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Bina Ramamurthy
This course introduces you to the fundamentals that power the Decentralized Financial (DeFi) System. Our goal is to have you walk away an informed user of the applications, tools & techniques underlying the DeFi System.
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OpenCourser.com/course/lvf33g/decentralized
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
In this module, we introduce the concept of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and the fundamentals that power the DeFi system. Additionally, we explore decentralized identity and how to mange it to transact on an Ethereum, blockchain-based test network.
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Syllabus
Introduction
In this module, we introduce the concept of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and the fundamentals that power the DeFi system. Additionally, we explore decentralized identity and how to mange it to transact on an Ethereum, blockchain-based test network.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers essential concepts of DeFi, including decentralized identity, smart contracts, and scaling solutions
Familiarizes learners with cryptocurrencies, tokens, and tokenization, which are fundamental to DeFi
Provides practical experience through decentralized applications (DApps) and hands-on exercises on Ethereum
Instructors Bina Ramamurthy are recognized experts in the DeFi field
Course content is highly relevant to those looking to understand and engage with DeFi
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Reviews summary
Foundational introduction to decentralized finance
According to learners, this course serves as an excellent foundational introduction to Decentralized Finance (DeFi), offering clear explanations of core concepts like smart contracts, DApps, and blockchain technologies. Students appreciate its structured approach to understanding the essentials of the DeFi ecosystem. While effective for grasping fundamental principles, some note that its foundational scope means deeper dives or advanced practical applications may require further study in this rapidly evolving field.
Focuses on essentials, requiring further learning for advanced practical skills.
"While it covered the fundamentals well, I would need more advanced courses for practical application."
"I gained a good conceptual understanding, but less hands-on experience with live protocols."
"This course builds a strong base, but deeper dives into specific DeFi tools are needed later."
Includes hands-on exposure to an Ethereum test network for practical understanding.
"The introduction to the Ethereum test network was a valuable hands-on component for me."
"I appreciated the practical steps in managing decentralized identity on a test blockchain."
"It gave me a tangible feel for interacting within a blockchain environment, even if simulated."
Perfectly suited for those new to the decentralized finance landscape.
"As someone with no prior DeFi knowledge, I felt the course was perfectly paced and accessible."
"I appreciate how it broke down complex ideas, making it ideal for a complete newcomer."
"This course is a great starting point for anyone looking to enter the DeFi space."
Offers a clear and systematic overview of fundamental DeFi principles.
"I found the course incredibly helpful for understanding the basics of DeFi and blockchain."
"It provided me with a solid grounding in decentralized applications and Web 3.0."
"The explanations of smart contracts and tokens were very straightforward and easy to follow."
Given rapid changes in DeFi, some content may require periodic updates.
"I realize the DeFi space moves fast, so some examples might become dated quickly."
"It covers foundational concepts, which are generally stable, but specific trends evolve."
"I anticipate this course will need regular refreshing to stay fully current with the latest developments."
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) Essentials & Foundations with these
activities:
Review a Primer on Crypto
Show steps
Understanding the core concepts of crypto and blockchain will provide a strong foundation for the DeFi System.
Browse courses on
Blockchain
Show steps
-
Read through this short guide: https://www.blockchain-council.org/blockchain/cryptocurrency-vs-blockchain-vs-bitcoin/
-
Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSo_EIwHSZw
Review Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond
Show steps
Review this essential text that explores the fundamental concepts of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Gain a strong foundation before delving into the DeFi landscape.
View
Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and first two chapters to grasp core concepts.
-
Summarize the key takeaways from each section in your own words.
-
Discuss the implications of cryptocurrency in the financial industry with a friend or colleague.
Review Coursera’s Blockchain Fundamentals
Show steps
Review what you already know about Blockchain Fundamentals before starting the course.
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and chapters 1 and 2 of the book.
-
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
-
Summarize the key concepts of each chapter in your own words.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a Summary of DeFi Terminology
Show steps
Creating a summary of DeFi terminology will help familiarize you with key concepts and their meanings.
Show steps
-
Scan the provided materials for the module on 'Introduction'
-
Create a table or list that includes the term, a definition, and a brief example
Learn about DeFi Web 3.0 Adoption
Show steps
Gaining a deeper understanding of Web 3.0 will aid in comprehending how DeFi is being implemented.
Show steps
-
Read materials from the course module on 'Decentralized Applications & Web 3.0'
-
Complete this short interactive tutorial: https://chainlink.dev/tour/web3-dapps-tutorial
Smart Contract Development Drills
Show steps
Develop and refine your Smart Contract Development skills by practicing regularly.
Browse courses on
Smart Contract Development
Show steps
-
Find online resources and platforms that provide smart contract development drills and exercises.
-
Set aside 2 hours each week to practice writing and deploying smart contracts.
-
Join a community or forum where you can share your work and receive feedback from others.
Practice Ethereum Smart Contract Development
Show steps
Smart contracts are core enabling technologies in DeFi. Practicing development will strengthen your understanding of how they work.
Show steps
-
Follow this tutorial: https://docs.openzeppelin.com/learn/developing-smart-contracts
-
Complete these exercises: https://cryptomarketpool.com/ethereum-smart-contract-exercises/
Follow Ethereum DApp Development Tutorials
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of Ethereum DApp Development by following comprehensive tutorials.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable sources and platforms that offer high-quality Ethereum DApp development tutorials.
-
Select a tutorial that aligns with your skill level and interests.
-
Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes and asking questions as needed.
-
Build and deploy your own DApp based on what you've learned.
Review a Primer on Crypto
Show steps
Understanding the core concepts of crypto and blockchain will provide a strong foundation for the DeFi System.
Browse courses on
Blockchain
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through this short guide: https://www.blockchain-council.org/blockchain/cryptocurrency-vs-blockchain-vs-bitcoin/
- Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSo_EIwHSZw
Review Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond
Show steps
Review this essential text that explores the fundamental concepts of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Gain a strong foundation before delving into the DeFi landscape.
View
Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and first two chapters to grasp core concepts.
- Summarize the key takeaways from each section in your own words.
- Discuss the implications of cryptocurrency in the financial industry with a friend or colleague.
Review Coursera’s Blockchain Fundamentals
Show steps
Review what you already know about Blockchain Fundamentals before starting the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and chapters 1 and 2 of the book.
- Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
- Summarize the key concepts of each chapter in your own words.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a Summary of DeFi Terminology
Show steps
Creating a summary of DeFi terminology will help familiarize you with key concepts and their meanings.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Scan the provided materials for the module on 'Introduction'
- Create a table or list that includes the term, a definition, and a brief example
Learn about DeFi Web 3.0 Adoption
Show steps
Gaining a deeper understanding of Web 3.0 will aid in comprehending how DeFi is being implemented.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read materials from the course module on 'Decentralized Applications & Web 3.0'
- Complete this short interactive tutorial: https://chainlink.dev/tour/web3-dapps-tutorial
Smart Contract Development Drills
Show steps
Develop and refine your Smart Contract Development skills by practicing regularly.
Browse courses on
Smart Contract Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online resources and platforms that provide smart contract development drills and exercises.
- Set aside 2 hours each week to practice writing and deploying smart contracts.
- Join a community or forum where you can share your work and receive feedback from others.
Practice Ethereum Smart Contract Development
Show steps
Smart contracts are core enabling technologies in DeFi. Practicing development will strengthen your understanding of how they work.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow this tutorial: https://docs.openzeppelin.com/learn/developing-smart-contracts
- Complete these exercises: https://cryptomarketpool.com/ethereum-smart-contract-exercises/
Follow Ethereum DApp Development Tutorials
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of Ethereum DApp Development by following comprehensive tutorials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable sources and platforms that offer high-quality Ethereum DApp development tutorials.
- Select a tutorial that aligns with your skill level and interests.
- Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes and asking questions as needed.
- Build and deploy your own DApp based on what you've learned.
Career center
Learners who complete Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Essentials & Foundations will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lvf33g/decentralized
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lvf33g/decentralized
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Effort
4 weeks of study 2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The State University of New York
Instructor
Bina Ramamurthy
Language
English
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