Blockchain Business Models from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Blockchain Overview

A helicopter tour of the essential concepts of blockchain - each of which will be detailed later in the course. Blockchain as a technology is defined in terms of the commonalities present in blockchain applications. There is also an introduction to both current and future blockchain applications.

Cryptographic Hashing

Almost all blockchains use some sort of cryptographic hashing. Hashing is a one way function where any input of arbitrary size can be uniquely expressed as a string of characters. Any change in the input cause the hash to change. Hashing is a one way function: it is easy to go from the input to the hash but extremely difficult to go the other way. As such, cryptographic hashing should not be confused with encryption where an encrypted message can be decoded.

Blockchain Encryption and Signatures

Some basic knowledge of encryption techniques is essential for understanding blockchain technology. This module focuses on digital signature algorithms. When a transaction is placed on a blockchain, it is signed by the owner. With the owner’s public information and the signature, we can quickly determine if the signer is really the owner.

Bitcoin and Other Blockchains

Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and the first large scale use of blockchain technology. This module explores how the bitcoin blockchain works. We detail the mechanics of transactions and there is an introduction to the consensus mechanism called Proof of Work. This provides a foundation to look at other blockchain implementations. We highlight the difference between bitcoin, ethereum and other technologies like Hyperledger.

Using Blockchain

With a knowledge of the mechanics of blockchain technology, students are now able to determine the usefulness of the technology in various different applications. We focus on both the current applications as well as applications that are in process but not yet public.

Consensus

There is no single blockchain technology and there are many ways to implement blockchain technology. The choice of technology crucially depends on the application. In this module, we study Proof of Work, Proof of Stake as well as some other mechanisms. Consensus is an active area of research in the blockchain space.

Value of Cryptoapplications

There are thousands of new ventures that are deploying blockchain technology. How do we assess whether these ventures are viable - in the context of either investing for one of these companies or working for them. This module provides a checklist for evaluating cryptoventures. This list includes important questions such as: a) what problem is being solved? b) is the problem an important problem? c) is blockchain the best technology to solve the problem? and d) what type of blockchain technology is best suited to solve the problem?

The Regulatory Environment and the Future of Fintech

Given this is a new technology, regulators need to both learn about the technology and develop guidelines. The module explores some key regulators in the US such as the SEC and the CFTC and the basic legal background that guides their regulatory framework. We also explore the regulatory concept of the “right touch”: if the regulations are too harsh, then innovation is stifled and driven off shore - if regulations are too lax, then you invite a high level of fraud. The module ends with a general discussion of the future of Fintech, in particular, decentralized finance.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches foundational concepts in blockchain technology, from basic terms to advanced applications

Provides insights into the potential use cases and benefits of blockchain technology across various industries

Examines different consensus algorithms and their impact on blockchain implementations, providing a deeper understanding of the underlying technology

Helps learners evaluate the viability of blockchain-based ventures, a valuable skill for those interested in investing or working in the field

Covers essential aspects of blockchain technology, making it a suitable choice for beginners seeking a comprehensive introduction to the subject

Reviews summary

Well-received blockchain technology course

Learners say this course offers a great introduction to understanding the history, applications, and characteristics of Blockchain technology. Students praise the instructor, Cam Harvey, for his clear explanations and engaging delivery style. According to students, the course assumes little to no prior knowledge of Blockchain and is a solid foundation for further study. The primary focus of the course is on business models and applications across industries and the financial sector more specifically.

The course is well regarded by learners who are new to the subject.

"A perfect way to enter the world of blockchain."

"After comparing it with other blockchain courses I can say that this one really focuses on explaining what is the blockchain technology, its potential applications and risks associated."

"This was a great introduction into Blockchain technology."

The course is seen as successful in presenting Blockchain Business Models.

"Great course on Blockchain business models, rich syllabi and great explanation."

"Excellent course that perfectly introduce technical concepts of this difficult technology."

"This course is really a good start to understand basic of blockchain and cryptocurrencies."

Learners consistently remark about the logical flow and organization of course content.

"A very well structured course."

"Clearly, the teacher has made an effort to convey many ideas, some complex, in a friendly and accessible way."

"This is a very detailed course for someone enough curious to start the Blockchain path."

Professor Harvey is highly praised for his deep understanding and ability to simplify complex concepts.

"Cam Harvey is by far one of the clearest and most entertaining teachers I have seen in Coursera."

"Excellent course with detailed content of blockchain technology and its usage and applications."

"I thought that it was a very interesting course covering many complex topics in a simple and very understandable way."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blockchain Business Models with these activities:

Review Cryptography and Hashing

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Review your knowledge of cryptography and hashing to strengthen your understanding of how these concepts are used in blockchain technology.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Read through your notes or textbook on cryptography and hashing.
Complete practice problems or exercises on cryptography and hashing.
Attend a review session or workshop on cryptography and hashing.

