Bachelor 2024/2025

Mathematical Methods for Distributed Ledger Systems

Type: Elective course (Software Engineering)

Area of studies: Software Engineering

Delivered by: School of Software Engineering

Where: Faculty of Computer Science

When: 4 year, 1-3 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Language: English

ECTS credits: 10

Contact hours: 60

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Mathematical Methods for Distributed Ledger Systems: Distributed ledger technology (blockchain) was introduced in 2008 as a basis for the Bitcoin cryptocurrency and has found application in many areas: state registries, supply chain, financial sector, and others by the moment. The blockchain is based on beautiful mathematical approaches from cryptography, data structures and distributed algorithms, such as public-key cryptography, Merkle trees and consensus protocols, and challenges researchers with new ones. The course will tell you what a distributed ledger is, about its underlying theoretical principles and what current trends are in it. Mastering the material requires only standard computer science student skills, namely: • to be familiar with at least one high-level programming language and not be afraid of meeting new ones; • do not be afraid of power over a given field either on paper or in a computer; • draw pictures and display text in Jupyter notebook; • understand what an algorithm is.