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Cam Harvey
DeFi and the Future of Finance is a set of four courses that focus on decentralized finance. The third course is called DeFi Deep Dive. It is essential that you do the first two courses I. DeFi Infrastructure and II. DeFi Primitives before doing this course. It is the longest of the four courses and focuses on some of the leading protocols in the DeFi space. We will look at Credit and Lending (and feature MakerDAO, Compound and Aave), Decentralized Exchange with an analysis of how protocols like Uniswap and Balancer works, Derivatives (featuring Yield Protocol, dYdX and Synthetix) and Tokenization with an analysis of Set Protocol as well as wrapped bitcoin. For many of these leading protocols, we include detailed examples of how the mechanics work. For example, we show how to use a dYdX flash swap to execute an arbitrage transaction (take advantage of different prices on different exchanges for the same asset).
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/iwycxc/decentralized
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What's inside
Syllabus
Credit and Lending
We begin module one with the mechanics of MakerDAO stablecoin called DAI and introduce the idea of collateralized debt obligations. The module also includes a detailed examination of both Compound and Aave.
Read more
Syllabus
Credit and Lending
We begin module one with the mechanics of MakerDAO stablecoin called DAI and introduce the idea of collateralized debt obligations. The module also includes a detailed examination of both Compound and Aave.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores decentralized finance (DeFi), which is emerging in the finance industry
Taught by Cam Harvey, a recognized expert in this field
Recommended by Cam Harvey to be paired with the first two courses on DeFi infrastructure and primitives
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Reviews summary
Practical deep dive into defi protocols
According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and practical deep dive into leading DeFi protocols. Many learners found the instructor's explanations exceptionally clear, making complex topics digestible with numerous real-world examples like dYdX flash swap arbitrage. While highly praised for its detailed mechanics and well-structured content, some learners noted the fast pace and emphasized the critical need for prior foundational knowledge from the preceding courses. Recent reviews are overwhelmingly positive, suggesting a consistent high quality and value for those prepared for the material.
Recent reviews indicate sustained high quality and positive learner experience.
"The most recent feedback consistently highlights the course's excellence and continued practical value in the evolving DeFi landscape."
"I started this course recently and found it incredibly valuable, living up to all the positive hype from earlier reviews."
"It's clear the course has maintained its high standards, as newer learners continue to find it extremely beneficial and relevant."
Well-structured but can be fast-paced and challenging for some learners.
"The course is incredibly well-structured, building a strong foundation for understanding complex DeFi systems step-by-step."
"While the content is useful, I sometimes found the pace a bit fast, requiring me to rewatch sections to fully grasp them."
"This course is challenging at times; it requires a strong base and consistent effort to keep up with the comprehensive mechanics."
Instructor generally praised for clarity, though some found delivery challenging.
"The instructor is brilliant and explains complex topics in such a clear, digestible way, which is a major strength."
"I appreciate how the instructor demystified complex DeFi concepts with their clear explanations and engaging style."
"I found the instructor's delivery quite monotonous and difficult to stay engaged with the material for extended periods."
"The delivery was very poor and confusing for me; I didn't understand anything due to the excessive jargon and fast pace."
Provides in-depth analysis and practical examples of DeFi protocols.
"This course is an excellent and comprehensive deep dive into DeFi protocols. The practical examples, especially the dYdX arbitrage, were incredibly insightful."
"The detailed mechanics presented here are fantastic; I gained a solid understanding of how Uniswap and other protocols truly work."
"I found the practical, real-world examples invaluable for applying the theoretical concepts in the DeFi space."
Success relies heavily on completing prior courses or having strong DeFi knowledge.
"It is essential to do the first two courses in the specialization before taking this one, as it builds directly on those foundations."
"I found it difficult to follow at times, as it assumed too much prior knowledge; this course is definitely not for beginners."
"The information is dense and the pace very fast; it's truly better for those who are already familiar with core DeFi concepts."
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 Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Deep Dive with these
activities:
Research Uniswap documentation
Show steps
Grasp an early understanding of Uniswap's mechanics in preparation for its coverage in the Decentralized Exchange module.
