COMP7408A - Distributed ledger and blockchain technology

Semester 2, 2025-26

Instructor
Yong Guan
Syllabus In this course, students will learn the key technical elements behind the blockchain (or in general, the distributed ledger) technology and some advanced features, such as smart contracts, of the technology. Variations, such as permissioned versus permissionless and private blockchains, and the available blockchain platforms will be discussed.

Students will also learn the following issues: the security, efficiency, and the scalability of the technology. Cyber-currency (e.g. Bitcoin) and other typical application examples in areas such as finance will also be introduced.

Prerequisites: COMP7906 Introduction to cyber security or ICOM6045 Fundamentals of e-commerce security and experience in programming is required.

Mutually exclusive with: FITE3011 Distributed ledger and blockchain
Introduction by Professor This course can provide students all necessary knowledge (including the internals of a typical blockchain system) for students to have a good understanding in this technology, which can facilitate students to develop effective applications in these platforms and conduct further research related to blockchain technology. On the other hand, the course does require students to have programming experience as we will teach students how to program a smart contract.
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
CLO1. [Technical foundation]
Identify key components behind the design of a distributed ledger (and blockchain) and evaluate different designs/solutions for implementing a distributed ledger.
CLO2. [Applications and programming]
Understand the types of applications that best fit the model of distributed ledger; program applications and smart contracts on some popular platforms.
CLO3. [Cryptocurrency and other impacts]
Understand the technologies behind different cryptocurrencies, and other impacts related to distributed ledger, including its limitations, emerging directions, and related issues (e.g. Regulations).
View Programme Learning Outcomes - MSc(CompSc)
View Programme Learning Outcomes - MSc(FTDA)
Pre-requisites COMP7906 Introduction to cyber security or ICOM6045 Fundamentals of e-commerce security and experience in programming is required.
Compatibility Mutually exclusive with: FITE3011 Distributed Ledger and Blockchain
Topics covered
Course Content No. of Hours Course Learning Outcomes
Introduction: The rationale behind the design of a distributed ledger (blockchain) and the key components in such a platform 6 CLO1
Different cryptographic primitives and designs in constructing a distributed ledger 3 CLO1
Applications that best fit the platform 3 CLO2
Programming an application in a popular blockchain platform (e.g. smart contracts in Ethereum) 6 CLO2
Cryptocurrency technology and its impact 6 CLO3
The impact of distributed ledger technology, limitations of existing distributed ledger platforms, possible enhancements to existing platforms, and possibilities of having new applications 6 CLO3
 
Assessment
Description Type Weighting * Examination Period ^ Course Learning Outcomes
Written/Programming Assignments Continuous Assessment 50% - CLO1, CLO2, CLO3
Written exam covering all taught content of the course Written Examination 50% 7 - 26 May 2026 CLO1, CLO2, CLO3
* The weighting of coursework and examination marks is subject to approval
^ The exact examination date is typically announced by the Examinations Office seven weeks prior to the scheduled exam date (three weeks for the summer semester). Students are obliged to follow the examination schedule. If you are unsure of your availability during the examination period, you should NOT enroll in the course. Absence from the examination may result in failure of the course. Please note that there is no supplementary examination for this course.
Course materials -
Session dates
Date Time Venue Remark
Session 1 15 Mar 2026 (Sun) 2:00pm - 5:00pm CB-C
Session 2 19 Mar 2026 (Thu) 7:00pm - 10:00pm KK-101
Session 3 21 Mar 2026 (Sat) 9:00am - 12:00pm CB-C
Session 4 21 Mar 2026 (Sat) 2:00pm - 5:00pm CB-C
Session 5 26 Mar 2026 (Thu) 7:00pm - 10:00pm KK-101
Session 6 28 Mar 2026 (Sat) 9:00am - 12:00pm CB-C
Session 7 28 Mar 2026 (Sat) 2:00pm - 5:00pm CB-C
Session 8 2 Apr 2026 (Thu) 7:00pm - 10:00pm Online
Session 9 9 Apr 2026 (Thu) 7:00pm - 10:00pm Online
Session 10 16 Apr 2026 (Thu) 7:00pm - 10:00pm Online
Exam 16 May 2026 (Sat) 2:30pm - 4:30pm Pls refer to Exams Office's website
CB - Chow Yei Ching Building KK - K.K. Leung Building
Add/drop5 January, 2026 - 19 March, 2026