms.
- Understand the specific processes and roles involved in popular consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).
- Evaluate the performance, scalability, energy efficiency, and security implications of consensus mechanisms.
Requirements
- Basic Understanding of Blockchain Technology
- Programming Skills
- Mathematical and Algorithmic Understanding
- Computer Networking Knowledge
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Module 5. Security and Privacy in Blockchain
This expanded overview delves into the technical intricacies of blockchain’s security and privacy features, challenges, and considerations crucial for developers.
Course Content
- Understanding Blockchain Technology
- Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
- Cryptographic Tools and Techniques
- Security Best Practices
- Privacy Preservation
Requirements
- Basic Understanding of Blockchain Technology
- Familiarity with Cryptography
- Programming Skills
Module 6. Certificate of Proficiency in Smart Contracts
A smart contract is a self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into code. The code and the agreements contained therein exist across a distributed, decentralized blockchain network. The code typically controls the execution, enforcement, and management of the agreement, ensuring that transactions are traceable, transparent, and irreversible. Smart contracts aim to automate and streamline contractual processes, removing the need for intermediaries and enhancing security and efficiency in various applications, such as finance, supply chain management, and decentralized applications (DApps).
Course Content
- Understanding of Smart Contract Concepts
- Programming Skills
- Hands-On Development Experience
- Integration Knowledge
- Security Awareness
Requirements
- Basic Programming Knowledge
- Understanding Blockchain
- Familiarity with Cryptography
Module 7. Certificate of Proficiency in Decentralized Applications
Decentralized Applications, often abbreviated as DApps, are applications that operate on a decentralized network rather than a centralized server. These applications leverage blockchain technology to function in a decentralized manner, meaning they don’t rely on a single authority or server to operate.
Course Content
- Understanding of Blockchain Technology
- Proficiency in Smart Contract Development
- Hands-on Experience with DApp Development
- Knowledge of Decentralized Storage and Communication
- Understanding of Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Requirements
- Basic Programming Skills (JavaScript, Python, or Solidity (for Ethereum DApps) is often necessary.)
Module 8. Blockchain Use Cases
Blockchain technology has a wide range of potential use cases across various industries, thanks to its key features such as decentralization, transparency, immutability, and security.
Course Content
- Transparency and Immutability
- Decentralization
- Improved Traceability and Accountability
Requirements
- Consensus Mechanism: Different blockchain networks use various consensus mechanisms (e.g., Proof of Work, Proof of Stake). The choice of consensus mechanism depends on factors like scalability, energy efficiency, and trust requirements.
Module 9. Blockchain Development Tools and Frameworks
Course Content
- Understanding of Blockchain Fundamentals
Requirements
- Depending on the focus of the course, knowledge of web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript may be required, especially for building blockchain-based decentralized applications (DApps).
Module 10. Social, Economic and Legal Implications of Blockchain
Blockchain technology has far-reaching implications across various aspects of society, economy, and law, bringing about significant changes and opportunities.
Course Content
- students may gain hands-on experience with different blockchain platforms and tools for development, deployment, and management of blockchain-based solutions.
Requirements
- Since blockchain heavily relies on cryptographic principles for security, having a basic understanding of cryptography concepts like encryption, hashing, and digital signatures can be helpful.
How will I learn?
Students on this unique programme will use the following system once they have registered and paid their fees:
- Online Learning: access your modules on our learning management system (LMS).
- Virtual lessons: See schedule of Digital Classes to ‘attend’ on our unique platform.
- Face-to-face: Attend a 1 to 2 hour virtual session with a Tutor/Coach and Industry specialist.
- Tutor support: Learners can book a tutorial support session for up to 1 hour per module.
Course Fees
Introductory fee: GBP £4,600
When Can I Begin?
Anytime.
