This course covers topics in program analysis, focusing on smart contracts. We explore the world of blockchains, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi), focusing on Solidity programs running on Ethereum, and using tools such as Remix and Foundry. We also explore formal modeling and verification techniques (model checking, inductive invariants, and more) using tools such as TLA+, Spin, Z3, Certora Prover, Dafny, and Lean. We also touch upon related topics such as cryptography and zero knowledge proofs, and decentralized/digital democracy.
Academic Integrity
It's OK to ask someone about the concepts, algorithms, or approaches needed to do the assignments. We encourage you to do so; both giving and taking advice will help you to learn. However, what you turn in must be your own, or for projects, your group's own work; copying other people's code, solution sets, or from any other sources is strictly prohibited, unless you are explicitly given permission to do so. In particular, looking at other solutions (e.g., someone else's solution to a similar project) is a direct violation of our academic integrity policy. The project assignments must be entirely the work of the students turning them in. If you have any questions about using a particular resource, ask me. All students are subject to the Northeastern Academic Integrity policy. All cases of suspected plagiarism or other academic dishonesty will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) and to the college. In addition to any penalties imposed by OSSCR and the college, each violation of the academic integrity policy will result in a full grade reduction for the class in addition to a zero grade on any affected assignments, projects, exams or graded material.Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic accommodations in this course and have not yet met with a Disability Specialist, please visit the Northeastern Disability Resource Center and follow the outlined procedure to request services. If the Disability Resource Center has formally approved you for an academic accommodation in this class, please present the instructor with your "Professor Notification Letter" during the first week of the semester, so that we can address your specific needs as early as possible.