Опис курсу

The course “Blockchain Technologies” is aimed at developing students’ systemic understanding of the principles of blockchain functioning, its economic nature, the architecture of distributed ledgers, and practical aspects of application in financial, logistics, public, and corporate sectors.

The course examines consensus mechanisms (PoW, PoS and their modifications), the cryptographic foundations of blockchain, smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), asset tokenization, NFTs, CBDCs, as well as legal and regulatory aspects of digital assets in Ukraine and the EU.

Special attention is paid to the economic efficiency of blockchain implementation, risk analysis, network scalability, security issues, and the integration of blockchain into business digital transformation.

The course combines theoretical training with practical assignments, enabling students to develop competencies in analyzing, implementing, and evaluating blockchain projects.

Course Objective

The objective of the course is to develop a systemic understanding of blockchain technology as a tool for digital transformation of the economy, to master the theoretical foundations of distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms, and cryptographic data protection, and to acquire practical skills in analyzing, evaluating, and implementing blockchain solutions in financial, corporate, and public sectors.

Course Goals

• To form an understanding of blockchain network architecture and its economic nature;
• To explain consensus mechanisms (PoW, PoS, DPoS, PoA, etc.) and their impact on network security and scalability;
• To analyze the role of smart contracts in the digital economy;
• To explore models of asset tokenization, NFTs, DeFi, and CBDCs;
• To study legal and regulatory aspects of digital assets in Ukraine and the EU;
• To develop skills for assessing the economic feasibility of blockchain implementation;
• To teach identification of risks related to cryptocurrencies and decentralized platforms;
• To develop the ability to integrate blockchain into enterprise business processes;
• To foster analytical thinking regarding the digital transformation of financial systems.

During the study of the course “Blockchain Technologies,” students acquire general and professional competencies, as well as program learning outcomes necessary for professional activity in the context of digital economic transformation.

General Competencies (GC)

As a result of studying the course, the student should acquire the ability to:

GC1. Solve complex specialized tasks and practical problems in the economic sphere characterized by complexity and uncertainty, using economic theories, methods, and digital technologies.

GC2. Apply abstract thinking, analysis, and synthesis in researching economic processes related to the implementation of blockchain technologies and Web3 ecosystems.

GC3. Search, process, analyze, and interpret information from various sources, including scientific publications, analytical reports, and statistical databases.

GC4. Communicate effectively in the state language orally and in writing, presenting the results of economic analysis and research in the field of blockchain technologies in a reasoned manner.

GC5. Work individually and in teams, participate in group projects, discussions, and collective analysis of economic decisions.

GC6. Adapt to new situations and make well-founded decisions in conditions of rapid technological change and high uncertainty of digital markets.

GC7. Demonstrate critical and self-critical thinking in evaluating economic phenomena, innovative technologies, and information sources.

Professional Competencies (PC)

The course ensures the development of the following professional competencies:

PC1. Ability to analyze economic mechanisms of blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance, and tokenized assets.

PC2. Ability to conduct economic analysis of the functioning and development of business entities and digital platforms using blockchain technologies and assess their competitiveness.

PC3. Ability to conduct in-depth analysis of issues and phenomena in digital finance, considering economic, financial, and regulatory risks.

PC4. Ability to apply economic analysis methods, statistical indicators, and analytical tools to study crypto-asset markets and Web3 ecosystems.

PC5. Ability to analyze institutional and legal aspects of crypto-asset markets in Ukraine and internationally.

PC6. Ability to use modern information and communication systems and digital platforms for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing economic data.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

PLO1. Explain the economic essence of blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance, and their role in the digital economy.

PLO2. Apply analytical and methodological tools to substantiate managerial decisions regarding blockchain implementation in business and the public sector.

PLO3. Analyze the functioning and development of crypto-asset markets, identify key economic indicators, and assess their dynamics.

PLO4. Collect, process, and analyze socio-economic and financial data using modern digital tools and analytical platforms.

PLO5. Assess economic risks, opportunities, and development prospects of blockchain projects using SWOT and scenario analysis.

PLO6. Critically analyze scientific research, analytical reports, and information sources in the field of blockchain technologies.

PLO7. Present analytical research results in written and oral forms using professional economic argumentation.

The Student Must:

a) Know:

• The theoretical foundations of blockchain technology and principles of distributed ledger functioning;
• The structure of a block and the mechanism of blockchain formation;
• Cryptographic foundations of blockchain (hash functions, digital signatures, public and private keys);
• Consensus mechanisms (Proof-of-Work, Proof-of-Stake and their modifications);
• Characteristics of public, private, and consortium blockchain networks;
• Principles of smart contract functioning;
• Models of asset tokenization, NFTs, DeFi, and stablecoins;
• The concept of CBDC and the role of central bank digital currencies;
• Economic advantages and limitations of blockchain solutions;
• Risks of cryptocurrency markets and decentralized platforms;
• Legal and regulatory aspects of digital asset circulation in Ukraine and the EU;
• Directions of blockchain integration into business processes and enterprise digital transformation.

b) Be Able To:

• Analyze blockchain network architecture and assess its efficiency;
• Compare consensus mechanisms based on security and scalability criteria;
• Evaluate the economic feasibility of blockchain implementation;
• Identify risks and threats in the field of digital assets;
• Analyze business tokenization models;
• Apply blockchain solutions to optimize financial and logistics processes;
• Develop a basic conceptual structure of a smart contract;
• Form analytical conclusions regarding blockchain’s impact on the digital economy;
• Assess blockchain projects’ compliance with regulatory requirements.