The course delivers an insight into the Ethereum and Hyperledger frameworks among others; you will develop an in-depth understanding of cryptocurrencies and the full range of potential Blockchain use cases, projects and business models. This programme has been set up in cooperation with the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center which is a think tank and research center that investigates implications of the Blockchain technology for companies and their business models. The examination takes the form of a written term paper, which is expected to be completed within eight weeks.
The course consists of two 4-day weeks. You may also choose not to take part in the full certification course, but to book the first week only (modules 1–4). In this case, you will not be required to write a paper; instead you will receive a certificate of attendance.
The course is held in English.
Blockchain Fundamentals (Module 1)
The participants will learn about blockchain fundamentals. Basic technological building blocks will be presented in an overview over the technology. Participants will learn about transactions, blocks and pseudonymity in public blockchain systems. Furthermore, this module will provide basic knowledge in cryptography, mining and consensus algorithms.
Module content:
Your Expert: Justus Schleicher
Justus Schleicher is a research assistant at the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center. He studied Business Informationsystems and also holds a Master in Management with a concentration on Digital Business from Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. He worked as an IT-Consultant for SyroCon and KPMG, in the area of Software Development, Data Analytics and Blockchain. Ever since 2017 focussing on blockchain technology, cryptoassets like Bitcoin und Ethereum, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Smart Contracts and NFTs.
Public Blockchains (Module 2)
In this module, the participants will learn about security and integrity of public blockchains. Additionally, students will learn about the scalability of blockchains and alternatives to the energy intensive proof-of-work. Smart contracts and Dapps will be introduced which allow use cases beyond payment. One use case will be discussed in detail.
Module content:
Your Expert: Cedric Heidt
Cedric Heidt is a research assistant at the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center and a self-described “crypto nerd”. He has been deeply involved with digital currencies since 2016. Following the principle of learning-by-doing he quickly gained hands-on experience with a wide variety of blockchains, projects, and decentralized applications. He is now using his experience to bring the ecosystem forward through education.
Consensus and private Blockchains (Module 3)
In this module, the participants will learn about different consensus protocols and enterprise blockchains. These address the specific requirements of business which are generally not provided by public blockchains. The goal is to discuss use cases and the potential impact of blockchain technology with the participants.
Module content:
Your Expert: Cedric Heidt
Cedric Heidt is a research assistant at the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center and a self-described “crypto nerd”. He has been deeply involved with digital currencies since 2016. Following the principle of learning-by-doing he quickly gained hands-on experience with a wide variety of blockchains, projects, and decentralized applications. He is now using his experience to bring the ecosystem forward through education.
Blockchain Frameworks: Ethereum etc. (Module 4)
The goal of the first part of the course is to explain Ethereum, one of the largest development frameworks. Ethereum works in the public domain and can also be utilised in private settings. The participants will learn how to interact with the Ethereum Virtual Machine through many hands-on examples. For this purpose, a virtual machine has been configured so that the participants can practice with smart contracts and coding.
In the second part of the course the Hyperledger framework will be presented. Hyperledger is one of the largest blockchain development frameworks used with both companies and in a B2B context. It is mostly applied in consortia with a broad range of use cases. With the help of many practical hands-on examples, the participants will learn how to interact with Hyperledger. For this purpose, a virtual machine has been configured so that the participants can practice with smart contracts and writing Chaincode.
Module content:
Your Expert: Michael Kuperberg
Use Cases and Projects in Finance, Banking and Insurance (Module 5)
Participants learn about the application of blockchain technology in business. To this end, use cases from finance, banking and insurance will be presented and explained. The technology stack used for these examples will be explained in detail.
Module content:
Your Expert: Miguel Vaz
Use cases and applications in logistics and industrie 4.0 (Module 6)
Participants will learn about the application of technology in non-financial fields such as logisticsand Industrie 4.0. Of course, these use cases also involve financial transactions and smart contracts. However, in ecosystems related to logistics and manufacturing, finance will only be one aspect to consider. The participants will also learn to the technology stack and learn how to evaluate use cases.
Module content:
Your Expert: Michael Kuperberg
WEB3 Token Economy (Module 7)
Through this module, participants will learn about the “tokenization of everything”. We will have a look at the underlying protocols fueling the Token Economy, like Ethereum or Liquid, a sidechain of Bitcoin.
The concepts of smart contracts, oracles and the oracle problem will be explained. Furthermore we will explore existing token standards on Ethereum, have a look into so-called Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and its applications as well as Security Token Offerings (STOs) and the overall Security Token Market. An overview will be given of where the market is standing at the moment and who are the main players currently (Issuance Platforms, Secondary Marketplaces, …).
Module content:
Your Expert: Nelson Inno, Founder & CEO at weSpark GmbH
Legal Issues (Module 8)
This module covers how blockchain-applications can be qualified from a legal perspective. Participants will learn how blockchain technology fits in the current scope of the German and European legal framework and what approaches for new legislation are currently discussed. The fields of law discussed during the module will have a focus on financial regulatory law, such as banking regulation, anti-money laundering law as well as capital markets law.
In addition to that, the participants will also discuss how blockchain-tokens can be qualified under German private law and how GDPR applies to public blockchains. Data protection is an important facet of IT systems, and therefore has to be aligned with blockchain technology.
Module content:
Your Expert: Dr. Konrad Uhink
Dr Konrad Uhink is co-founder of the law firm FIN LAW. He advises national and international companies from the financial services industry on regulatory issues and companies outside the financial sector on the planning and implementation of both digitalised and traditional capital market issuances. The focus of his expertise is providing legal advice on raising debt, equity and hybrid capital via investment products. Dr Konrad Uhink has been advising his clients in this field of expertise since 2012.
Before founding FIN LAW, Dr Konrad Uhink worked for several years at one of the world’s leading law firms in the field of capital markets law. He advised large companies and major banks on the legal structuring of cross-border capital market issuances.
Dr Konrad Uhink studied law at the Justus Liebig University in Gießen, where he obtained his doctorate in international capital market law after completing his first state examination. He completed his legal clerkship at the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt.
Certified Blockchain Expert (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management)
Innovation managers, CIOs and CDOs, IT strategists, executive managers and experts in business administration, as well as individuals who would like to learn more about blockchain technology.
In-house events for groups from companies are also possible on other dates. Feel free to contact us - we will prepare a tailor-made offer for you.
A basic knowledge of IT is required. While a knowledge of programming and IT development is not required, it would be helpful. All participants should bring laptops with them to work on practical exercises during the course.
4 months
First compact course: 16.09. - 19.09.2024
Second compact course: 06.11. - 09.11.2024
Exam: 20.12.2024
First course: 19.5. - 22.5.2025
Second course: 23.6. - 26.6.2025
Exam: 25.8.2025
Total fee: EUR 7,450 (8 days). The fee covers the first and second compact course, course registration (EUR 100), the examination (EUR 450) and final certification.
First compact course only: EUR 3,950 (4 days)
Course fees are exempt from VAT.
The Frankfurt School offers a number of other certificate programs and executive education courses in English in the field of digital transformation.
The programme AI for Business aims to provide you with an overview of AI, including a discussion of what the technology is (and is not), the current state of AI research, and how to make best use of the business opportunities presented by AI.
Read more: Certified Specialist in AI for Business
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