Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Consensus in blockchain

This week, we will start our exploration of the blockchain and its relation to distributed computing. In particular, we will learn the basics on blockchain abstraction and the importance of consensus between machines in order to mitigate the risks of having an attacker spend the same asset twice - an undesirable situation called 'double-spending'.

Blockchain fundamentals

This week we will learn how classic blockchains try to solve consensus. We will look at the failures and delays blockchain systems must consider, and how these events may prevent machines from reaching consensus.

Consensus fundamentals

This week, we will investigate how to solve the consensus problem. To do this, we will first investigate how to solve consensus when failures cannot occur in the network. Later on, we will learn how to solve consensus when processes may fail, first through crash failures and then when processes can behave arbitrarily.

Making blockchains secure

This week, we will investigate how delays in the network can impact the security of the blockchain. We will illustrate this using network attacks that allow hackers to steal digital assets in the past and that every blockchain designer should be aware of.

Making blockchains scale

This week, we will explore how to design a scalable and secure blockchain algorithm. What makes a blockchain algorithm scalable and secure? To be secure, we need a consensus algorithm that works over the Internet and is not affected by unexpected communication delays. To be scalable, we need to get rid of the bottlenecks.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core skills for computer scientists and engineers

Teaches blockchain algorithms and their security implications

Explores possibilities to scale blockchain technology in industry

Content is backward-looking, not exploring the latest state of the industry

Requires extensive experience with distributed computing

Requires experience with consensus algorithms

Reviews summary

Blockchain scalability course

Learners say this Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems course is a well-structured learning experience that gives beginners a solid understanding of blockchain and its relation to distributed systems. However, those without a background in IT may find the language hard to follow and may need additional materials. Despite this, the course is research-oriented and will teach you real-world applications for the technology. You will find the content clearly presented with visuals and examples that help make the concepts relatable. The course is recommended for learners of all ages who are interested in this subject.

Diagrams and examples make concepts relatable.

"The worked examples in the lectures were very useful in solidifying my understanding..."

"Diagrams and examples. I have learned more about distributed system challenges and solutions for them."

"Clear structuring of the course makes any new learner understand and catch up with distributed computing on blockchain."

Instructor is knowledgeable and explains concepts well.

"Thank you for the insightful course on blockchain scalability and distributed systems."

"In my opinion this course is very interesting obout blockchain securtity, the instructor is really focus in the subject of course and explain very very well."

Well-structured learning experience.

"This course is well explained and very useful for one who is at any level in the blockchain space."

"This course has helped me to grasp the fundamentals of blockchain and how it is related to the theory of distributed systems."

"This is a great course if you are a seeking a deeper understanding about Blockchain and its challenging. It is well structured and contains good presentations to help students understand the topics covered."

Provides a solid understanding of blockchain fundamentals.

"Learned more about distributed system challenges and solutions for them."

"The foundational elements of this course were indeed useful..."

"This course is recommended for students interested in blockchain!"

Difficult for those without prior IT knowledge.

"I'm sorry, but as a business management student without IT background, I rather say that the language is a little bit to hard..."

"This is not even for beginners, it directly take you for consensus with basic understanding of blockchain"

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Engineer

Similar to Blockchain Developers, Blockchain Engineers build and maintain blockchain systems. Due to the high level of technical expertise required, most Blockchain Engineers hold a master's or PhD. This course may be very helpful for someone looking to enter this field, as it will help you to understand the foundational problem of distributed computing and how to design scalable blockchain systems.

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Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers build, implement, and manage blockchains for businesses and organizations. This course may help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of blockchains, allowing you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains. Furthermore, by learning how to design consensus algorithms to tolerate attacks, you will be able to create more secure and efficient blockchain systems.

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Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software systems. They use their knowledge of software engineering principles to ensure that systems are reliable, scalable, and secure. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Software Architects, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. They use their knowledge of systems analysis and design techniques to ensure that systems meet the needs of users. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Systems Analysts, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess risks to organizations. They use their knowledge of risk management techniques to develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Risk Managers, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They use their knowledge of networking technologies to ensure that networks are reliable and secure. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Network Administrators, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect organizations from cyber attacks. They use their knowledge of computer systems and networks to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Information Security Analysts, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They use their knowledge of programming languages and software development tools to create software that meets the needs of users. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Software Developers, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. They use their knowledge of computer systems and networks to protect organizations from cyber attacks. This course may be useful for students interested in Cybersecurity, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.

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Cryptographer

Cryptographers develop and implement cryptographic algorithms to protect information from unauthorized access. They use a variety of mathematical techniques to design codes and ciphers that are resistant to attack. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming Cryptographers, as it will help you understand some of the core concepts of cryptography.

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Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products. They use their knowledge of marketing and product development to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Product Managers, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They use a variety of statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze data and make predictions. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming Data Scientists, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance. They use their knowledge of business and management to identify and solve problems. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Management Consultants, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide financial advice to individuals and organizations. They use their knowledge of financial markets and economics to help clients make investment decisions. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming Financial Analysts, as it will help you to understand the security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains and how to design secure consensus algorithms.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data. They use their findings to make investment decisions and develop trading strategies. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming Quantitative Analysts, as it will help you to understand how to design scalable and secure blockchain systems.

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