We will take a look at Bitcoin mining via ASICs (beware the equipment scams) and GPUs as well as Ethereum as an example of mining other Cryptos. Chia plotting and farming is considered the 'green' alternative. It involves utilising hard drive space and is less power hungry. Although this can all be a bit technical, the material will be kept simple with road maps for each path: buy the equipment, set it up, run it and make money - possibly. We will also consider the benefits of solar electricity. This session is very much beginner level and should be seen as a starting point only.

Your Tutor is Dennis Keillor

Dennis Keillor BAppSci (Physics), DipEd has been teaching at WEA since 2007. 

As a ‘Cycologist’ Dennis has been a successful financial market forecaster, trader and educator since 1997.

As a ‘Fizzacist’ Dennis has been producing homemade brew since Adam was a boy!

Course Description

Curious about how cryptocurrency is created – and whether you can profit from it? 

This beginner-friendly course introduces the basics of crypto mining, from traditional Bitcoin mining using ASICs and GPUs to the environmentally-conscious Chia farming method using hard drive space. 

You'll learn what equipment you need, how to set it up, how to join mining pools, and what to realistically expect in terms of returns. 

While crypto mining can seem highly technical, this course breaks it down into simple, practical steps for anyone wanting to explore the space.

We’ll also explore important considerations like energy usage, solar power integration, and how to avoid scams when buying mining gear. 

Whether you’re interested in earning crypto from your garage or just want to understand the tech behind it, this session provides a roadmap for getting started clearly and safely. 

No prior experience is needed; just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Course Structure

This course is delivered in a structured lecture format, broken down into key topic areas that build foundational knowledge while allowing for real-time questions and interactive discussion. 

• What is crypto mining and how does it work
• Blockchain basics: transactions, blocks, and consensus (PoW, PoS, PoST)
• Overview of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Chia mining methods
• Choosing and setting up mining hardware: ASICs, GPUs, CPUs, hard drives
• Setting up wallets, software, and joining mining pools
• Introduction to Chia farming: green mining through storage
• Estimating profits using mining calculators
• Risks, scams, and safety precautions
• Energy usage and reducing your footprint (solar, efficient setups)
• Tools for monitoring, automation, and troubleshooting mining rigs.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the key components of cryptocurrency mining, including consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work and Proof of Space and Time
• Identify and configure suitable mining hardware and software for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Chia
• Set up and participate in mining or farming pools, and understand how rewards are calculated and distributed
• Evaluate the environmental impact of different mining techniques and consider solar energy or Chia as greener alternatives
• Recognise common scams and red flags in mining hardware offers and adopt best practices for secure operations
• Use mining calculators and market tools to assess profitability based on hardware specs, coin value, and difficulty levels
• Understand the practical steps to start mining or farming crypto, from equipment setup to earning potential
• Mitigate risks associated with power usage, security breaches, and financial overexposure