Transacting on the Blockchain from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Digital Assets

Blockchain is the first native digital medium for value. Consequently, we are witnessing one of the largest transformations of wealth in human history—from paper-based analog assets to digital ones. In this module, students will learn about nine different kinds of cryptoassets, including cryptocurrencies, protocol tokens, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), stablecoins, securities tokens, governance tokens, exchange tokens, natural asset tokens, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Smart Contracts

In this module, you will learn what smart contracts are and how they work. We will discuss how blockchain-based smart contracts can enable individuals and organizations to reduce transaction costs, minimize the need for third-party intermediaries, and improve productivity, security, and privacy.

Identity

Accessing large, centralized systems such as email, health insurance, or a bank account requires the provision of various identifiers—for example, government-issued ID cards, self-selected passwords, or biometric data. However, identifier-based systems are problematic—both administratively and philosophically. In this module you will learn about five problems with identifier-based systems and explain how a distributed self-sovereign identity system, deployed on the blockchain, can resolve many of these issues.

Rethinking Finance

The current global financial system is riddled with inefficiencies, uneven developments and bizarre contradictions. Blockchain technology has the potential to bring about profound changes to financial services. In this module, you will learn how blockchain technology will disrupt the core functions of the financial services industry, offering individuals and organizations alike real choices in how they create and manage value.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines blockchain's potential to distribute power and create a more equitable economy

Taught by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott, recognized experts in blockchain and digital transformation

Covers a comprehensive range of topics, including cryptoassets, smart contracts, identity systems, and financial disruption

Suitable for individuals with little to no prior knowledge of blockchain

May require additional research or external resources for more in-depth exploration of specific topics

Reviews summary

Informative introduction to blockchain transactions

learners say this well-structured course offers a good overview of the concepts related to transacting on the blockchain. The course covers key principles, such as smart contracts, cryptoassets, and self-sovereign identity. Reviewers appreciate the easy-to-understand explanations, relevant readings, and engaging instructors. However, some note that the material is outdated and could benefit from more practical examples. Overall, this course is largely positive and recommended for those seeking a solid introduction to the topic.

Provides additional resources for further learning.

"there are good readings recommendations to go further."

"The only disadvantage i see is that Don & Alex repeats the same concepts over and over for multiple topics, this was a bit annoying."

"What i really like is the quality of readings that they provide after each topic."

Covers a wide range of relevant topics.

"This course give actionable insight into key domains of transactions in Blockchain."

"It is an excellent course that addresses the technical aspects related to blockchain very well in a good tone that is very easy to understand."

"The course is an excellent one with multiple new aspects of upcoming modern technology in the field of Finance (Blockchain)"

Instructors are experts in the field.

"Alex and Don are very professional and great instructors."

"I see a lot of potential in my personal life and business to use Blockchain technology to raise capital for some ideas that I have as well as to implement Smart Contracts..."

"Great course indeed! I just loved it."

Well organized and easy to comprehend.

"Very easy to understand, had day-to-day examples to relate to the topic."

"The course is not made for developers or programmers."

"Even without prior knowledge, you can follow along well and understand what is said."

Could provide more hands-on examples.

"Could be more practical with tools"

"no mention of implementation"

"not a great deal of useful/hands-on or how to information."

Some concepts are not up to date.

"In principle very good, however the material must be updated."

"Its very outdated"

"Very high level - not so much new vs the book I read several years ago"

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 Transacting on the Blockchain with these activities:

Read: Digital Gold

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Deepen your understanding of the origins and evolution of Bitcoin and blockchain technology, providing a solid foundation for the course content.

View The Trolls of Wall Street on Amazon

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Acquire the book in your preferred format (physical, e-book, or audiobook).
Allocate dedicated time for reading, aiming to complete the book within the suggested timeframe.
Take notes or highlight key concepts and insights while reading.
Engage with the authors' perspectives and arguments, considering their implications for the industry.

Follow Online Tutorials on Ethereum Smart Contract Development

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Gain hands-on experience in smart contract development by following guided tutorials, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Browse courses on Smart Contracts

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Identify reputable online platforms or courses that offer Ethereum smart contract development tutorials.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, implementing the concepts and techniques explained.
Experiment with different smart contract functionalities and applications.
Seek assistance from online forums or communities if you encounter difficulties.

Solve Blockchain-Related Coding Problems

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Enhance your practical skills in blockchain development by solving coding problems, reinforcing your understanding of the underlying technology.

Browse courses on Smart Contract Development

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Identify online platforms or resources that offer blockchain-related coding problems.
Select problems that align with your skill level and interests.
Implement solutions to the problems using appropriate programming languages and tools.
Review and analyze your solutions for accuracy and efficiency.

