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Simon Allardice

A short, pragmatic, business-focused introduction to blockchain.

With a focus on real-world business applications over cryptocurrency, we’ll get past the misconceptions and hype around blockchain, cover the most important ideas and terminology—making sense of terms like distributed ledgers, smart contracts, cryptographic hashing, and consensus— explore the blockchain platforms, and cover multiple scenarios to show where blockchain could be useful for your company or business.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Blockchain Explained

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches foundational principles of blockchain for business purposes, which is useful for learners in diverse industries
Taught by seasoned instructors Simon Allardice, who are recognized for their expertise in the field
Explores applications of blockchain technology in the business world, beyond just cryptocurrencies
Requires no prior knowledge, making it accessible to a wider audience
Focuses on real-world scenarios and applications, providing practical value

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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 Explained with these activities:
Review distributed ledger fundamentals
Review the basic principles of distributed ledgers before starting the course.
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Follow a beginner-friendly guide to cryptocurrency basics
Understanding the underlying principles of cryptocurrencies can help you better grasp blockchain concepts.
Browse courses on Cryptocurrencies
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial that aligns with your learning style.
  • Set aside dedicated time to work through the tutorial.
  • Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
Create a visual representation of the blockchain
Drawing a diagram of the blockchain can help visualize and retain its structure and key components.
Browse courses on Blockchain Architecture
Show steps
  • Identify the essential components of a blockchain.
  • Use a whiteboard, paper, or online tool to create your diagram.
  • Label the diagram with clear and concise descriptions.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Solve practice problems on smart contracts
Engaging in problem-solving exercises can solidify your understanding of smart contract functionality.
Browse courses on Smart Contracts
Show steps
  • Locate online resources or textbooks with practice problems.
  • Set a timer and dedicate focused time to solving the problems.
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Contribute to open-source blockchain projects
Participating in open-source projects provides valuable hands-on experience and allows you to contribute to the growth of the blockchain ecosystem.
Browse courses on Blockchain Development
Show steps
  • Identify reputable open-source blockchain projects that align with your interests.
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase to understand its purpose and functionality.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute your skills and knowledge.
Join a study group to discuss blockchain applications
Engaging with peers can provide diverse perspectives and enhance your understanding of real-world blockchain use cases.
Browse courses on Blockchain Applications
Show steps
  • Connect with classmates or find online communities for study groups.
  • Establish regular meeting times and set clear discussion topics.
  • Actively participate in discussions and share your insights.
Develop a prototype of a blockchain-based solution
Building a prototype can provide hands-on experience and showcase your ability to apply blockchain concepts in a practical setting.
Browse courses on Blockchain Development
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  • Identify a problem or opportunity that blockchain can address.
  • Design the architecture and functionality of your prototype.
  • Implement your prototype using appropriate blockchain tools.
  • Test and iterate on your prototype to improve its effectiveness.
Mentor junior students in blockchain concepts
Mentoring others can reinforce your own understanding and contribute to the growth of the blockchain community.
Browse courses on Blockchain Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor junior students or individuals new to blockchain.
  • Share your knowledge and experience in a structured and supportive way.
  • Provide feedback and guidance to help mentees develop their skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain Explained will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Blockchain Developer
A Blockchain Developer designs, builds, and maintains blockchain-based systems and applications. The Blockchain Explained course provides a solid foundation in blockchain technology, including distributed ledgers, smart contracts, and consensus mechanisms. This knowledge is essential for success in this role.
Blockchain Architect
A Blockchain Architect designs and implements blockchain solutions that meet specific business requirements. The Blockchain Explained course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, enabling Blockchain Architects to stay up-to-date on industry best practices and emerging trends.
Blockchain Consultant
A Blockchain Consultant advises clients on the use of blockchain technology to solve business problems. The Blockchain Explained course provides foundational knowledge of blockchain concepts and applications, equipping Blockchain Consultants to effectively engage with clients and deliver value.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes and interprets data to extract meaningful insights and develop predictive models. The Blockchain Explained course introduces concepts such as distributed ledgers and cryptographic hashing, which are relevant to data security and integrity in blockchain-based systems.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst identifies and analyzes business requirements to design and implement solutions. The Blockchain Explained course provides an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to improve business processes and drive innovation.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software systems. The Blockchain Explained course provides foundational knowledge of blockchain technology, enabling Software Engineers to build and integrate blockchain-based solutions into existing systems.
Product Manager
A Product Manager manages the development and launch of products and services. The Blockchain Explained course provides an understanding of how blockchain technology can be used to create innovative products and enhance customer experiences.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates documentation and training materials for technical products and services. The Blockchain Explained course provides the knowledge needed to understand blockchain technology and effectively communicate its concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst designs and implements computer systems and applications. The Blockchain Explained course provides an understanding of blockchain technology, enabling Systems Analysts to evaluate and integrate blockchain-based solutions into complex systems.
IT Auditor
An IT Auditor evaluates the security and effectiveness of computer systems and networks. The Blockchain Explained course provides knowledge of blockchain technology, enabling IT Auditors to assess the security and compliance of blockchain-based systems.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst identifies and mitigates security risks to computer systems and networks. The Blockchain Explained course provides an understanding of blockchain technology, enabling Security Analysts to assess the security vulnerabilities and threats associated with blockchain-based systems.
Risk Manager
A Risk Manager identifies and manages risks to an organization. The Blockchain Explained course provides an understanding of blockchain technology, enabling Risk Managers to assess the risks and opportunities associated with blockchain-based solutions.
Compliance Officer
A Compliance Officer ensures that an organization complies with laws and regulations. The Blockchain Explained course provides an understanding of blockchain technology, enabling Compliance Officers to stay up-to-date on regulatory developments and emerging compliance challenges in the blockchain industry.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data to make investment decisions. The Blockchain Explained course introduces concepts such as smart contracts and decentralized finance, which are relevant to understanding the financial implications of blockchain technology.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products and services. The Blockchain Explained course provides an understanding of blockchain technology, enabling Marketing Managers to identify opportunities to use blockchain to enhance marketing strategies and customer engagement.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Blockchain Explained.
Technical guide to Bitcoin and blockchain technology. It provides a deep dive into the inner workings of Bitcoin, including its protocol, cryptography, and network. While it may be more technically challenging for beginners, it is an invaluable resource for those who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of Bitcoin and blockchain.
Explores the potential of blockchain technology to transform various industries and sectors. It provides case studies and examples of how blockchain is being used to solve real-world problems and create new opportunities. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the broader implications of blockchain technology.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Ethereum, a popular blockchain platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications. It covers the technical aspects of Ethereum, including its architecture, programming languages, and development tools.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cryptocurrency market, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It covers the history, technology, and economics of cryptocurrencies, as well as their potential as an investment.
Provides a simplified and non-technical explanation of blockchain technology. It is suitable for beginners who want to understand the basic concepts and applications of blockchain without getting into technical details.

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