Show steps
-
Visit the Uniswap website and browse the documentation.
-
Read through the Uniswap whitepaper.
-
Watch a video tutorial on how to use Uniswap.
Read Tokenomics
Show steps
Provides background knowledge on the economics of tokens, which is important in DeFi.
View
Token Economy
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-3
-
Complete all exercises in chapters 1-3
-
Summarize key concepts from chapters 1-3
Practice using aUniswapV2Factory
Show steps
Uniswap is a popular decentralized exchange that uses smart contracts to facilitate trades. Practicing using aUniswapV2Factory will help you understand how Uniswap works and how to write smart contracts.
Show steps
-
Set up a Metamask wallet
-
Connect your Metamask wallet to the Ethereum network
-
Use aUniswapV2Factory to create a new Uniswap pair
-
Add liquidity to the new Uniswap pair
-
Trade tokens on the new Uniswap pair
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice arbitrage trading on dYdX
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of arbitrage trading by applying the method on dYdX.
Show steps
-
Create a dYdX account.
-
Deposit funds into your account.
-
Identify an arbitrage opportunity.
-
Execute the arbitrage trade.
Create a tutorial on how to use Compound
Show steps
Compound is a decentralized lending platform that allows users to borrow and lend cryptocurrencies. Creating a tutorial on how to use Compound will help you understand how Compound works and how to use it to earn interest on your cryptocurrencies.
Show steps
-
Write an overview of Compound
-
Explain how to borrow cryptocurrencies on Compound
-
Explain how to lend cryptocurrencies on Compound
-
Explain how to earn interest on your cryptocurrencies on Compound
-
Publish your tutorial on a popular platform
Develop a tokenization strategy
Show steps
Design and implement a tokenization strategy to deepen your understanding of tokenization's applications.
Browse courses on
Tokenization
Show steps
-
Identify the appropriate blockchain and use case for tokenization.
-
Select a tokenization platform.
-
Create a tokenization plan.
-
Implement your tokenization strategy.
Research Uniswap documentation
Show steps
Grasp an early understanding of Uniswap's mechanics in preparation for its coverage in the Decentralized Exchange module.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the Uniswap website and browse the documentation.
- Read through the Uniswap whitepaper.
- Watch a video tutorial on how to use Uniswap.
Read Tokenomics
Show steps
Provides background knowledge on the economics of tokens, which is important in DeFi.
View
Token Economy
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-3
- Complete all exercises in chapters 1-3
- Summarize key concepts from chapters 1-3
Practice using aUniswapV2Factory
Show steps
Uniswap is a popular decentralized exchange that uses smart contracts to facilitate trades. Practicing using aUniswapV2Factory will help you understand how Uniswap works and how to write smart contracts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set up a Metamask wallet
- Connect your Metamask wallet to the Ethereum network
- Use aUniswapV2Factory to create a new Uniswap pair
- Add liquidity to the new Uniswap pair
- Trade tokens on the new Uniswap pair
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice arbitrage trading on dYdX
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of arbitrage trading by applying the method on dYdX.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a dYdX account.
- Deposit funds into your account.
- Identify an arbitrage opportunity.
- Execute the arbitrage trade.
Create a tutorial on how to use Compound
Show steps
Compound is a decentralized lending platform that allows users to borrow and lend cryptocurrencies. Creating a tutorial on how to use Compound will help you understand how Compound works and how to use it to earn interest on your cryptocurrencies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Write an overview of Compound
- Explain how to borrow cryptocurrencies on Compound
- Explain how to lend cryptocurrencies on Compound
- Explain how to earn interest on your cryptocurrencies on Compound
- Publish your tutorial on a popular platform
Develop a tokenization strategy
Show steps
Design and implement a tokenization strategy to deepen your understanding of tokenization's applications.
Browse courses on
Tokenization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the appropriate blockchain and use case for tokenization.
- Select a tokenization platform.
- Create a tokenization plan.
- Implement your tokenization strategy.
