Web3 and Blockchain Fundamentals from Coursera

There is a lot of hype around Web3 and blockchain. As with any disruptive technology, there are many competing sources of information. But if we look beyond the hype and mania—not to mention the fear, uncertainty, and doubt—we see something profound happening. We are witnessing one of the largest transformations of wealth in human history—from paper-based analog assets to digital ones. Blockchain represents the first native digital medium for value, and is foundational to the next generation of the Internet—also known as Web3.

In this short course you’ll learn what Web3 is, and how it differs from Web1 and Web2 in important ways. You’ll explore blockchain as the foundational technology for the Web3 era, and will learn about key concepts, such as digital assets (tokens), smart contracts, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and the blockchain “trilemma.” You will be able to describe seven principles for the design of blockchain-based systems, and seven challenge areas associated with implementing blockchain technology. You will be able to identify the questions one must consider when deciding whether or not blockchain is appropriate for a particular problem or use-case, and you will be able to describe some real-world examples of companies that have integrated blockchain into their business models.

This course is non-technical (i.e. no coding required) and is intended for a broad audience. The video material for these courses includes content from our “Blockchain Revolution Specialization” and “Web3 and Blockchain in Global Commerce Specialization,” which has been remixed and re-edited for the purposes of this short course.

What's inside

Syllabus

Web3 and Blockchain Fundamentals

In this module, you’ll learn what Web3 is, and how it differs from Web1 and Web2 in important ways. You’ll explore blockchain as the foundational technology for the Web3 era, and will learn about key concepts such as digital assets (tokens), smart contracts, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and the blockchain “trilemma.” By the end of this module, you’ll be able to describe seven blockchain design principles, as well as seven challenge areas associated with implementing blockchain technology. You’ll be able to identify the questions one must consider when determining whether blockchain is appropriate for a particular business problem or use-case. You’ll also be able to describe some real-world examples of companies that have integrated blockchain into their business models.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the basics of Web3 and blockchain technology, making it accessible to beginners

Taught by recognized experts in the field, Alex Tapscott, Don Tapscott, and Alisa Acosta

Covers key concepts such as digital assets, smart contracts, and decentralized autonomous organizations

Provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing blockchain technology

Helps learners identify when blockchain is appropriate for a particular problem or use-case

Includes real-world examples of companies using blockchain in their business models

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 Web3 and Blockchain Fundamentals with these activities:

Create a Comprehensive Resource Bank

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Helps you gather and organize resources related to Web3 and blockchain, making them readily accessible for future reference and learning.

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Collect articles, tutorials, videos, and other resources
Categorize and organize the resources by topic or theme
Store the resources in a central location, such as a digital notebook or cloud-based folder

Review Basic Computer Science Concepts

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Helps refresh your understanding of foundational computer science concepts, making it easier to grasp more advanced topics in Web3 and blockchain.

Browse courses on Data Structures

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Review notes or textbooks on data structures and algorithms
Solve practice problems on coding platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank

Read 'Blockchain Revolution' by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

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Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its potential impact on various industries, aligning with the course's focus on Web3 and blockchain applications.

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

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read and take notes on key concepts and applications
Reflect on how the ideas presented relate to the course content

Five other activities

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Follow Tutorials on Blockchain Development

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Provides hands-on experience with blockchain development, allowing you to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.

Browse courses on Solidity

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Find reputable tutorials on platforms like Udemy or Coursera
Follow step-by-step instructions to build and deploy smart contracts
Experiment with different blockchain networks and tools

Join a Blockchain Study Group

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Engages you in discussions and knowledge sharing with peers, reinforcing your understanding of Web3 and blockchain concepts.

Browse courses on Web3

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Search for online or local blockchain study groups
Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions
Share your knowledge and learn from others' perspectives

Practice Designing and Implementing Blockchain Solutions

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Gives you practical experience in designing and implementing blockchain solutions, solidifying your understanding of blockchain technology.

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Identify a problem or use case suitable for a blockchain solution
Design a blockchain architecture and smart contracts
Implement the solution using a blockchain development framework
Test and evaluate the solution's functionality and security

Write a Blog Post on a Web3 or Blockchain Topic

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Encourages you to synthesize your knowledge and share your understanding of Web3 and blockchain with others, deepening your comprehension of the subject.

Browse courses on Blockchain Use Cases

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Choose a specific topic related to Web3 or blockchain
Research the topic thoroughly and gather relevant information
Write a blog post that clearly explains the topic and shares your insights

Participate in a Blockchain Hackathon

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Provides a challenging and immersive experience where you can apply your blockchain skills to solve real-world problems and showcase your abilities.

Browse courses on Blockchain Development

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Find and register for a relevant blockchain hackathon
Form a team or collaborate with other participants
Develop and submit a blockchain solution within the given timeframe

Career center

Learners who complete Web3 and Blockchain Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers design, build, and maintain blockchain-based systems. As one of the foundational technologies for the next generation of the Internet, known as Web3, this course provides an excellent starting point for new and aspiring Blockchain Developers who wish to create digital assets, manage smart contracts, and contribute to the future architecture of the Internet.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Web3 Developer

Web3 Developers build and maintain decentralized applications in the new paradigm shift of the Internet. By fostering an understanding of the principles and challenges associated with blockchain, this course may help aspiring Web3 Developers in their pursuit of acquiring foundational knowledge needed for the next generation of the Web.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web3 Developer

Blockchain Engineer

Blockchain Engineers design, build and manage blockchain solutions for various use cases. This course helps build a foundation for aspiring Blockchain Engineers with no prior experience by covering foundational blockchain concepts such as digital assets, smart contracts, decentralized autonomous organizations, and the blockchain trilemma.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology such as digital assets and smart contracts, which are increasingly used in data-driven applications. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Data Scientists make informed decisions when designing and implementing data-driven solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain, which is becoming increasingly relevant in software development. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Software Engineers make informed decisions when designing and implementing software solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which is increasingly used in project management. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Project Managers make informed decisions when managing blockchain-based projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which is becoming increasingly used in enterprise systems. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Systems Analysts make informed decisions when designing and implementing new systems or upgrading existing ones.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which has the potential to transform business operations. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Business Analysts make informed decisions when recommending new technologies or processes for their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which is becoming increasingly used in product development. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Product Managers make informed decisions when designing and launching new products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which is increasingly used in the financial industry. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Investment Bankers make informed decisions when advising clients on blockchain-related investment opportunities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which has the potential to create new business opportunities. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Entrepreneurs make informed decisions when starting or growing a blockchain-based business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which is increasingly used in the financial industry. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Financial Analysts make informed decisions when analyzing blockchain-related investments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Consultant

Consultants may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which is increasingly used in consulting. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Consultants provide informed advice to clients on blockchain-related projects or initiatives.

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Educator

Educators may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which is becoming increasingly important in higher education. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Educators make informed decisions when teaching about blockchain or developing blockchain-related courses or programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

Researcher

Researchers may find this course useful. The course covers key concepts in blockchain technology, which is increasingly used in research. Understanding the principles and challenges associated with blockchain can help Researchers make informed decisions when designing or conducting blockchain-related research projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher