Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies from Coursera

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.

Module 2: Rules and Structure of Bitcoin

This module was designed to analyze the problems that a decentralized currency must solve in order to be successful, and how Bitcoin meets these challenges using cryptology and blockchain technology. After identifying the philosophy of identity behind the concept of property rights, you'll learn how Bitcoin utilizes digital signatures in their transactions to ensure privacy for individuals. Then, you’ll examine how blockchain technology employs Hash Functions to detect tampering attempts. Finally, you’ll explore the creation and concept of Distributed Consensus Protocol and how Proof of Work incentivizes honest trading and stable currency creation. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to identify the importance of digital signatures, Blockchain, and Proof of Work in the stability of Bitcoin as a currency.

Module 3: Cryptocurrency as an Asset Class

In this module, you’ll examine Cryptocurrency as an asset class, and delve deeper into whether Cryptocurrency has a place in individual investment portfolios. Through examining the theory and data perspective of traditional finance, you’ll understand the risks and returns on Bitcoin and its place in a more stable and predictable portfolio. You’ll also learn about the Capital Asset Pricing Model, and key concepts of Modern Portfolio Theory such as Tangency Portfolio and the Sharpe Ratio. Through calculating and specifying both Beta and Alpha of Bitcoins, you’ll be able to accurately measure the systematic risk the investor takes in creating a portfolio with Bitcoin. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to estimate and analyze the values of Beta and Alpha in Cryptocurrency, and effectively optimize utility in incorporating Cryptocurrency as an asset for your portfolio.

Module 4: The Blockchain Ecosystem

In this module, you’ll explore the Blockchain Ecosystem and the numerous use cases for Blockchain in different industries. Through examination of the key attributes of Blockchain, you’ll discover how Blockchain is built. You’ll also learn about the difference between Proof of Work and Proof of Stake, and the two interoperabilities of Blockchain. Through analyzing the different types of crypto finance, you’ll explore the different use cases of Blockchain in business, gaming, and investing. By the end of this module, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of Blockchain, be able to utilize Blockchain in many different contexts, and assess how Blockchain will affect both business and society in the future.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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

Reviews summary

Blockchain basics & cryptocurrency 101

Learners say that this course is largely positive, well-paced, and provides a strong foundation in cryptocurrency basics. It covers topics like blockchain technology, bitcoin, and cryptocurrency as an asset class. The course has engaging assignments, including readings, quizzes, and discussions. It is especially well-suited for those with little or no prior knowledge of cryptocurrency.

The course includes a variety of assignments that help reinforce learning.

"Really well done, with great content."

The course is accessible to those with no prior knowledge of cryptocurrency.

"Great course for gaining a FOUNDATION in blockchain and crypto."

"This course gives me the deeper idea to understand the existence of blockchain, I like the teaching methods."

The course is easy to follow and well-organized.

"Well put together course!"

"Very well structured and easy to follow course"

"Well structured and easy to understand insights on Crytocurrency."

The course provides a comprehensive overview of cryptocurrency and blockchain.

"Very informative"

"Excellent course!"

"Very informative and it is more than an Introduction."

The course is boring and lacks engaging content.

"Literally the most boring course I have ever taken."

"The last week was pretty unbearable, this kind of dry voice-over accompagning the slides is NOT what online education is about."

The course is too technical and difficult for beginners to understand.

"The middle part of the course was really tough on my brain."

The course content is outdated and does not reflect the latest developments in cryptocurrency.

"This course is general overview about blockchain subject."

"This course is so out-of-date for an industry that is based on daily innovations of global importance."

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:

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

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

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 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 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 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

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.

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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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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

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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst