Metaverse, NFTs and Web3
Degree programme | Social Work |
Subject area | Social Work & Health |
Type of degree | Master Part-time Summer Semester 2023 |
Course unit title | Metaverse, NFTs and Web3 |
Course unit code | 800101012100 |
Language of instruction | English |
Type of course unit (compulsory, optional) | Elective |
Teaching hours per week | 2 |
Year of study | 2023 |
Level of the course / module according to the curriculum | |
Number of ECTS credits allocated | 3 |
Name of lecturer(s) | Thomas METZLER |
- A laptop or, as a fallback solution, a smartphone is required for the lessons. A willingness to install and use tools such as Discord or MetaMask is required.
- A willingness to purchase small amounts of cryptocurrency (e.g. 10-20 euros in XTZ or ETH) is also required (purchasing cryptocurrencies needs registration with a crypto exchange using a passport copy).
In terms of content, the course "Metaverse, NFTs and Web3" is divided into the following subsections:
1) Blockchain Basics: the blockchain provides the technological foundation especially for developments in the fields of NFTs and Web3. In this course, students will gain a basic understanding of how the blockchain works.
2) NFTs: NFT collections such as the Bored Ape Yacht Club or the Crypto Punks are now quite well known, in most cases due to multi-million dollar sales generated on some of these NFTs. Less represented in media coverage is the innovation potential of NFTs. This section therefore presents innovative NFT projects and discusses how NFTs are giving rise to novel business models.
3) Web3: DAOs (decentralized organizations) are a common organizational form of Web3 projects. In DAOs, members of a community do have a say, but the degree to which they have a say can vary. Students discuss various DAO examples and governance design options in this course.
4) Metaverse: Since Facebook rebranded itself as Meta the media hype around this topic has taken off. But what is the metaverse and where are its fields of application? Various conceptions, examples and technological developments are explored and critically discussed in this course.
This course introduces students to the field of Metaverse, NFTs and Web3. Examples of applications will be demonstrated and critically discussed. The focus of the course is on innovation, not speculation in these areas. The following learning outcomes will be achieved:
Understand
- Students will be able to explain what is meant by blockchain, Metaverse, NFTs, and Web3 and which are the opportunities for innovation in these areas.
Apply
- Students will be able to perform blockchain transactions themselves and use various tools or applications in the areas of Metaverse, Web3, and NFTs.
Analyze
- Students will be able to analyze various Metaverse, Web3 or NFT projects.
Evaluate
- Students can evaluate whether possible projects of companies are suitable for the areas of Metaverse, NFTs and Web3.
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Coaching during the work on a case study
- Presentations of the selected case study by students
- Presentation individual case study (50% of final grade)
- Extended slide deck with explanations on the individual case study (50% of final grade)
This course mainly looks at innovation aspects and possible applications in the field of NFTs, Web3 and the Metaverse. You don't need any prior technical knowledge. However, a certain affinity for digital topics (in application) is beneficial.
Course literature will be handed out at the beginning of the course due to the timeliness and rapid progress in these fields.
Face-to-face course with attendance expected (block week), coaching, guidance, self-learning.