Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, ICS 429

This page is https://www2.hawaii.edu/~esb/2026spring.ics429/

This page is subject to change without notice -- please reload it in your browser if an item that might affect you may have changed. In particular, the schedule is likely to evolve in response to class interest and external events.

The lectures for this class are in Holmes 243 every Tuesday and Thursday 4:30-5:45pm.

Office hours for the instructor are Mon+Wed 9:30-10am and Tue+Thu 3:30-4pm in POST 305F. Edo Biagioni can be reached at 808-956-3891, esb@hawaii.edu, and https://www2.hawaii.edu/~esb/

The recommended textbook for the course is "Mastering Blockchain", 4th edition (Released March 2023), by Imran Bashir, ISBN: 9781803241067, published by Packt Publishing and also available through the usual channels. Due to the continuing evolution of the field, the 4th edition (2023) is required.

The class will also study the freely available Bitcoin whitepaper, and Ethereum whitepaper.

Schedule

This schedule is subject to change. If there is any topic you wish to see that is not in this tentative schedule, please discuss it with the instructor as soon as convenient.

Grading

This grading scheme is tentative, and may change during the semester.

This course has occasional homework assignments and projects. Each of these is done individually by default, but if interested in doing a particular project as a group, please contact the instructor.

To accomodate the potential for emergencies affecting academic performance,

This is intended for use with illnes or other emergencies. It need not be justified, but will also not be extended in any way, so students should not take advantage of it unless actually needed or until the end of the semester, whichever comes first.

Exams may be taken early, if requested at least one week before the scheduled time. Under no circumstances may an exam be taken late.

Grading will use the standard cutoffs of 97% (A+), 93% (A), 90% (A-), 87% (B+), 83% (B), 80% (B-), 77% (C+), 73% (C), 70% (C-), 67% (D+), 63% (D), 60% (D-).

Course Information, Policies and Resources

Information that the University Administration wants you to know, not specific to this course

Attendance policy

Students who are enrolled in this course, but never attend, will be flagged by the course instructor for non-participation before the last day to add/drop (for 100% tuition refund) deadline. Flagged students will be administratively dropped by the Office of the Registrar. Any changes to a student’s enrollment status may affect financial aid eligibility and can result in the return of some of all of federal student financial aid. (specify for your course; may also be covered under Grading section)

Statement on Disability: KOKUA Program

If you have a disability and related access needs, please contact the KOKUA Program (Office for Students with Disabilities) at 956-7511, KOKUA@hawaii.edu, or go to Room 013 in the Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services. Please know that I will work with you and KOKUA to meet your access needs based on disability documentation. Kokua’s services are confidential and offered free of charge.

Academic Integrity and Ethical Behavior: Office of Student Conduct

Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty are not permitted within this course and are prohibited within the System-wide Student Conduct Code (EP 7.208). Examples include: fabrication, falsification, cheating, plagiarism, and use of improper materials. Any incident of suspected academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct for review and possible adjudication. Additionally, the instructor may take action in regards to the grade for the deliverable or course as they see fit.

Office of Title IX

Title IX is pronounced "Title 9" and is also known as the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act. From wikipedia: Title IX ... prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government.

The UH Office of Title IX can be reached at (808) 956-2299, t9uhm@hawaii.edu, and https://manoa.hawaii.edu/titleix/

UHM is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect and is free of all forms of sex discrimination and gender-based violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you or someone you know experiences any of these, UHM has staff and resources on campus to support and assist you. Staff also can direct you to resources in the community. Here are some:

If you wish to REPORT an incident of sex discrimination or gender-based violence including sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking as well as receive information and support, contact: 
Director and Title IX Coordinator
Hawaiʻi Hall 124
2500 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 956-2299
t9uhm@hawaii.edu

As a member of the University faculty, I am required to immediately report any incident of sex discrimination or gender-based violence to the campus Title IX Coordinator. Although the Title IX Coordinator and I cannot guarantee confidentiality, you will still have options about how your case will be handled. My goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources and support you need. For more information regarding sex discrimination and gender-based violence, the University’s Title IX resources and the University’s Policy, EP 1.204, go to: http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/titleix/

Department of Public Safety:

The UH Manoa Department of Public Safety (also known as Campus Police or Campus Patrol) can be reached at

UH System Basic Needs

Include food and housing, childcare, mental health, financial resources and transportation, among others. Student basic needs security is critical for ensuring strong academic performance, persistence and graduation and overall student well being. If you or someone you know are experiencing basic needs insecurity, please see the following resources: UH System Basic Needs (https://www.hawaii.edu/student-basic-needs/resources/manoa/)

Student Success Resources:

The Division of Student Success (DSS) houses student support services to build success inside and outside the classroom. If you want learning assistance, academic advising, career resources and guidance, counseling, family and relationship support, identity-based support, services for underrepresented groups, health and wellness services, opportunities for leadership growth, and community engagement, you will find this and more in DSS, (808) 956-3290, https://manoa.hawaii.edu/studentsuccess/departments/