Career center
Learners who complete Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Deep Dive will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Trader
Trader
Traders buy and sell financial instruments for profit. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as a Trader. This course offers expertise in financial markets, trading strategies, and risk management.
Auditor
Auditor
Auditors examine and evaluate financial records to ensure accuracy. They typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as an Auditor. This course offers expertise in financial accounting and auditing.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes. They typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as a Forensic Accountant. This course offers expertise in financial accounting and auditing, as well as an understanding of financial crimes.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts research and analyze financial data to make investment recommendations. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as a Financial Analyst. This course offers expertise in evaluating financial markets, creating financial models, and comprehending financial instruments.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts evaluate and manage financial risks for organizations. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as a Risk Analyst. This course offers expertise in assessing financial risks, developing risk management strategies, and understanding financial instruments.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers provide financial advice to corporations and governments. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as an Investment Banker. This course offers expertise in financial markets, financial modeling, and investment strategies.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers manage investment portfolios for clients. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as a Portfolio Manager. This course offers expertise in financial markets, investment strategies, and portfolio management.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as a Financial Advisor. This course offers expertise in financial markets, investment strategies, and financial planning.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants provide advice to organizations on how to improve their operations. They typically need a bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may be useful in providing a foundation for the business analysis skills needed to succeed as a Management Consultant. Furthermore, knowledge of financial markets and instruments, gained from this course, may help position one to excel on the job.
Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may be useful in providing a foundation for the financial planning skills needed to succeed as a Financial Planner. Furthermore, knowledge of financial markets and instruments, gained from this course, may help position one to excel on the job.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to extract meaningful insights. They typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may be useful in providing a foundation for the data analysis skills needed to succeed as a Data Analyst. Furthermore, knowledge of financial markets and instruments, gained from this course, may help position one to excel on the job.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may help build a foundation for success as a Compliance Officer. This course offers expertise in financial regulations and compliance.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical modeling, programming, and financial theory to solve complex problems. Due to the technical nature of their work, Quantitative Analysts typically need a Ph.D. (or equivalent work experience). Some institutions may also prefer a background in computer science. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may be useful in providing a foundation for the financial theory needed to succeed as a Quantitative Analyst. Furthermore, experience with programming and mathematical modeling, in conjunction with the knowledge gained from this course, may help position one to excel on the job.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries analyze and manage financial risks for insurance companies. They typically need a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may be useful in providing a foundation for the mathematical and statistical skills needed to succeed as an Actuary. Furthermore, knowledge of financial markets and instruments, gained from this course, may help position one to excel on the job.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. They typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Studying DeFi Deep Dive may be useful in providing a foundation for the tax accounting skills needed to succeed as a Tax Accountant. Furthermore, knowledge of financial markets and instruments, gained from this course, may help position one to excel on the job.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/iwycxc/decentralized
Reading list
We've selected eight 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
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Deep Dive.
Save
A comprehensive guide to blockchain technology, covering topics such as distributed ledgers, smart contracts, and consensus mechanisms. Useful as background reading for those new to blockchain.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Ethereum blockchain, its underlying technology, and its applications in decentralized finance (DeFi). Useful as background reading for those new to Ethereum and DeFi.
Provides a business-oriented perspective on blockchain technology, including its applications in finance and supply chain management. Useful for those interested in the commercial applications of DeFi.
Provides a broad overview of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, including DeFi. Useful as background reading for those interested in the broader context of DeFi.
Explores the wider implications of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrencies, including its potential impact on finance and the global economy. Useful for those interested in the broader context of DeFi.
Save
Provides a detailed analysis of the economic and social implications of blockchain technology. Useful for those interested in the broader impact of DeFi.
A historical account of the development of Bitcoin and the early days of blockchain technology. Provides context for the emergence and significance of DeFi.
A journalistic account of the rise of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Provides context for the emergence and significance of DeFi.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/iwycxc/decentralized
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Rating
4.9
Effort
7 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Duke University
Instructor
Cam Harvey
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance. It's comprised of four courses:
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Deep Dive (viewing)
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Infrastructure
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Primitives
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Opportunities and Risks
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