Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Blockchain Foundations

In this module we will cover the following topics: 1. Why are People Excited About Blockchain? 2.The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain 3.The Move to Decentralization 4. Ledgers, Distributed Ledgers, and Consensus 5. What is Blockchain? The reading materials will help you to expand your knowledge of the materials presented in this module. There is an assessment at the end of this module. You need to achieve 80% or higher to pass and receive the Course Certificate.

Module 2: The Technical Side

In this module we will cover the following topics: Cryptography, Hash Functions, Public Key Cryptography and Signing, Blocks and Blockchain, the Chain, Nodes and Network. The reading materials will help you to expand your knowledge of the materials presented in this module. There is an assessment at the end of this module. You need to achieve 80% or higher to pass and receive the Course Certificate.

Module 3: Blockchain in Use

Welcome to the Blockchain in Use module. In this module we will cover the following topics: Introduction, Trust Framework and Consensus Mechanisms, Public, Consortium, Private Blockchains, Blockchain Interoperability, When to Use a Blockchain (Limitations and Misconceptions), Implications of Blockchain on Traditional Business. The reading materials will help you to expand your knowledge of the materials presented in this module. There is an assessment at the end of this module. You need to achieve 80% or higher to pass and receive the Course Certificate.

Module 4: Further Topics

In this module we will cover the following topics: Introduction, Bitcoin and Ethereum, Ethereum, Smart Contracts, Cryptocurrency Tokens, Wallets and the Marketplaces, and Implications on Traditional Businesses. The reading materials will help you to expand your knowledge of the materials presented in this module. There is an assessment at the end of this module. You need to achieve 80% or higher to pass and receive the Course Certificate.

Module 5: Use Cases

In this module we will review the following use cases: Self-Sovereign Identity and Reputation, Ownership and Governance, Supply Chain and Asset Tracking, and Royalties in the Music Industry.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves deeper into Ethereum and its capabilities, beyond the concepts of Bitcoin

Suitable for beginners and non-technical individuals seeking an introduction to blockchain

Taught by experienced instructors from ConsenSys Academy, a recognized institution in the blockchain space

Covers practical use cases from businesses within the ConsenSys portfolio

Facilitates analysis and development of a blockchain use case for hands-on experience

Requires a basic understanding of cryptography and technical concepts

Reviews summary

Introduction to blockchain technology

Learners say that this largely positive course provides a well structured introduction to the basic concepts of blockchain technology. Students especially liked the course's clear explanations, visual aids, and case studies. Some students felt that the course was biased towards Ethereum, but most felt that beginners as well as students interested in the foundations of blockchain will learn from the course.

Real-world examples showcasing blockchain use cases.

"This course made me understand use cases of blockchain . The exercise provided in this course makes it sure that you understand use cases properly."

"The week ends with you making your own use case using everything you learned from the case studies and the prior weeks."

"The fifth week is perhaps the best week of the course as the case studies do a great job giving you a feel of everything you've studied in the first four weeks."

Engaging and helpful for conceptualizing blockchain components.

"This course is EXTREMELY aesthetically pleasing. The visuals, audio quality, and information organization are incredible."

"Videos are short and to-the-point, readings are manageable, and the pacing is beginner-friendly"

"The visuals, audio quality, and information organization are incredible. This course is light on lecturing, preferring to convey information instead with interactive graphs, which is helpful for complete newbies to Blockchain technology to conceptualize how each component within the blockchain works"

Well designed with clear explanations and visual aids.

"The course material is very well structured, which makes it easy to follow and understand the content"

"The Consensys Blockchain fundamentals course was very informative and interesting. It broke out the details of blockchain in ways that was very enlightening for me."

"It touches upon the concepts in a very lucid manner."

Course heavily favors Ethereum and Consensys technologies.

"The course is biased. Consensys is a Blockchain Software Development company that builds on Ethereum."

"Consensys high stakes both in Blockchain Development, and in Ethereum. Therefore, the entire course is highly pro-Blockchain and pro-Ethereum"

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: Foundations and Use Cases with these activities:

Join a Blockchain Study Group

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Engaging with a study group will provide you with opportunities to discuss blockchain concepts, share knowledge, and learn from others.

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Reach out to fellow students, colleagues, or online communities to form or join a study group.
Set regular meeting times and establish a communication platform.
Take turns leading discussions on different blockchain topics.
Share resources, articles, and insights with the group.

Review Course Syllabus

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Having a good understanding of everything that you'll be expected to know by the end of your course is critical to your success. Review the syllabus thoroughly to enable yourself to better focus your efforts.

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Download the syllabus from the course site.
Read and make note of deadlines for assignments, projects, and exams.
Mark down the topics that will be covered each week.
Note any books, articles, or other materials that will be required reading for the course.
Reach out to the instructor with any questions you have about the syllabus or course content.

Module 1: Create a Blockchain Diagram

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Creating a visual representation of a blockchain will enhance your comprehension of its structure and operation.

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Identify the key components of a blockchain, such as blocks, nodes, and miners.
Use a drawing tool or software to create a diagram that illustrates the relationships between these components.
Label each component and explain its role in the blockchain process.
Consider adding arrows or other visual elements to show the flow of data and transactions.

