Advanced Blockchain Applications and Security

This culminating unit explores advanced blockchain use cases, token creation, decentralized governance, and practical custody and security practices across real-world platforms and ecosystems. Students will evaluate projects, build basic tokens and wallets, and apply safety and risk-mitigation strategies to prepare for further study or entry-level industry work.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze validator selection processes, DAO governance models, and multichain interactions to assess their impacts on network security, decentralization, and trust.
• Apply secure custody and transaction practices by creating a paper wallet, configuring non-custodial wallets, verifying addresses, and safely engaging with exchanges and public networks.
• Demonstrate the creation and deployment of a basic ERC-20 token and investigate practical applications of NFTs and metaverse platforms (e.g., Enjin, Metahero, Star Atlas, Bloktopia, Voxels).
• Evaluate common blockchain threats, scams, and operational vulnerabilities (including Wi‑Fi risks, social engineering, and exchange-related issues) and propose appropriate mitigation and communication strategies.