Participate in Blockchain Discussion Groups

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Engage in discussions with peers and experts to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from others' perspectives on blockchain.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Join online or local blockchain discussion groups or forums.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
Attend webinars or meetups focused on blockchain topics.

Read 'Blockchain Revolution' by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

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Gain a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its potential impact on various industries and aspects of our lives.

View Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
Summarize key insights and implications for the future of blockchain.

Four other activities

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Explore Blockchain Development Platforms

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Familiarize yourself with different blockchain development platforms to gain a practical understanding of how blockchain works.

Browse courses on Blockchain Development

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Choose a blockchain development platform (e.g., Ethereum, Hyperledger).
Follow online tutorials or documentation to set up the development environment.
Build a simple blockchain application using the platform.

Practice Solving Blockchain Problems

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Engage in practice drills to reinforce your understanding of blockchain concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Find online coding challenges or practice problems related to blockchain.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
Compare your solutions with others or seek feedback from experts.

Develop a Blockchain Use Case Proposal

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Create a detailed proposal outlining a specific blockchain use case, highlighting its benefits and potential impact.

Browse courses on Blockchain Applications

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Identify a problem or opportunity that can be addressed by blockchain.
Research and analyze different blockchain applications and technologies.
Develop a comprehensive proposal outlining the use case, benefits, implementation plan, and potential impact.
Present your proposal to a group of peers or industry experts.

Contribute to Open Source Blockchain Projects

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Get hands-on experience with blockchain development and contribute to the open-source community.

Browse courses on Blockchain Development

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Identify open-source blockchain projects on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.
Submit a pull request with your contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain Business Models will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers create, implement, deploy, and manage blockchain networks and applications. They take a project from the concept stage, through design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. As a new and developing field, current roles are still defining responsibilities and expectations. They use various programming languages and frameworks, work with different blockchain protocols, and deploy applications to a variety of platforms. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* can help build a foundation for this role by providing a comprehensive understanding of the technology, its uses, and its potential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Cryptocurrency Trader

Cryptocurrency Traders buy and sell cryptocurrencies for profit. They research the market, identify trading opportunities, and execute trades. They may also provide advice to clients on cryptocurrency investments. This role requires a deep understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* can provide a strong foundation for this role by providing a comprehensive understanding of the technology, its uses, and its potential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Trader

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. They may also develop predictive models and machine learning algorithms. This role requires a strong foundation in statistics, computer science, and business knowledge. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to collect, store, and analyze data.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide advice to individuals and businesses on financial matters. They analyze financial data, make recommendations on investments, and develop financial plans. This role requires a strong understanding of financial markets, accounting, and economics. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. This role requires a strong foundation in computer science and software development. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to develop decentralized and secure software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development, launch, and marketing of products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring products to market that meet the needs of customers. This role requires a strong understanding of product development, marketing, and business strategy. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to create innovative and disruptive products.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to improve their business processes and make better decisions. They analyze data, identify problems, and develop solutions. This role requires a strong understanding of business analysis techniques and a deep understanding of the organization's business. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of business processes.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They work with marketing teams to create and implement marketing strategies that reach target audiences and achieve business goals. This role requires a strong understanding of marketing principles and a deep understanding of the target market. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to create innovative and targeted marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading sales teams and achieving sales goals. They work with sales teams to develop and execute sales strategies, motivate sales teams, and close deals. This role requires a strong understanding of sales techniques and a deep understanding of the target market. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of sales processes.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with teams to ensure that the organization is running smoothly and efficiently. This role requires a strong understanding of business operations and a deep understanding of the organization's goals. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of business operations.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for the management of human resources within an organization. They work with employees to ensure that they are happy and productive. This role requires a strong understanding of human resources principles and a deep understanding of the organization's culture. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of human resources processes.

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Accountant

Accountants are responsible for preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial statements. They work with clients to ensure that their financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations. This role requires a strong understanding of accounting principles and a deep understanding of the organization's financial situation. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of accounting processes.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. They work with clients to understand their legal rights and obligations, and to develop and implement legal strategies. This role requires a strong understanding of the law and a deep understanding of the client's legal issues. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of legal processes.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They work with students to develop their knowledge and skills, and to prepare them for further education or employment. This role requires a strong understanding of the subject matter and a deep understanding of the students' learning needs. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of educational processes.

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Doctor

Doctors diagnose and treat patients with illnesses and injuries. They work with patients to understand their medical history, perform physical examinations, and prescribe medications. This role requires a strong understanding of medicine and a deep understanding of the patient's medical condition. Courses like *Blockchain Business Models* may be useful in this role, as they provide an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of medical processes.

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