Event

Content:

Decentralized Systems (like peer-to-peer- or blockchain-based systems) are systems controlled by multiple parties who make their own independent decisions to reach a common goal. However, not knowing which parties are trustworthy and which are betrayers requires a radically different way of thinking. Based on the lecture “Decentralized Systems: Fundamentals, Modeling, and Applications”, in this lecture, we cover the necessary scientific methods to analyze existing and to create new decentralized systems. We treat both, selected empirical and formal methods and their tradeoffs, as well as the overarching philosophy of science behind the research process. Together with its practical parts, this lecture provides the foundational scientific toolbox to work on the decentralized systems of the future.

Competency Goals:

1. Philosophy of Science: The student understands epistemological principles like the scientific and mathematical process, within the context of networked and decentralized systems. The student knows about the current limits of scientific research, especially in regards to the security of a given decentralized system.
2. Empirical Methods: Observation / Monitoring: The student is able to construct setups to monitor system properties related to performance or security. The student knows how to observe a decentralized system like an overlay network without interference, i.e., without impact on the behavior to measure as well as the overall system functionality.
3. Combined Empirical / Formal Methods: The student has a fundamental understanding of Discrete Event Simulations, as well as stochastic modelling and random number generation. The student is able to conduct a simulation study consisting of observation, modelling, simulation, validation, and result analysis.
4. Formal Methods: The student knows how to apply formal methods like formal verification / model checking and model comparison / simulation-based proofs to decentralized systems. The student understands tradeoffs between empirical and formal methods, and can choose suitable methods for given research tasks.
5. Applications in Research: The student understands how the methods of this lecture are applied to practical examples, and knows how to apply the methods on problems of a researcher’s everyday life.

Workload

Lecture workload:
   1. Attendance time (Course, exercise,): 3 SWS: 15 x 3h = 45h        

   2. Self-study (e.g. independent review of course material,

work on homework assignments)

         Weeklypreparation and follow-up ofthelecture/exercise: 15 x 3 SWS x 1,5h = 67,5hh        

   3. Preparation for the exam: 37,5h

Σ = 150h = 5 ECTS

Competency certificate:

-  The assessment is carried out as an oral examination (§ 4 Abs. 2 Nr. 2 SPO) lasting 20 minutes.

Depending on the number of participants, it will be announced six weeks before the examination (§ 6 Abs. 3 SPO) whether the success control

• in the form of an oral examination pursuant to § 4 Abs. 2 Nr. 2 SPO or
• in the form of a written examination in accordance with § 4 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 SPO

takes place.