Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Crypto and Cryptocurrencies

Learn about cryptographic building blocks ("primitives") and reason about their security. Work through how these primitives can be used to construct simple cryptocurrencies.

How Bitcoin Achieves Decentralization

Learn Bitcoin's consensus mechanism and reason about its security. Appreciate how security comes from a combination of technical methods and clever incentive engineering.

Mechanics of Bitcoin

Learn how the individual components of the Bitcoin protocol make the whole system tick: transactions, script, blocks, and the peer-to-peer network.

How to Store and Use Bitcoins

This week we'll explore how using Bitcoins works in practice: different ways of storing Bitcoin keys, security measures, and various types of services that allow you to trade and transact with bitcoins.

Bitcoin Mining

We already know that Bitcoin relies crucially on mining. But who are the miners? How did they get into this? How do they operate? What's the business model like for miners? What impact do they have on the environment?

Bitcoin and Anonymity

Is Bitcoin anonymous? What does that statement even mean—can we define it rigorously? We'll learn about the various ways to improve Bitcoin's anonymity and privacy and learn about Bitcoin's role in Silk Road and other hidden marketplaces.

Community, Politics, and Regulation

We'll look at all the ways that the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technology touches the world of people. We'll discuss the community, politics within Bitcoin and the way that Bitcoin interacts with politics, and law enforcement and regulation issues.

Alternative Mining Puzzles

Not everyone is happy about how Bitcoin mining works: its energy consumption and the fact that it requires specialized hardware are major sticking points. This week we'll look at how mining can be re-designed in alternative cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin as a Platform

One of the most exciting things about Bitcoin technology is its potential to support applications other than currency. We'll study several of these and study the properties of Bitcoin that makes this possible.

Altcoins and the Cryptocurrency Ecosystem

Hundreds of altcoins, or alternative cryptocurrencies, have been started, either to fix Bitcoin's perceived flaws or to pursue different goals and properties. We'll look at everything that goes into an altcoin and how they interact with Bitcoin.

The Future of Bitcoin?

The use of Bitcoin technology for decentralizing property, markets, and so on has been hailed as a recipe for economic and political disruption. We'll look at the technological underpinnings of these proposals and the potential impact on society.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the use of Bitcoin technology for decentralizing property, markets, and more, which could have a transformative impact on economics and politics

Provides a deep understanding of Bitcoin's technical foundation, from cryptographic primitives to consensus mechanisms and the peer-to-peer network

Taught by Arvind Narayanan, a recognized expert in computer security and cryptography at Princeton University

Covers alternative mining puzzles and their potential impact on Bitcoin's energy consumption and hardware requirements

Suitable for those interested in cryptocurrency technology, blockchain development, and the future of digital finance

The course does not offer a certificate upon completion

Reviews summary

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies

Students say this course is largely positive, offering an engaging introduction to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies. The course covers technical details of Bitcoin's inner workings, including challenging programming assignments. While the course is dated, it provides a solid foundation for those interested in understanding blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. Note that there is no certificate offered for completing the course. Learners should note, however, that this course's assignments assume programming knowledge, particularly in Java.

This course offers optional programming assignments that some learners found challenging but valuable for understanding Bitcoin's inner workings.

"The programming assignments are sometimes challenging...but also the assignments are not crystal clear"

"I personally did not know Java but...I could make the transition with reasonable effort"

"I find that the assignments are really key to get a good understanding of how bitcoin works."

The course offers valuable insights into the fundamentals of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies.

"Excellent background and context for those new to this space (like me)."

"Excellent overview of technologies and motivation for how these technologies are being used."

"Great course to get introduced into Bitcoin and Blockchain technologies at technical level."

Some learners found the course's programming assignments difficult due to a lack of prior programming knowledge.

"I only did the first module but I got to the assignment for module 1 and it had nothing to do with what we learned."

"You'll spend the vast majority of time trying to get the thing to run instead of focusing on the...cryptographic solution."

"The assignments to pass this course are NOT EVEN TAUGHT in the respective course material!!"

Many learners expressed disappointment that the course does not offer a certificate upon completion.

"This course have no certificate. It should have certificate."

"No instruction to get set up for programming assignments."

"They haven't update d this in a long time and the 2nd test is still broken, you cant pass to get a certificate."

The course is somewhat dated, but it still provides a solid foundation for understanding Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies.

"The course does share some important concepts...Unfortunately it is too advanced for the a person without medium to advanced technology skills."

"Although far more technical than I anticipated, the course material was good and presented well."

"it is very dated material, given it is seven (7) years old!!"

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 Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies with these activities:

Review Linear Algebra for Bitcoin

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Reviewing linear algebra will provide a solid mathematical foundation for understanding Bitcoin's cryptography and consensus mechanisms.

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Review concepts like matrices, vectors, and linear transformations.
Practice solving linear equations and systems.

Create a Bitcoin Glossary

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Creating a glossary of Bitcoin-related terms will help you build a strong foundation and improve your understanding of the course materials.

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Collect a list of Bitcoin-related terms from the course.
Define each term clearly and concisely.

Practice Cryptography Basics

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Solving practice problems in cryptography can strengthen your foundational skills, preparing you for the more complex concepts in Bitcoin's architecture.

Browse courses on Cryptographic Primitives

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Review symmetric and asymmetric cryptography.
Practice using public-key cryptography.
Work through examples of hashing functions.

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Review Blockchain Technology

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Refreshing your knowledge of blockchain technology will provide a strong foundation for understanding Bitcoin's decentralized nature.

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Review the concepts of blockchain, consensus mechanisms, and cryptography.
Read articles or watch videos on recent developments in blockchain technology.

Follow Bitcoin Protocol Tutorials

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Engaging with step-by-step tutorials will provide hands-on experience in understanding Bitcoin's technical components.

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Find a tutorial on Bitcoin transactions.
Follow the steps to create a simple Bitcoin transaction.
Explore tutorials on Bitcoin script.

Join a Bitcoin Study Group

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Joining a Bitcoin study group will provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and reinforcement of concepts.

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Find a Bitcoin study group or start your own.
Attend regular meetings and participate in discussions.
Present your understanding of Bitcoin concepts to the group.

Create a Visual Representation of Bitcoin Mining

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Creating a visual representation of Bitcoin mining will deepen your understanding of the process and its implications on the network.

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Research different aspects of Bitcoin mining.
Choose a visual format, such as a flowchart or infographic.
Develop a clear and concise representation of the mining process.

Develop a Bitcoin Investment Strategy

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Creating a Bitcoin investment strategy will challenge you to apply your knowledge of Bitcoin's mechanics and market dynamics.

Browse courses on Cryptocurrency Investing

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Research Bitcoin's price history and market trends.
Develop a risk tolerance and investment horizon.
Create a diversified Bitcoin investment portfolio.

Career center

Learners who complete Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining blockchain-based applications. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Blockchain Developer who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Cryptocurrency Analyst

Cryptocurrency Analysts are responsible for analyzing the cryptocurrency market and providing insights to investors. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Cryptocurrency Analyst who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Software Engineer who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are in high demand these days, particularly those who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Data Scientist who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Consultant

Consultants who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Consultant who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Quantitative Analyst who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for an Investment Banker who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Risk Manager

Risk Managers who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Risk Manager who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Auditor

Auditors who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for an Auditor who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Compliance Officer who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Regulatory Compliance Analyst

Regulatory Compliance Analysts who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Regulatory Compliance Analyst who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Compliance Analyst

Sales and Trading Analyst

Sales and Trading Analysts who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Sales and Trading Analyst who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales and Trading Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Business Analyst who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Financial Analyst who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers who have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also in high demand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, which would be extremely valuable for anyone looking to enter this field. The course covers topics such as cryptography, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and the mechanics of Bitcoin. This knowledge would be essential for a Product Manager who wants to work on projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager