Blockchain Fundamentals and Advanced Tools for Scientists using Cardano

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Course Overview: A self-paced course designed for scientists and researchers with no prior programming experience. Participants will learn blockchain basics, Cardano fundamentals, and Marlowe smart contracts, while also exploring advanced tools. The course equips participants to address challenges in research funding, collaboration, data management, and privacy through decentralized solutions.

General and Specific Course Objectives

🎯 General Objective:

This course is designed to introduce scientists and academics with no prior blockchain experience to the Decentralized Science (DeSci) ecosystem through Cardano. By providing a structured and accessible introduction to blockchain fundamentals and Marlowe smart contracts, participants will gain the knowledge and tools to apply decentralized solutions in research and innovation.

Additionally, this course serves as a bridge between blockchain developers and the scientific community, fostering collaboration for the development of decentralized applications that address key challenges such as funding transparency, research collaboration, data management, and intellectual property protection.

📌 Specific Objectives:

1️⃣ Understand the Foundations of Blockchain and DeSci:

  • Explain the core principles of blockchain technology and decentralization.
  • Analyze how blockchain can solve scientific challenges.

2️⃣ Introduce Cardano and Its Role in DeSci:

  • Explore the evolution of blockchain from Bitcoin to Cardano.
  • Understand the Cardano ecosystem, including its governance model, smart contract capabilities, and scalability.
  • Demonstrate how Cardano’s scientific approach aligns with the goals of DeSci.

3️⃣ Develop Hands-on Experience with Smart Contracts and Tokens:

  • Explain the differences between Fungible Tokens (FTs) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and their applications in research.
  • Guide participants through the creation and deployment of FTs and NFTs on Cardano.
  • Introduce Marlowe smart contracts as an accessible tool for automating research funding, collaborations, and intellectual property management.

4️⃣ Foster Collaboration Between Scientists and Blockchain Developers:

  • Create a learning environment where scientists and developers can exchange ideas and explore real-world use cases.
  • Encourage interdisciplinary innovation by showcasing how developers can build DeSci-focused applications.

5️⃣ Enable Practical Application of Blockchain in Science:

  • Provide interactive activities and case studies for real-world blockchain use in research.
  • Equip participants with the ability to design and test blockchain-based solutions.
  • Support the development of a final project where participants will create a Marlowe smart contract to address a scientific problem.

6️⃣ Encourage Long-term Adoption and Innovation in DeSci:

  • Empower participants to integrate blockchain into their research projects.
  • Offer guidance on next steps, including further blockchain development, participation in Cardano Catalyst, and engagement in DeSci communities.

📌 Target Audience:

This course is designed for scientists, academics, developers, and the general public who want to explore DeSci through blockchain technology, particularly within the Cardano ecosystem.

No prior knowledge of blockchain is required—the course is designed for beginners while also providing practical applications for blockchain developers looking to engage with the scientific community. 

📚 Teaching-Learning Methodology 

The course follows a collaborative e-learning model, fully mediated by technology through an interactive virtual platform. It is asynchronous, allowing participants to learn at their own pace. The learning journey consists of modules, each structured into lessons that integrate key thematic content.

Within each lesson, participants will have access to:

✅ Curated Study Materials: A selection of high-quality readings, multimedia content, and blockchain resources, carefully curated to enhance learning.

🌎 Languages: English & Spanish

📝 Evaluation Method

The course follows a progressive assessment model, ensuring that participants comprehend and apply key concepts before advancing to the next module.

✅ Module Quizzes:

  • Each module includes a quiz with multiple-choice and conceptual questions covering the module’s content.
  • A minimum passing score of 70% is required to unlock the next module.
  • Participants will have multiple attempts to improve their score and reinforce learning.

✅ Final Project:

  • Upon completing all modules, participants will have the opportunity to submit a final project applying DeSci concepts using Marlowe smart contracts.
  • This project will be evaluated by instructors based on its practicality, innovation, and accuracy.
  • Participants who successfully pass the final project evaluation will receive a digital certificate in the form of an NFT, validating their completion and acquired skills.

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Course Features:

  • Self-Paced Learning: Flexible structure to fit researchers’ schedules.
  • Interactive Components: Quizzes, hands-on exercises.
  • Community Engagement: Online groups for discussions and peer feedback.
  • Recognition: Digital certificates or NFTs for participants upon completion.
  • Prerequisites: No prior knowledge required.
  • Cost: 100% Free! this course is fully funded by Project Catalyst, Cardano’s revolutionary innovation engine.

Delivery Format:

  • Duration: ~15-18 hours of content (self-paced).
  • Platform: Dedicated website with interactive materials and downloadable resources.
  • Support: Community forums.

Highlights:

  • Comprehensive introduction to Cardano and DeSci.
  • Practical skills in Marlowe smart contracts.
  • Future-focused content on Aiken, Midnight, and Hydra for scalability and privacy.

Course Content

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