Five other activities

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Module 4: Crytographic Hash Function Exercises

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Practice using cryptographic hash functions to strengthen your understanding of their role in blockchain security.

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Find a cryptographic hash function online tool.
Input various pieces of text or data into the tool.
Observe the resulting hash values.
Note the unique and irreversible nature of the hash values.

Module 3: Blockchain Business Case Analysis

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Analyzing a blockchain business case will help you evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of implementing blockchain in different industry contexts.

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Choose a specific industry or sector where blockchain could have a significant impact.
Identify a specific business problem or opportunity that blockchain could address.
Research existing blockchain solutions or projects in the chosen industry.
Develop a business case that outlines the potential value and return on investment of implementing a blockchain solution.

Assist in Blockchain Project

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Practical experience in a real-world blockchain project will provide valuable insights and augment your theoretical knowledge.

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Identify open-source blockchain projects or initiatives in your area of interest.
Reach out to the project leaders and express your interest in volunteering.
Contribute to the project by performing tasks such as code review, testing, or documentation writing.
Attend project meetings and engage in discussions to gain a deeper understanding of the project's goals and challenges.

Develop a Blockchain Proof-of-Concept

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Building a simple blockchain proof-of-concept will allow you to apply your knowledge and gain hands-on experience in blockchain development.

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Choose a specific problem or use case that you want to address with your blockchain solution.
Design the architecture of your blockchain, including the data structures, consensus mechanism, and transaction processing logic.
Implement your blockchain using a programming language or framework of your choice.
Test your blockchain thoroughly to ensure its functionality and security.
Document your project and share your findings with others.

Mentor Junior Blockchain Enthusiasts

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Mentoring others not only reinforces your own understanding of blockchain but also contributes to the growth of the blockchain community.

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior students, colleagues, or individuals interested in blockchain.
Share your knowledge and experience through one-on-one sessions or group workshops.
Provide guidance on blockchain concepts, tools, and resources.
Encourage mentees to ask questions and engage in discussions.

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Developer

As a Blockchain Developer, you will design, develop, and manage blockchain solutions for businesses and organizations. You will use your knowledge of blockchain technology, acquired through this course, to create innovative and secure applications. This course will provide you with a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of blockchain, enabling you to understand the underlying concepts and principles. You will also learn about the various blockchain platforms and their capabilities, preparing you to make informed decisions about which platform to use for your projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Consultant

Consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to improve their operations and achieve their goals. They use their expertise in a particular field, such as blockchain technology, to help businesses make informed decisions about how to implement and use blockchain solutions. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its potential applications. You will learn about the benefits and limitations of blockchain, as well as the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities. This knowledge will equip you to advise businesses on how to use blockchain to solve their business problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to identify trends and patterns, and to make predictions about the future. They use their skills in data analysis to help businesses make informed decisions about how to operate and grow. This course will teach you how to analyze blockchain data and identify trends. You will also learn about the different types of blockchain data and how to use data analysis tools to extract insights from the data. This course will help you to build a foundation in data analysis and prepare you for a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Investment Analyst

Investment Analysts research and analyze investments to make recommendations to clients about whether to buy, sell, or hold a particular investment. They use their knowledge of financial markets and investment strategies to help clients make informed investment decisions. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in the financial industry. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed investment decisions and advise clients on how to invest in blockchain-related assets.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products. They work with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in product development. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to develop and improve products.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and manage projects. They work with teams of people to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in project management. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to manage projects and deliver successful outcomes.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use their knowledge of computer science and programming to create software that meets the needs of users. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in software development. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to develop and improve software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts research, plan, and implement computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in systems analysis. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to develop and implement effective computer systems.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. They use their writing skills to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise way. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to write clear and informative documentation about blockchain technology and its applications.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts research and analyze financial data to make recommendations about investments. They use their knowledge of financial markets and investment strategies to help clients make informed investment decisions. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in the financial industry. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed investment decisions and advise clients on how to invest in blockchain-related assets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts research and analyze business processes to identify areas for improvement. They use their knowledge of business analysis techniques and tools to help businesses improve their operations and achieve their goals. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in business analysis. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to improve business processes and achieve business goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They use their knowledge of marketing principles and techniques to reach target audiences and achieve marketing goals. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in marketing. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to develop and implement effective marketing campaigns.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and manage sales teams to achieve sales goals. They use their knowledge of sales techniques and strategies to develop and implement effective sales plans. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in sales. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to develop and implement effective sales strategies.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers plan and execute operations to achieve business goals. They use their knowledge of operations management techniques and tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in operations management. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to improve operations and achieve business goals.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers plan and execute human resources programs to attract and retain employees. They use their knowledge of human resources management techniques and tools to create a positive and productive work environment. This course will provide you with a foundation in blockchain technology and its potential applications in human resources management. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms and their capabilities, as well as the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology. This knowledge will equip you to make informed decisions about how to use blockchain to improve human resources processes and achieve human resources goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager