The Programme

The course aims to cultivate deep expertise in the disruptive fields of Bitcoin and Distributed Systems Technologies. It is divided into three main sections:

  1. Introduction to the Bitcoin World: Overview of the history and foundational elements of Bitcoin and blockchain. Students will delve into the fundamental principles of cryptography, consensus mechanisms, and the network’s operation. This section will introduce key concepts such as decentralization and immutability, addressing the economic and social implications.
  2. Analysis of System Development Issues in the Bitcoin Sector: Exploration of the hurdles in designing, developing, and managing Bitcoin-based systems. This section will focus on open-source development, security protocols, and fintech applications, highlighting best practices for creating secure and efficient software. Students will gain a deep understanding of Bitcoin technology's potential and limitations.
  3. Exploration of the Lightning Network: Comprehensive dive into the Lightning Network, a second-layer scalability solution designed to enable fast and cost-effective Bitcoin transactions. Students will delve into its architecture and its influence on the broader Bitcoin ecosystem, exploring how it enhances transaction efficiency and network scalability.

 

The programme is offered in two different learning options, applicants have to select between the two:

  • Blended: combines online learning with face-to-face classes
  • Full remote: the programme will be offered ONLY online. If you apply for the “full remote” option you will not be eligible for the three fee-waivers

Blended learning and full remote learning will be offered in synchronous form (live remote).

 

Lessons will start on February 21st, with the following part-time format: 

  • 3 hours on Friday (17:30-20:30)
  • 3 hours on Saturday (10:00-13:00).

Programme Structure Overview

N.CourseHours
1Introduction to Bitcoin 30
2Focus on Bitcoin Development     30
3Specialization in Lightning Network 30
 Total90

 

Module 1: Introduction to Bitcoin

TitleTopicsHours
Course PresentationIntroduction, Syllabus, Goals, Methodology, Logistics3
Math for Bitcoin: an introductionModular arithmetics & Probability. Basics of Symmetric and Asymmetric cryptography.
Graph theory. Game theory according to Nash and Von Neumann. Consensus models: Proof of Work and Proof of Stake.
3
Guest Lecture  
Guest Lecture  
Why BitcoinMedium of Exchange, Store of Value, Unit of Account, Legal tender, Privacy, Scarcity, Cypherpunks, Austrians3
How Bitcoin: Before SatoshiPrivate communication, Proof of Knowledge, Digital Signature, E-cash, Digital scarcity and spam, Proof of Work, Hashcash, RPoW3
How Bitcoin: After SatoshiTime Chain, Nakamoto Consensus, Block Space, Halving, Retarget, Scalability Issues, Payment Channels, Atomic Routing3
Debunking BitcoinBlockchain Hype, Crypto Hype, Internet Analogy, Blockchain Use-cases, ICO Triangle, Notarization, Tokenization, Pollution Criticism, Crime Criticism3
Practical Session: BasicsLinux Basic, Bitcoin Core (Knots/LIBRERelay), Breez3
Practical Session: AdvancedCLN, LND, Phoenixd, LDKNode, Robosats, Specter, JoinMarket, Datum3

 

Module 2: Focus on Bitcoin Development 

TitleTopicsHours
Anatomy of BitcoinNetwork, Nodes, Chains, Blocks, Transactions, Leafs, Op_codes3
Terminology of BitcoinWhitepaper, P2P, Cash, CPU, Privacy, SPV, Lightning, Node, Wallet, Consensus, Fork3
Cryptography: Hashing and signaturesHash functions: methods of construction and SHA-256.
Schnorr identification protocol.
Digital signatures: DSA, Fiat-Shamir transform, and Lamport-Diffie.
3
Cryptography: Digital Signatures in BitcoinElliptic curves over finite fields and discrete logarithms: The Bitcoin secp256k1.
EC Schnorr and ECDSA digital signatures.
Basic cryptanalysis: collisions and the birthday paradox.
3
Game TheoryByzantine General Problem. Consensus models pre-bitcoin (Hashcash). Bitcoin security model and Nakamoto's calculation.3
Game TheoryCyril Grunspan and Ricardo Pérez-Marco's correction, Poelstra's result on Proof of stake.3
Open Source: TheoryHistory, Ideology, Licences, Best Practices3
Open Source: PracticeGit Cooperation Exercises3
Guest Lecture 3
Guest Lecture 3

 

Module 3: Specialization in Lightning Network

TitleTopicsHours
UTxO-sharing FocusNakamoto’s channels, Spillman and CTLV, Decker-Wattenhofer (Duplex), Poon-Dryja (Lightning), Decker-Russell-Osuntokun (eltoo), Channel Factories, Ark, Mercury Layer, Liquid, e-cash3
Routing FocusRyan Fugger’s Ripple, AmikoPay, HTLC, blinded path, PTLC, Liquidity, Privacy3
ImplementationsLND, CLN, LDK, Phoenix-d, Electrum, Historical ones3
StandardsBIPs, BOLTs, LIPs, BLIPs, LNPBPs, LSP3
Protocols on TopDLC, RGB, messaging3
Github Issue PracticesIssue-hunting and resolution on major repositories3
UX coding: practical sessionData Fetching, Receiving, Sending3
LSP coding: practical sessionRouting, Swapping, Watchtowers, Backups, ASP3
Guest Lecture 3
Guest Lecture 3