Introduction to Blockchain from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Basics of Blockchain

This module covers the background of blockchain's emergence, addresses issues in centralized systems with blockchain, and provides examples of potential uses across various industries.

Bitcoin & Ethereum

Bitcoin : This module provides the background of Bitcoin's emergence, discusses key technologies of Bitcoin, and explains the process of Bitcoin mining and compensation. Ethereum : This module identifies the problems associated with Bitcoin and introduces Ethereum as a solution, while also comparing the two cryptocurrencies and explaining the unique characteristics of Ethereum.

Types of Blockchain

This module provides a comparison of the characteristics between public and private blockchains, describes EOS, a third generation blockchain, compares existing blockchain platforms with Hyperledger Fabric and explains its features, and outlines the characteristics of ICON, another 3rd generation blockchain.

Consensus Algorithms

This module explains what distributed consensus means and why it is needed in blockchain. Popular consensus algorithms such as PoW, PoS, BFF and BPFT are explained and compared.

Cryptocurrency

This module explains the meaning and characteristics of tokens, token economy, ERC standards commonly used in Ethereum, discusses the characteristics of stablecoins , and describes central government-issued CBDCs.

Crypto Finance

This module discusses blockchain wallets and their types, compares cryptocurrency exchanges to stock exchanges, explains centralized and decentralized exchanges, explores ICO, IEO, and STO as financing methods for blockchain projects, and provides examples of decentralized finance (DeFi).

Final exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers core fundamentals, including blockchain, cryptocurrency, and related concepts

Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies

Suitable for individuals with no prior knowledge of blockchain

Includes explanations and examples of blockchain applications in various industries

Covers both Bitcoin and Ethereum, comparing their features and use cases

Explores different types of blockchains, including public, private, and third-generation blockchains

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 Introduction to Blockchain with these activities:

Blockchain Fundamentals Revisited

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Refresh basic blockchain concepts, cryptography, and distributed systems prior to the start of the course to ease the onboarding process.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Review the whitepaper of Bitcoin and Ethereum to understand the underlying concepts.
Explore online resources such as Coursera, edX, or YouTube to find introductory courses on blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Join online communities or forums dedicated to blockchain technology to engage with experts and enthusiasts.

Code Challenges on LeetCode or HackerRank

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Sharpen logical reasoning and programming skills through blockchain-related code challenges.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Solve coding problems on plataformas like LeetCode or HackerRank related to blockchain or distributed systems.
Analyze the solutions and learn from different approaches.
Participate in online coding contests to test your skills against other programmers.

Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Bitcoin, its underlying principles, and its impact on the financial landscape.

View Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Participate in online discussions or forums to share your insights and engage with others.
Apply the knowledge gained to analyze real-world case studies or develop your own blockchain applications.

Five other activities

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Ethereum Smart Contract Deep Dive

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Enhance understanding of Ethereum smart contracts and their applications.

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Follow a comprehensive Solidity tutorial to gain proficiency in writing smart contracts.
Deploy a simple smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain and interact with it using web3.js or other tools.
Explore real-world examples of smart contracts in various industries, such as finance, supply chain, and healthcare.

Blockchain Blog or Article

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Demonstrate your understanding of blockchain by creating a written piece that educates others.

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Choose a specific blockchain topic or issue to write about.
Research and gather insights from reputable sources.
Write a well-structured and informative blog post or article.

Blockchain Community Involvement

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Engage with the blockchain community to gain practical insights and expand your network.

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Join local blockchain meetups or online communities to connect with professionals in the field.
Offer your skills to open-source blockchain projects or contribute to documentation.
Attend industry events and conferences to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations.

Blockchain Side Project

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Build a practical blockchain application to demonstrate your skills and deepen your understanding.

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Identify a problem or opportunity that can be addressed using blockchain technology.
Design and develop a blockchain solution to solve the problem.
Deploy and test the solution on a blockchain platform.
Present or publish your project to showcase your abilities and knowledge.

Blockchain Hackathon Participation

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Apply blockchain knowledge and problem-solving skills in a competitive environment.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Identify a blockchain hackathon that aligns with your interests and skills.
Form a team or work individually on a project that solves a blockchain-related challenge.
Develop a working prototype or solution and pitch it to a panel of judges.

