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Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

An Introduction to Digital Currencies

Jessica Wachter and Sarah Hammer

4.6

Based on 1,475 ratings

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Jessica Wachter and Sarah Hammer

What is Cryptocurrency and how is it an innovative and effective method of currency? This course was designed for individuals and organizations who want to learn how to navigate investment in cryptocurrencies. Professors Jessica Wachter and Sarah Hammer will guide you through developing a framework for understanding both Cryptocurrency and Blockchain. You’ll learn how to define a currency, analyze the foundations of digital signatures and blockchain technology in cryptocurrency, and accurately assess the risks of cryptocurrency in a modern investment portfolio. By the end of this course, you’ll have a deep understanding of the realities of Cryptocurrency, the intricacies of Blockchain technology, and an effective strategy for incorporating Cryptocurrency into your investment plans. No prerequisites are required, although "Fintech: Foundations, Payments, and Regulations" from Wharton's Fintech Specialization is recommended.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Cryptocurrency

In this module, you’ll define Bitcoin and understand its popularity as a currency. You’ll discuss the methodology behind transacting with Bitcoin, and gain a deep understanding of the definition of currency and the critical importance of a shared common belief behind a unit of currency. You’ll also analyze the growth of centralized intermediaries that facilitate dollar transactions using cash-alternative methodologies and their role in currency. By the end of this module, you’ll have a more clearly defined understanding of why cryptocurrency and bitcoin is used as a cash-alternative method, and how Bitcoin derives its potential value in the current market.

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Suitable for complete beginners and those with no prior knowledge of cryptocurrency

Provides a structured approach to understanding cryptocurrency

Covers essential concepts like digital signatures, blockchain technology, and distributed consensus protocol

Explores cryptocurrency as an asset class and its potential in investment portfolios

Investigates the blockchain ecosystem and its diverse applications across industries

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Reviews summary

Introduction to cryptocurrency and blockchain investing

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, particularly from a financial and investment perspective. Many found it very helpful for beginners and those with non-technical backgrounds, offering clear explanations of fundamental concepts like Bitcoin, digital signatures, and blockchain technology. The modules covering cryptocurrency as an asset class, including topics like CAPM and portfolio integration, were frequently highlighted as valuable. However, some students felt the course lacked technical depth regarding the underlying blockchain mechanisms and wished for more detail beyond the introductory level. Overall, it's considered a good starting point for understanding the financial aspects of digital currencies, though some found the pace uneven or certain finance topics challenging without prior knowledge.

Pace is good for some, too slow or fast for others.

"The pace was perfect for me, a complete beginner."

"Felt the first module was a bit slow, but it picked up later."

"Some parts felt rushed, especially the finance concepts if you're new to them."

"The speed felt inconsistent across different modules."

Instructors explain concepts clearly.

"The professors are knowledgeable and explain things very clearly."

"Found the lectures easy to follow thanks to the instructors."

"They did a great job breaking down complex ideas."

"Instructors were engaging and easy to understand."

Strong focus on crypto as an asset class.

"The modules on portfolio theory and risk assessment were particularly valuable for my investment goals."

"It covers the finance side (CAPM, Sharpe Ratio) surprisingly well, which is what I needed."

"Learned how to view crypto within a traditional investment framework."

"This course is geared towards understanding crypto for investment purposes, which aligns with my interest."

Excellent for beginners and non-technical folks.

"This course is an excellent starting point if you're new to crypto and blockchain. It explains complex topics simply."

"Great overview for non-technical people. I finally understand the basics without getting lost in jargon."

"I had zero background, and this course gave me a solid foundation to build upon."

"It breaks down intimidating subjects into understandable segments."

Not detailed enough on the underlying tech.

"Wish it went deeper into the technical workings of blockchain beyond the basics."

"If you're looking for a technical deep-dive, this isn't it. It's very high-level on the tech."

"Found the technology explanations a bit superficial."

"Expected more technical details on how the cryptography and consensus mechanisms function."

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 Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Stay organized and prepare for success by compiling and reviewing course materials, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts.

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Download and organize lecture notes, slides, and assignments
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding
Create summaries or flashcards for key concepts

Review Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Fundamentals

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Refresh your understanding of cryptocurrency and the fundamentals of blockchain technology, setting a strong foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Cryptocurrency

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Read the whitepapers on Bitcoin and Ethereum
Watch introductory videos on YouTube or Coursera
Participate in online forums or discussion groups

Provide Support and Guidance to Cryptocurrency Enthusiasts

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Contribute to the community by sharing your knowledge and supporting others interested in cryptocurrency, reinforcing your own understanding while making a positive impact.

Browse courses on Cryptocurrency

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Join online forums or discussion groups
Answer questions and provide insights on cryptocurrency-related topics
Mentor individuals who are new to cryptocurrency

Four other activities

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Practice Implementing Cryptocurrency Transactions

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Develop hands-on experience by following guided tutorials to implement cryptocurrency transactions, solidifying your understanding of the technical concepts.

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Set up a development environment for a cryptocurrency
Follow tutorials to create a simple cryptocurrency wallet
Implement a transaction between two wallets
Analyze the transaction data using a blockchain explorer

Solve Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Problems

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Strengthen your problem-solving skills related to cryptocurrency and blockchain by practicing solving drills, improving your analytical abilities.

Browse courses on Cryptocurrency

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Solve puzzles and challenges on platforms like HackerRank
Work through practice problems from textbooks or online resources
Participate in online contests or hackathons focused on cryptocurrency

Contribute to Open Source Cryptocurrency Projects

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the cryptocurrency community by participating in open source projects, enhancing your technical skills and understanding.

Browse courses on Cryptocurrency

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Identify open source cryptocurrency projects on platforms like GitHub
Learn about the project's codebase and documentation
Contribute by fixing bugs or implementing new features

Develop a Cryptocurrency Investment Proposal

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Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive investment proposal for a cryptocurrency, demonstrating your understanding of investment strategies and risk management.

Browse courses on Cryptocurrency Investing

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Research and analyze different cryptocurrencies
Develop an investment strategy based on your analysis
Estimate the potential risks and returns of your investment
Present your proposal to a hypothetical investor

Career center

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

Blockchain Entrepreneur

Blockchain Entrepreneurs start and run blockchain businesses. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you build a strong foundation in blockchain, which is essential for starting and running a blockchain business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Entrepreneur

Cryptocurrency Developer

Cryptocurrency Developers design and implement cryptocurrency systems. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you build a strong foundation in cryptocurrency, which is essential for designing and implementing cryptocurrency systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Developer

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers design and implement blockchain systems. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you build a strong foundation in blockchain, which is essential for designing and implementing blockchain systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Cryptocurrency Researcher

Cryptocurrency Researchers conduct research on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can provide a strong foundation to conduct research on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Researcher

Blockchain Researcher

Blockchain Researchers conduct research on blockchain technology. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can provide a strong foundation to conduct research on blockchain technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Researcher

Cryptocurrency Entrepreneur

Cryptocurrency Entrepreneurs start and run cryptocurrency businesses. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you build a strong foundation in cryptocurrency and blockchain, which is essential for starting and running a cryptocurrency business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Entrepreneur

Cryptocurrency Advisor

Cryptocurrency Advisors provide advice on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you build a strong foundation in cryptocurrency and blockchain, which is essential for advising clients on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Advisor

Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists provide funding to early-stage companies that have high growth potential. Many cryptocurrency companies are early-stage companies. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you learn how to evaluate cryptocurrency companies and assess their investment potential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide advice to investment clients. With growing interest in cryptocurrency, it would behoove a Financial Analyst to understand how cryptocurrency works and how investing in cryptocurrency can benefit clients. The Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies course covers how to analyze cryptocurrency as an asset class.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers oversee clients' financial portfolios and make investment decisions on their behalf. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you learn how to evaluate cryptocurrency as an asset class to help you make more informed and proficient portfolio investment decisions.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts are responsible for determining how portfolio holdings and investment decisions measure up to a client's risk tolerance. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies covers the risks of cryptocurrency and how to assess them. This course will help you make accurate risk assessments and advise clients on the risk of cryptocurrency investments.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical modeling to help businesses and institutions make financial decisions. Since cryptocurrency is a rapidly growing and complex space, Quantitative Analysts can use their modeling skills to understand the trends and risks of cryptocurrency. The Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies course can help you develop the modeling skills to analyze cryptocurrency.

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Trader

Traders buy and sell assets for the purpose of generating profit. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you understand the cryptocurrency market and how to trade cryptocurrency to make the best trades and maximize profit.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers guide clients toward profitable investments. Since cryptocurrency is a growing aspect of the financial sector, some clients will likely have questions about cryptocurrency investments. The Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies course helps you build a solid foundation in cryptocurrency, which is foundational to making sound investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will likely be called on to find and interpret data that projects future trends in the market. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies can help you familiarize yourself with the trends of cryptocurrency and blockchain. The course covers topics like the rules and structure of Bitcoin, cryptocurrency as an asset class, and the blockchain ecosystem. Many of the same principles that apply to cryptocurrency extend to other technology and investment verticals. This course may also help you build a foundation for using data to make sound investment decisions.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies.

Mastering Bitcoin

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and blockchain technology, from the basics to advanced concepts. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the technical underpinnings of cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

An Introduction to Digital Currencies

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Introduction to cryptocurrency and blockchain investing

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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