MBS Syllabus : Blockchain Technology in Finance

Montpellier Business School (MBS) is at the forefront of financial technology education with its course "Blockchain Technology in Finance," part of the Master of Science in FinTech & Digital Finance program. Spearheaded by myself, this course is recognized for its innovative approach to teaching digital finance, highlighting MBS's dedication to integrating cutting-edge technology into its curriculum.

Course Details

The "Blockchain Technology in Finance" course is designed to immerse students in the transformative world of blockchain and its applications in the financial sector. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights, covering a wide range of topics from the evolution of money and the internet to the intricacies of cryptocurrency markets and the emerging decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

The course aims to deepen students' understanding of blockchain's impact on finance, focusing on its potential, challenges, and political implications. By the end of the course, students will:

• Understand the historical context of cryptocurrencies and their role in the evolution of financial systems.

• Gain insights into the workings of cryptocurrency markets, including the nuances of trading and investment.

• Explore the infrastructure supporting DeFi and its significance in the future of finance.

• Identify how blockchain can be applied in both the private and public sectors of the financial industry.

• Assess the political and risk aspects associated with blockchain technology.

Learning Approach

This course is accessible to students without a deep technical background in blockchain, providing a well-rounded perspective that balances theoretical discussions with practical examples. This ensures students not only learn about blockchain technology but also understand its strategic implications for the finance industry.

Recognition and Impact

"Blockchain Technology in Finance" has been exceptionally well-received, earning high praise from students and being ranked one of the top courses in the MSc program for the year. This recognition reflects the course's relevance and its success in equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for the evolving finance sector.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

As the finance industry navigates through the digital revolution, Montpellier Business School's "Blockchain Technology in Finance" course emerges as a pivotal educational experience. Under the guidance of Alexandre Naoufel Boussama, this course not only equips students with a thorough understanding of blockchain's role in finance but also sparks innovation and creativity in tackling future challenges. The enthusiastic reception and high regard from students underscore its significance and effectiveness in aligning with the sector's dynamic demands.

Following this insightful journey into blockchain and finance, students at MBS can look forward to a curriculum that continues to explore the forefront of financial technology. The syllabus for subsequent courses builds on the foundational knowledge provided in "Blockchain Technology in Finance," delving deeper into areas such as advanced DeFi mechanisms, cryptocurrency market analysis, regulatory challenges, and the integration of blockchain with other emerging technologies like AI and IoT in finance.

This progression ensures that graduates are not just well-versed in current trends but are also prepared to lead the next wave of innovations in the FinTech landscape. Montpellier Business School remains committed to offering an education that is both relevant and transformative, preparing students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Syllabus

Session 1: Blockchain Technology in Finance

1. Introduction to Money, Internet, and Blockchain

   • Historical Review

     • Money & Currencies

     • Banks, Payments & Ledgers

     • Cryptography & Internet

   • Bitcoin & Ethereum Basics

     • Asymmetric Encryption

     • Hash Function & Merkle Tree

     • Network, Nodes & Consensus

     • Transactions and Script Code, Ethereum vs Bitcoin

     • Addresses and Digital Signatures

   • Consensus & Permissioned Systems

     • Consensus and Byzantine Fault Tolerance

     • Proof of Work vs Proof of Stake

     • Other Types of Consensus

   • Study Questions

   • Cases & Questions

   • Reading Material

     • Recommended Readings

     • Optional Readings

   • Video Materials

   • Practice: Create a Wallet, Back it Up, and Mint a POAP NFT

Session 2: Blockchain Economics and Smart Contracts

1. Blockchain Economics: Basics

   • Blockchain Industry in the Last Decade

     • Infrastructure & Economics

     • Development

     • Financial Institutions

     • States

     • Retail

   • Smart Contracts Basics, EVM Compatible Chains

     • Contracts and Laws

     • Script, Solidity, and Smart Contracts

     • Tokens Standards and Contract Functions

     • Ethereum & EVM Ecosystems

     • The Concept of MEV

   • Smart Contract Applications in Finance

     • Play-to-Earn and Game Economy

     • Digital Art and NFT

     • Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

   • Study Questions

   • Cases & Questions

   • Reading Material

     • Recommended Readings

     • Optional Readings

   • Video Materials

Session 3: Decentralized Applications, Stablecoins, and DeFi

1. Blockchain Economics: Decentralized Applications, Stablecoins, and DeFi Primitives

   • Privacy

   • Multisigs

   • DAOs

   • Bridges (wBTC, Anyswap)

   • Oracles, On-Chain Data and Tools

   • Stablecoins

   • Cases & Questions

   • Study Questions

   • Reading Material

     • Recommended Readings

     • Optional Readings

   • Video Materials

Session 4 & 5: Advanced Blockchain Economics and Financial Products

1. Financial Products

   • Lending Markets

   • Automated Market Makers

   • Yield Aggregators

   • Debt Markets

   • Derivatives & Synthetics

   • Predictions Markets

   • Options Markets

   • Indexes

   • Payments

   • Insurance

2. Tools and Applications

   • Etherscan

   • DeFi Saver

   • Curve Wars: The Basics

Session 6: Presentations and Evaluation

1. Presentations: Guidelines

   • Presentation on a Decentralized Protocol

2. Evaluation

   • Class Participation

   • On-Chain Activity

   • Group Presentation