Career center

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

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Developer

As a Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Developer, you will design, develop, and maintain decentralized financial applications on blockchain networks. This course may be useful as it provides a solid understanding of blockchain fundamentals, consensus algorithms, and cryptocurrency concepts. This knowledge will be beneficial for building and deploying DeFi applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Developer

Blockchain Researcher

As a Blockchain Researcher, you will conduct research on blockchain technology, its applications, and its impact on society. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain concepts, different types of blockchains, and their potential applications in various industries. It also covers topics such as smart contract security and blockchain governance, which are important for understanding and addressing research challenges in blockchain technology.

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Blockchain Architect

As a Blockchain Architect, you will design and develop blockchain solutions for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive understanding of blockchain concepts, different types of blockchains, and their potential applications in various industries. It also covers topics such as smart contract security and blockchain governance, which are important for designing and building secure and scalable blockchain solutions.

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Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Developer

As a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Developer, you will design and develop CBDC systems for central banks. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain concepts, different types of blockchains, and their potential applications in various industries. It also covers topics such as stablecoins and CBDCs, which are important for understanding the design and implementation of CBDC systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Developer

Blockchain Consultant

As a Blockchain Consultant, you will advise businesses on how to implement blockchain technology into their operations. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive understanding of blockchain concepts, different types of blockchains, and their potential applications in various industries. This knowledge will help you provide valuable insights and recommendations to clients.

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Blockchain Project Manager

As a Blockchain Project Manager, you will oversee the development and implementation of blockchain projects. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive understanding of blockchain concepts, different types of blockchains, and their potential applications in various industries. This knowledge will help you effectively plan, manage, and execute blockchain projects.

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Blockchain Educator

As a Blockchain Educator, you will teach and train individuals and organizations about blockchain technology and its applications. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain concepts, different types of blockchains, and their potential applications in various industries. This knowledge will help you develop and deliver effective educational programs on blockchain technology.

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Blockchain Security Engineer

As a Blockchain Security Engineer, you will design and implement security measures to protect blockchain applications and networks. This course may be useful as it provides an overview of blockchain technology, different types of blockchains, and consensus algorithms. It also covers topics such as smart contract security and blockchain governance, which are important for understanding and mitigating security risks in blockchain systems.

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Venture Capitalist (Blockchain)

As a Venture Capitalist specializing in blockchain technology, you will invest in early-stage blockchain startups. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain concepts, different types of blockchains, and their potential applications in various industries. It also covers topics such as ICOs and DeFi, which are important for understanding the blockchain startup landscape and making informed investment decisions.

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Cryptocurrency Fund Manager

As a Cryptocurrency Fund Manager, you will manage investment funds that invest in cryptocurrencies. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. It also covers topics such as cryptocurrency exchanges, ICOs, and DeFi, which are important for understanding the cryptocurrency market and making informed investment decisions.

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Cryptocurrency Analyst

As a Cryptocurrency Analyst, you will research, analyze, and make recommendations on cryptocurrency investments. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. It also covers topics such as cryptocurrency exchanges, ICOs, and DeFi, which are important for understanding the cryptocurrency market.

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Cryptocurrency Journalist

As a Cryptocurrency Journalist, you will write, edit, and publish articles, news, and other content about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain concepts, different types of blockchains, and their potential applications in various industries. It also covers topics such as cryptocurrency exchanges, ICOs, and DeFi, which are important for understanding the cryptocurrency market and its implications.

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Cryptocurrency Trader

As a Cryptocurrency Trader, you will buy and sell cryptocurrencies on exchanges to make profits. This course may be useful as it provides an understanding of the basics of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. It also covers topics such as cryptocurrency mining, token economics, and stablecoins, which are relevant to cryptocurrency trading.

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Blockchain Analyst

As a Blockchain Analyst, you will research, analyze, and evaluate blockchain technologies and their potential applications in various industries. This course may be useful as it provides a high-level overview of blockchain concepts and their real-world applications. This knowledge can help you understand the benefits, limitations, and potential of blockchain technology.

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Blockchain Developer

As a Blockchain Developer, you will design, develop, and maintain blockchain applications. This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive introduction to blockchain technology, including its fundamentals, different types of blockchains, and consensus algorithms. Understanding these concepts will be beneficial for building a foundation in blockchain development.

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