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University of Pittsburgh    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  May 14, 2024
 
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

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ECON 1480 - ECONOMICS OF INNOVATION


Minimum Credits: 3
Maximum Credits: 3
This course will engage undergraduate students in the discussion of new innovative technological solutions in finance and economics. The course will focus on the economics of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. We will cover the basics of blockchain such as the technology underlying blockchain, decentralized consensus, cryptography, smart property contracts, emerging regulation of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and potential macroeconomic implications of these new technologies. The first part of the course will explore the economics of the incentives behind the functioning of blockchain. The second part will consider new economic and business applications that can be enabled by blockchain and cryptocurrencies as well as the challenges for the regulators of the financial industries. The course offers undergraduate students the opportunity to explore real-world challenges created for the governments and financial regulators by emerging financial and economic technology driven solutions and innovations, to understand the potential economic and business applications of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and to study the mechanics and incentives behind security of blockchain. Students will have an opportunity to interview (via skype) economic policy makers and business innovators who work in the areas of blockchain and cryptocurrency. The students will also be able to chose a project of their interest and propose a design of an economic application on blockchain.
Academic Career: Undergraduate
Course Component: Lecture
Grade Component: LG/SNC Elective Basis


Click here for class schedule information.



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