Four other activities

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Design a Blockchain-Based Solution for a Real-World Problem

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Apply your knowledge of smart contracts and blockchain principles to a practical scenario, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Browse courses on Smart Contracts

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Identify a specific problem or challenge in a domain of your interest.
Research and explore how blockchain technology could potentially address the identified problem.
Design a blockchain-based solution, outlining the system architecture, key components, and implementation details.
Develop a prototype or proof-of-concept to demonstrate the feasibility of your solution.

Attend a Blockchain Workshop or Conference

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Stay up-to-date with the latest blockchain developments and connect with industry experts, broadening your knowledge and professional network.

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Research upcoming blockchain workshops or conferences in your area.
Select an event that aligns with your interests and learning objectives.
Attend the event, actively participate in sessions, and engage with speakers and attendees.
Follow up with new connections and explore potential collaborations.

Create a Visual Guide to Blockchain Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of blockchain concepts by creating visual representations, promoting deeper engagement with the material.

Browse courses on Blockchain Fundamentals

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Identify the key concepts you want to visualize.
Choose a suitable visual format, such as diagrams, flowcharts, or infographics.
Design and create the visual guide, ensuring clarity and simplicity.
Share your visual guide with peers or online communities for feedback and discussion.

Develop a Whitepaper on the Potential Impact of Blockchain on a Chosen Industry

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Research and analyze the potential impact of blockchain on a specific industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technology and its implications.

Browse courses on Blockchain Applications

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Select an industry that interests you and has the potential to be disrupted by blockchain.
Conduct thorough research on the industry, its current challenges, and how blockchain could address them.
Develop a well-structured whitepaper outlining your findings, analysis, and recommendations.
Disseminate your whitepaper to relevant stakeholders, including industry professionals and policymakers.

Career center

Learners who complete Transacting on the Blockchain will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Engineer

The course covers blockchain technology and its potential to transform many industries. Gaining foundational knowledge of blockchain through this course can aid Blockchain Engineers in designing, developing, and deploying blockchain-based solutions. It can also help them stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in this rapidly evolving field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Engineer

Smart Contract Developer

This course introduces smart contracts, their functionalities, and their applications. Smart Contract Developers can leverage the knowledge gained from this course to write and deploy secure and efficient smart contracts that automate processes and streamline operations within various industries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Smart Contract Developer

Cryptocurrency Trader

The course provides a comprehensive overview of cryptoassets, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and non-fungible tokens. Cryptocurrency Traders can benefit from this course by gaining insights into the different types of cryptoassets, their value drivers, and trading strategies.

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Financial Analyst

This course explores the potential of blockchain technology to disrupt the financial services industry. Financial Analysts can use this knowledge to stay ahead of the curve and understand how blockchain can impact their field. The course also covers new financial business models, which can be valuable for analysts seeking to identify emerging investment opportunities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

The course provides insights into the current global financial system and how blockchain can bring about profound changes. Investment Bankers can leverage this knowledge to better advise their clients on blockchain-related investments and navigate the evolving landscape of the financial markets.

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Venture Capitalist

This course covers the latest trends in blockchain technology and its potential to create new investment opportunities. Venture Capitalists can use this knowledge to identify promising blockchain startups and make informed investment decisions.

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Entrepreneur

This course emphasizes the role of blockchain in leveling the playing field and enabling entrepreneurs to participate in the value they create. Entrepreneurs can benefit from the course by gaining insights into how they can leverage blockchain to launch innovative products and services.

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Consultant

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges of the current financial system and how blockchain can offer solutions. Consultants can utilize this knowledge to advise their clients on implementing blockchain-based solutions that improve efficiency, transparency, and security.

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Researcher

This course provides a foundation in blockchain technology and its applications. Researchers can use this knowledge to conduct深入 in the field and explore the potential of blockchain to solve complex problems.

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Digital Identity Specialist

This course covers distributed self-sovereign identity systems and their potential to resolve various problems with identifier-based systems. Digital Identity Specialists can benefit from the course by gaining insights into the latest advancements in digital identity and how they can develop and deploy secure and privacy-preserving identity solutions.

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Data Scientist

This course may be useful for Data Scientists who are interested in exploring blockchain technology for data management, security, and analytics. The course provides an overview of how blockchain can be used to create decentralized and tamper-proof data systems.

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Software Engineer

This course may be helpful for Software Engineers who are interested in developing blockchain-based applications. The course provides a foundation in blockchain concepts, smart contracts, and decentralized applications.

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Risk Manager

This course may be useful for Risk Managers who are interested in understanding the risks and opportunities associated with blockchain technology. The course provides insights into the security and regulatory landscape of blockchain, which can help Risk Managers develop effective risk management strategies.

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Business Analyst

This course may be useful for Business Analysts who are interested in exploring the business applications of blockchain technology. The course provides an overview of how blockchain can be used to improve efficiency, transparency, and security in various industries.

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Marketing Manager

This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who are interested in understanding the potential of blockchain technology for marketing and advertising. The course provides insights into how blockchain can be used to create targeted and personalized marketing campaigns, improve customer engagement, and build brand loyalty.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager