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Stefano M. Stefan
Continue learning about blockchain technology by diving into the nature of ownership and how the blockchain is one way to approach decentralized transaction handling. This course also demystifies cryptography and hashing, which are critical for authenticating users and guaranteeing transaction privacy.
This course requires the purchase of two books for the completion of assignments:
Drescher, D. (2017). Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps. (ISBN-13: 978-1484226032)
Antonoupoulos, A. M. (2017). The Internet of Money, Volume Two. (ISBN-13: 978-1947910065)
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cnukfh/cryptography
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Nature of Ownership
This week we will examine and study the ways that the blockchain keeps track of ownership transactions through the use of electronic ledgers. After an item changes hands many times, one can literally see each handoff by looking at the continuously growing string of data blocks in the blockchain.
Read more
Syllabus
The Nature of Ownership
This week we will examine and study the ways that the blockchain keeps track of ownership transactions through the use of electronic ledgers. After an item changes hands many times, one can literally see each handoff by looking at the continuously growing string of data blocks in the blockchain.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces blockchain technology, which is a rapidly growing field, and has applications in various industries
Helps learners understand the nature of ownership, which is a foundational concept in blockchain technology
Demystifies cryptography and hashing, which are essential for authenticating users and securing transactions on the blockchain
Provides a hands-on approach to applying hashes, which helps learners develop a practical understanding of this key blockchain concept
Requires the purchase of two books, which can be an additional expense for learners
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Reviews summary
Overview of cryptography and hashing
According to learners, this course provides a good conceptual overview of blockchain basics, cryptography, and hashing, making complex topics more accessible, especially for newcomers. Many students found it a helpful introduction that effectively demystifies core ideas. However, the course mandates the purchase of two external books, which adds to the cost and generated mixed opinions on their necessity and integration. Some felt the course material did not stand alone and relied too heavily on the books for assignments and understanding, while others found the books useful supplements. The depth of coverage, particularly for cryptography and hashing, was perceived differently, with some finding it clear and sufficient for an overview, and others wishing for more detail or clarity.
Depth is suitable for beginners, too basic for others.
"As someone new to the subject, the pace and depth felt just right for me."
"If you have any prior technical background, this course might feel too superficial."
"Felt like it only skimmed the surface of the topics covered."
"Perfect depth for an overview course, exactly what I was looking for."
Excellent for newcomers to the topic.
"Provides a solid foundation for absolute beginners in blockchain technology."
"Helped me understand complex terms like hashing and how they function."
"A great starting point if you know nothing about this stuff, clearly explained."
"Offers a really good high-level overview of the concepts involved."
Some found this section confusing or rushed.
"The hashing explanation was very clear and easy to follow."
"I struggled to fully grasp the cryptography concepts presented in the later weeks."
"Could use more examples and practical demonstrations on hashing applications."
"Felt the crypto part was a bit rushed and needed more detailed explanation."
Two external books are required, adding cost.
"Didn't like being forced to buy two external books to complete the course."
"The assignments seemed to rely heavily on the external readings from the required texts."
"Plan for the extra cost of the books; they are definitely needed for the quizzes."
"While the books were an added expense, I found them to be quite helpful supplements to the videos."
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 Cryptography and Hashing Overview with these
activities:
Review blockchain technology basics
Show steps
Start by reviewing the basics of blockchain technology, its history, and its applications.
Browse courses on
Blockchain
Show steps
-
Read about the history and development of blockchain technology.
-
Understand the key concepts of blockchain, such as decentralization, immutability, and transparency.
-
Explore different types of blockchain platforms and their use cases.
Join a blockchain study group or discussion forum
Show steps
Connect with other learners to discuss concepts, share insights, and support each other's learning.
Show steps
-
Find a study group or discussion forum that focuses on blockchain technology.
-
Join the group and actively participate in discussions.
-
Ask questions, share your thoughts, and engage with other members.
Follow tutorials on cryptography and hashing
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of cryptography and hashing, which are essential concepts for blockchain security.
Browse courses on
Cryptography
Show steps
-
Find online tutorials or courses that explain the basics of cryptography and hashing.
-
Learn about different cryptographic algorithms and their applications in blockchain.
-
Practice implementing hashing algorithms and verifying digital signatures.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve blockchain coding challenges
Show steps
Practice implementing blockchain concepts by solving coding challenges and building small blockchain applications.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
-
Find online coding challenges or tutorials that focus on blockchain development.
-
Implement blockchain concepts such as creating transactions, blocks, and mining in your code.
-
Test and debug your code to ensure it works as expected.
Attend a blockchain hackathon or workshop
Show steps
Immerse yourself in the blockchain community and learn from experts by attending a hackathon or workshop.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
-
Find a blockchain hackathon or workshop that aligns with your interests.
-
Register for the event and prepare to collaborate with other participants.
-
Attend the event and actively participate in the activities.
Network with blockchain professionals
Show steps
Build connections with people working in the blockchain industry to gain insights and explore career opportunities.
Show steps
-
Attend industry events and conferences where blockchain professionals gather.
-
Introduce yourself to people and initiate conversations about blockchain.
-
Follow up with contacts you make and nurture relationships.
Write a blog post or article about a blockchain application
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of blockchain by writing about a specific application or use case.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Applications
Show steps
-
Choose a blockchain application or use case that interests you.
-
Research the topic and gather information from reliable sources.
-
Write an engaging blog post or article that explains the application, its benefits, and potential challenges.
Create a portfolio of blockchain resources
Show steps
Organize and review your notes, assignments, and other materials to improve retention and understanding.
Show steps
-
Gather all your course materials, including notes, assignments, presentations, and readings.
-
Organize the materials into a logical structure, such as by topic or module.
-
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
Review blockchain technology basics
Show steps
Start by reviewing the basics of blockchain technology, its history, and its applications.
Browse courses on
Blockchain
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read about the history and development of blockchain technology.
- Understand the key concepts of blockchain, such as decentralization, immutability, and transparency.
- Explore different types of blockchain platforms and their use cases.
Join a blockchain study group or discussion forum
Show steps
Connect with other learners to discuss concepts, share insights, and support each other's learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or discussion forum that focuses on blockchain technology.
- Join the group and actively participate in discussions.
- Ask questions, share your thoughts, and engage with other members.
Follow tutorials on cryptography and hashing
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of cryptography and hashing, which are essential concepts for blockchain security.
Browse courses on
Cryptography
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online tutorials or courses that explain the basics of cryptography and hashing.
- Learn about different cryptographic algorithms and their applications in blockchain.
- Practice implementing hashing algorithms and verifying digital signatures.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve blockchain coding challenges
Show steps
Practice implementing blockchain concepts by solving coding challenges and building small blockchain applications.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online coding challenges or tutorials that focus on blockchain development.
- Implement blockchain concepts such as creating transactions, blocks, and mining in your code.
- Test and debug your code to ensure it works as expected.
Attend a blockchain hackathon or workshop
Show steps
Immerse yourself in the blockchain community and learn from experts by attending a hackathon or workshop.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a blockchain hackathon or workshop that aligns with your interests.
- Register for the event and prepare to collaborate with other participants.
- Attend the event and actively participate in the activities.
Network with blockchain professionals
Show steps
Build connections with people working in the blockchain industry to gain insights and explore career opportunities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend industry events and conferences where blockchain professionals gather.
- Introduce yourself to people and initiate conversations about blockchain.
- Follow up with contacts you make and nurture relationships.
Write a blog post or article about a blockchain application
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of blockchain by writing about a specific application or use case.
Browse courses on
Blockchain Applications
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a blockchain application or use case that interests you.
- Research the topic and gather information from reliable sources.
- Write an engaging blog post or article that explains the application, its benefits, and potential challenges.
Create a portfolio of blockchain resources
Show steps
Organize and review your notes, assignments, and other materials to improve retention and understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all your course materials, including notes, assignments, presentations, and readings.
- Organize the materials into a logical structure, such as by topic or module.
- Review the materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
Career center
Learners who complete Cryptography and Hashing Overview will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts help to protect companies from cyber attacks, such as hacking and data breaches.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers help to identify vulnerabilities in a company's IT systems.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts help to protect companies from cyber attacks, such as hacking and data breaches.
IT Auditor
IT Auditor
IT Auditors ensure that a company's IT systems are operating in a secure and efficient manner.
Security Engineer
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, build, and maintain security systems.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems.
Network Engineer
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, build, and maintain computer networks.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design, build, and maintain websites.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze data to help companies make informed decisions.
IT Consultant
IT Consultant
IT Consultants help companies to improve their IT systems and processes.
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers design, build, and maintain software applications.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts strive to identify the most efficient and effective way to complete a business process.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts help companies make investment decisions.
Auditor
Auditor
Auditors ensure a company is operating in a financially responsible manner, without errors.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cnukfh/cryptography
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Cryptography and Hashing Overview.
Save
Classic in the field of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. It provides a deep dive into the technical details of Bitcoin, including its cryptography, consensus mechanisms, and transaction processing.
Save
Provides a practical guide to blockchain development. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of blockchain to the development of smart contracts and decentralized applications.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, its potential applications, and the challenges it faces.
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, covering its principles, applications, and challenges. It good starting point for those who want to learn more about blockchain technology.
Provides a comprehensive guide to investing in cryptocurrencies. It covers everything from the basics of cryptocurrency trading to the latest investment strategies.
Save
Beginner-friendly introduction to blockchain technology. It covers the basics of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other blockchain platforms.
Comprehensive guide to blockchain technology for non-technical readers. It covers everything from the basics of blockchain to the latest developments in the field.
Provides an overview of the cryptocurrency market, including the different types of cryptocurrencies, how they work, and how to invest in them.
Save
Explores the potential of blockchain technology to transform a wide range of industries, from finance to healthcare to supply chain management.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cnukfh/cryptography
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Effort
9 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Instructor
Stefano M. Stefan
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Blockchain. It's comprised of four courses:
- Cryptography and Hashing Overview (viewing)
- The Blockchain
- The Blockchain System
- The Merkle Tree and Cryptocurrencies
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