Blockchain Software Engineering
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Overview
Blockchain is a shared, replicated ledger that underpins technology such as Bitcoin. Blockchain's reach is wider than cryptocurrency however, as it sets out to provide the foundation for the next generation of transactional applications.
This course will teach you about blockchain concepts and how to apply them in a wide range of business scenarios. You will learn about the technical concepts of blockchain and how to develop software applications that use them.
This course is for technical audiences who wish to gain hands-on experience of implementing blockchain solutions, and a software engineering background is desirable.
Taking this course will provide the career-enhancing skills needed to help you move into this fast-developing area of technology.
Through a mixture of taught lecture, hands-on tutorial and group activity, you will learn:
- the technical concepts that underpin blockchains
- the architectural components of blockchain solutions
- how to design and implement blockchain applications
- how to create and manage blockchain networks
Programme details
The course is targeted at those with a technical background because it builds on basic computer science concepts and will include basic programming in Javascript, knowledge of which is desirable but not essential.
The course will focus on the use of distributed ledgers in business scenarios, and not on the use of (and investment in) cryptocurrencies.
It will look at a range of different blockchain frameworks, with a particular emphasis on technology from the Linux Foundation Hyperledger project. This is an open source collaborative effort created to advance cross-industry blockchain technologies.
Tutorials will focus mainly on Hyperledger Fabric for the blockchain ledger implementation and Hyperledger Composer for the development environment.
The course will consist of four modules:
Blockchain Concepts
- An introduction to blockchain and why it is important
- public blockchains (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Linux Foundation Hyperledger
- blockchain technical concepts
Blockchain Applications
- Good blockchain examples and how to identify potential use-cases
- use of Design Thinking
- considering blockchains in terms of assets
- participants and transactions
- blockchain development in Hyperledger Composer
Blockchain Networks
- Hyperledger Fabric
- installing, deploying and operating blockchain networks
- best practices for solution design
- integrating with existing systems
- blockchain futures
Group Exercise
- bringing it all together
- selecting a blockchain use-case
- understanding the business network and required artifacts
- developing the use-case
- testing and deploying
(Note that the syllabus listed on this page is based on the winter 2018 course and may be subject to revision.)
Software Engineering Tutorials
In order to take advantage of the software engineering tutorials, we would request that you bring your own laptop.
These will require a minimum specification (See 'IT Requirements' section below), as the course will use an online development environment through a Firefox or Chrome browser.
Certification
Participants who attend the full course will receive a University of Oxford certificate of attendance. This will be presented to you prior to the end of the course wherever possible.
The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended.
Accommodation
Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.
To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website.
IT requirements
These are the minimum computing requirements necessary to participate in this course:
Hardware
· Any typical laptop computer produced within the last five years should be adequate.
Recommended web browsers:
· Mozilla Firefox
· Google Chrome
· Apple Safari
For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date. If you encounter any problems whilst using a system we don’t support, we will ask you to try a supported browser.
Using a Mac
Most of our online courses only require a web browser and some commonly available plug-ins. You should not experience any problems as a Mac user.
If you are unable to bring your own laptop, please contact us.
Fees
Course fee: £1895.00
Payment
Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunches. The price does not include accommodation.
All courses are VAT exempt.
Register immediately online
Click the “book now” button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.
Request an invoice
Send a completed application form to the course administrator by email or post. Please do not send card details via email.
Tutor
Matthew Paul Lucas
Course Developer and Tutor
Global Blockchain Engagement, IBM
Matt is part of IBM’s global blockchain engagement team. His role is to help clients understand and apply blockchain technologies and works closely with emerging blockchain fabrics such as Hyperledger Fabric and Ethereum as well as blockchain tools such as Hyperledger Composer.
He is based in IBM’s development laboratory in Hursley and has worked with IBM for 20 years on a variety of integration middleware technologies. Most recently he spent several years working on IBM Integration Bus in the product architecture and offering management disciplines.
Application
If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click Contact Us at the top of this page.
Level and demands
If you're uncertain whether this course is suitable for your requirements, please email us with any questions you may have.
Terms and conditions
Terms and conditions for applicants and students on this course
Sources of funding
Information on financial support