This course describes and explains the functioning of blockchains derived from Bitcoin (Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, etc.), their consensus mechanisms, their assets, coins, tokens, and other financial products they develop. It explores the concept of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and its applications in many sectors of the economy. It emphasizes the fact that there are many blockchains in the ecosystem and they have their one characteristics and purpose.

This course aims to explore the underlying principles that make blockchain a game-changer in various industries. The course will cover the most promising blockchain applications and the industries it is affecting now and into the future, including finance, healthcare, supply chain management, real estate, and data security. The course will also introduce technologies, concepts and developments related to decentralized autonomous organizations, Layer 2 and Layer 3, and web3.

This course considers the behavioral science implications of applying a web3 mindset for addressing societal and business needs as the industry moves toward mass adoption. A web3 mindset focuses on inclusion and equity when building technology products that solve business needs–on top of a blockchain, which is ultimately a ledger. It is forging inclusive and equitable governance models to incentivize both the awareness of the problem (i.e., the revolution) and the sustainable regeneration of the brand-consumer (i.e., societal) relationship to solve problems (i.e., opportunity creation), wherein all share in the benefits as co-collaborators.

This course explores the transformations that have happened in the banking and financial system since the creation of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Students will study the transformations brought by cryptocurrency disruption and novelty. Nowadays, cryptocurrencies evolve in ecosystems and depend on communities. There are several fundamental differences between traditional finance and crypto, including the core concept of centralization vs. decentralization, which will be explained and explored in this course.

This course will provide an in-depth analysis of the Bitcoin mining industry from both a technical and macroeconomic perspective. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the main technical features and hardware required for Bitcoin mining, as well as an understanding of the history of the industry. From a macroeconomic perspective, the course will explore the impact of Bitcoin mining on the global economy, including its potential for increasing financial inclusion and its role in the energy transition.

This course looks at the evolution of cybersecurity and cybercrime in relation to Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) such as Blockchain and to products and protocols such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Stablecoins, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi). The course looks at the history and view of the internet from a cybersecurity and hacking perspective and explores topics such as DLT vulnerabilities, fake trading platforms, malware variations, and money laundering along with governance risk, compliance and data protection.

This course will explore the legal and regulatory framework surrounding cryptocurrencies, with a focus on intellectual property issues. The course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the legal and regulatory challenges facing the crypto industry, as well as the intellectual property issues involved in the development and commercialization of cryptocurrencies.

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive exploration of both traditional and quantitative methodologies for research in the digital finance and technology fields. Integrating classical research approaches alongside statistical analysis and econometric modeling, students will gain a holistic understanding of how to conduct rigorous research across the finance, technology, and business domains.

In this course, you will apply the concepts, methodologies, and techniques from previous courses to provide a solution to a real business challenge. This course will allow you to consolidate your analytical skills and competences and gain real experience as an aspiring blockchain expert.