Blockchain Fundamentals: Understanding the Origins, Mechanisms, and Applications of Decentralized Systems from edX

In the past decade, the hype and disruption potential of blockchain technology has become increasingly popular. This course will address some of the key questions regarding blockchain such as its origins, working mechanisms, and technical features. It will enable you to gain an understanding of the types of blockchain and their characteristics and explore how cryptography, distributed systems, economics, and politics form the foundation upon which blockchain technology is built. You will discover the main reasons that led to the creation of a decentralized monetary network and dive into the origins of Bitcoin and how it works, including the intricacies of decentralizing chronological commitments. Finally, you will study blockchain tools and learn how to harness them to ensure an organization is poised for success.

What you'll learn

Understand blockchain and the technical pillars that underpin it.
Outline the difference between permissioned and permissionless blockchain networks.
Explore Bitcoin and how it achieved data decentralization, including the involvement of smart contracts and peer-to-peer networks.
Examine how scarcity influences the value of money and how this translates to blockchain-enabled crypto assets.
Review different blockchain technology-enabled tools and relevant blockchain applications.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Perhaps well-suited for individuals with backgrounds in Economics or Computer Science as a primer for the potential applications of blockchain technology

Taught by instructors who appear to possess significant experience in the domain of blockchain technology

Introduces essential blockchain technology concepts in a comprehensive manner

Provides learners with foundational knowledge of blockchain's potential impact on various industries

Delves into the intricacies of Bitcoin and its implications on the financial landscape

Empowers learners with practical tools and applications for blockchain implementation

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 Fundamentals: Understanding the Origins, Mechanisms, and Applications of Decentralized Systems with these activities:

Review cryptography and data structures

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Strengthen your understanding of foundational concepts that underpin blockchain technology.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Review the basics of cryptography.
Review the basics of data structures.
Practice solving problems related to cryptography and data structures.

Read 'Blockchain for Beginners' by Ivan on Tech

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Gain a foundational understanding of blockchain and its key concepts.

View Introduction to European Tax Law on Direct... on Amazon

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Read the first three chapters.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Summarize the main points in your own words.

Join a blockchain study group

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Connect with peers and engage in collaborative learning to deepen your understanding.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Find a blockchain study group online or in your local community.
Attend regular study sessions.
Discuss blockchain concepts and work on projects together.

Four other activities

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Solve blockchain practice problems on HackerRank

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Develop practical skills in implementing blockchain concepts.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Create a HackerRank account.
Search for blockchain practice problems.
Solve at least 5 problems.

Attend a blockchain workshop or conference

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Immerse yourself in the latest blockchain trends and connect with experts.

Browse courses on Blockchain Technology

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Research upcoming blockchain workshops or conferences.
Register for a workshop or conference that interests you.
Attend the event and engage with speakers and attendees.

Build a blockchain demo application

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Apply the concepts learned in the course to develop a tangible project demonstrating your understanding.

Browse courses on Blockchain Development

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Choose a simple blockchain use case.
Design the application architecture.
Implement the application.
Test the application.

Contribute to an open-source blockchain project

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the blockchain community.

Browse courses on Blockchain Development

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Find an open-source blockchain project that aligns with your interests.
Read the project documentation.
Contribute code or documentation to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain Fundamentals: Understanding the Origins, Mechanisms, and Applications of Decentralized Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cryptographer

A Cryptographer designs, implements, and applies techniques to protect information. They use knowledge of cryptography and security to ensure data remains confidential while also allowing for usability. This course will teach you about the technical pillars of a blockchain. You will also learn about the cryptography that underpins blockchains. This may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Cryptographer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographer

Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs, builds, and maintains IT systems. They work with teams to ensure that systems meet business needs. This course will teach you about the history, mechanisms, and use cases of a blockchain. It will also teach you about the technical pillars of a blockchain. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Systems Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. They work with architects and engineers to bring ideas to life. This course will teach you about the history, mechanisms, and use cases of a blockchain. It will also teach you about the technical pillars of a blockchain. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Software Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and develop solutions. This course will teach you about the history, mechanisms, and use cases of a blockchain. It will also teach you about the technical pillars of a blockchain. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Architect

A Software Architect designs and builds the architecture of software systems. They work with developers to ensure that systems are scalable, reliable, and secure. This course will teach you about the technical pillars of a blockchain. You will also learn about cryptography, distributed systems, and economics. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Software Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to uncover trends, patterns, and insights. They use statistical and machine learning techniques to provide business solutions. This course will teach you about blockchain tools. You will also learn about how economics and politics form the foundation of a blockchain. This will help you build the fundamentals for a career in Data Science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Risk Manager

A Risk Manager identifies, assesses, and manages risks. They work with leaders to develop and implement mitigation strategies. This course will teach you about the origins, mechanisms, and use cases of a blockchain. It will also teach you about the characteristics of permissioned and permissionless blockchain networks. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Risk Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Product Manager

A Product Manager leads the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring ideas to market. This course will teach you about the history, mechanisms, and use cases of a blockchain. It will also teach you about the characteristics of permissioned and permissionless blockchain networks. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Quantitative Analyst

A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data and make investment decisions. They develop and implement models to predict future trends. This course will teach you about cryptography and distributed systems. You will also learn about the economics and politics of blockchains. This may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Management Consultant

A Management Consultant helps companies to solve business problems and improve their performance. They help leaders to define and implement solutions. This course will teach you about the history, mechanisms, and use cases of a blockchain. It will also teach you about the characteristics of permissioned and permissionless blockchain networks. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Management Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Technology Consultant

A Technology Consultant advises clients on the use of technology. They help businesses to identify and implement solutions. This course will teach you about the origins, mechanisms, and use cases of a blockchain. It will also teach you about the characteristics of permissioned and permissionless blockchain networks. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Technology Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Consultant

Research Analyst

A Research Analyst conducts research and analyzes data to provide insights and recommendations. They work with clients to develop and implement solutions. This course will teach you about the origins, mechanisms, and use cases of a blockchain. It will also teach you about the characteristics of permissioned and permissionless blockchain networks. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as a Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst explores a company's business model in order to identify opportunities for growth. They will work with leaders and stakeholders to implement solutions. While this course provides no direct solutions for business, you will learn how decentralization works. Decentralized systems can provide solutions to organizational problems. This may lead you to a career in business. Especially if you have business experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst examines and evaluates financial data. They make recommendations on investments and business decisions. This course will teach you about the origins of Bitcoin. You will also learn about decentralization and how it impacts value. This may lead you to a career as a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

IT Auditor

An IT Auditor verifies the reliability of an organization's financial and operational data. They work to ensure adherence to regulations and internal policies. This course will teach you about the technical pillars of a blockchain. This knowledge may help you build the fundamentals for a career as an IT Auditor.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Blockchain Fundamentals

Understanding the Origins, Mechanisms, and Applications of Decentralized Systems

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