OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems

Vincent Gramoli

Blockchain promises to disrupt industries once it will be efficient at large scale. In this course, you will learn how to make blockchain scale. You will learn about the foundational problem of distributed computing, consensus, that is key to create blocks securely. By illustrating limitations of mainstream blockchains, this course will indicate how to improve the technology in terms of security and efficiency.

In particular, this course will help you:

* understand security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains;

* design consensus algorithms that tolerate attacks, and;

Read more

Blockchain promises to disrupt industries once it will be efficient at large scale. In this course, you will learn how to make blockchain scale. You will learn about the foundational problem of distributed computing, consensus, that is key to create blocks securely. By illustrating limitations of mainstream blockchains, this course will indicate how to improve the technology in terms of security and efficiency.

In particular, this course will help you:

* understand security vulnerabilities of mainstream blockchains;

* design consensus algorithms that tolerate attacks, and;

* design scalable blockchain systems.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

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'.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Deep dive into blockchain scalability

According to students, this course offers a deep theoretical foundation in blockchain scalability, crucial for understanding its limitations and advancements. Learners praise its comprehensive coverage of distributed systems fundamentals, especially focusing on consensus algorithms and security vulnerabilities. While the content is deemed highly relevant and the lectures are generally clear, some note that it assumes a strong prior understanding of computer science concepts. It's often described as academically rigorous with limited practical coding exercises, making it best suited for those seeking conceptual mastery rather than hands-on development.
Addresses critical and current blockchain challenges.
"The content on blockchain scalability is incredibly timely and directly addresses major industry challenges."
"I feel much more informed about the future direction of blockchain technology after taking this course."
"This course tackles the most pressing issues in blockchain right now – efficiency at scale."
Highlights crucial aspects of blockchain security.
"The focus on security vulnerabilities and network attacks was very illuminating, showing real-world risks."
"I particularly appreciated how the course broke down complex consensus issues critical for secure blockchain design."
"It helped me understand how to design robust systems that tolerate various types of failures and attacks."
Provides a deep understanding of distributed systems.
"This course gave me a really strong theoretical foundation in distributed systems, especially for blockchain."
"I found the explanations of consensus algorithms like Paxos and Raft to be incredibly thorough and insightful."
"It truly delves into the underlying principles, which is what I needed to grasp blockchain security."
Course is heavily theoretical with few coding exercises.
"While the theory is strong, I wished there were more hands-on coding assignments or practical projects."
"If you're looking to build dApps, this might not be the course; it's more about the underlying theory."
"I found the course to be very abstract; I would have benefited from some practical demos or labs."
Best for learners with a strong computer science background.
"Be warned, this isn't for beginners; a solid background in distributed systems or algorithms is essential."
"I struggled a bit with the theoretical depth, assuming I had more prior knowledge than I did."
"This course is academically very rigorous, definitely for those who enjoy proofs and theoretical concepts."

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 Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems with these activities:
Blockchain Fundamentals Overview
Review the foundational concepts of blockchain and distributed computing to lay a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Blockchain Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Read course syllabus and preview week 1 materials
  • Research blockchain and distributed computing concepts online
  • Summarize key concepts in your own words
Connect with experienced blockchain developers
Reaching out to and connecting with experienced blockchain developers can provide you with invaluable insights into the industry, career paths, best practices, and potential project ideas.
Browse courses on Blockchain Development
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through online platforms, industry events, or personal connections.
  • Reach out to them with a clear and concise message expressing your interest in connecting.
  • Be respectful of their time and ask specific questions that align with your learning goals.
  • Follow up periodically to maintain the connection and seek their guidance.
Read 'Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World' by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott
This book provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its history, applications, and potential impact on various industries. Reading it will give you a strong foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.
View Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book in its entirety, taking notes as you go.
  • Summarize the key concepts of blockchain technology in your own words.
  • Identify the potential applications of blockchain technology in various industries.
  • Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with blockchain technology.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Attend a workshop on blockchain security
Attending a workshop on blockchain security will provide you with insights into the potential vulnerabilities and threats to blockchain systems and how to mitigate them.
Browse courses on Blockchain Security
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant workshop and register for it.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the discussions.
  • Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
  • Follow up with the organizers or speakers after the workshop to clarify any questions or explore further learning opportunities.
Blockchain Discussion Group
Participate in peer discussions to exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences related to blockchain technology.
Show steps
  • Join a blockchain discussion group online or in person
  • Initiate or participate in discussions on blockchain topics
  • Share knowledge and insights with other participants
Join a study group to discuss the course material
Participating in a study group will provide you with opportunities to engage with your peers, clarify your understanding of the course material, and reinforce your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Find or form a study group with classmates.
  • Establish regular meeting times and stick to them.
  • Come prepared to each meeting by reviewing the assigned material and preparing questions.
  • Actively participate in discussions and ask questions.
Consensus Algorithm Simulation
Practice implementing and simulating consensus algorithms to reinforce understanding of their operation.
Browse courses on Consensus Algorithms
Show steps
  • Choose a consensus algorithm to implement
  • Write code to simulate the algorithm
  • Run simulations with different scenarios
  • Analyze results and compare algorithms
Solve practice problems on consensus algorithms
Solving practice problems will help you develop a deeper understanding of how consensus algorithms work and how to apply them to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Consensus
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
  • Check your solutions against the provided answers or ask for help from a tutor or online forum.
Scalable Blockchain Design Tutorial
Follow guided tutorials to explore advanced techniques for designing and implementing scalable blockchain systems.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable resources for blockchain scalability
  • Follow tutorials on sharding, off-chain solutions, and consensus optimizations
  • Experiment with scalable blockchain design patterns
Create a diagram or infographic that explains a specific blockchain algorithm
Creating a diagram or infographic will help you visualize and understand the details of a specific blockchain algorithm.
Browse courses on Consensus Algorithms
Show steps
  • Choose a blockchain algorithm to focus on.
  • Research the algorithm and gather information about its components and how it works.
  • Create a diagram or infographic that clearly explains the algorithm.
  • Share your diagram or infographic with others or publish it online.
Blockchain Security Analysis Report
Write a report analyzing security vulnerabilities in blockchain systems and propose solutions to mitigate them.
Browse courses on Blockchain Security
Show steps
  • Research common blockchain security vulnerabilities
  • Analyze potential attacks and their impact
  • Propose technical solutions to address vulnerabilities
  • Write and submit a comprehensive report
Build a simple blockchain application using a provided framework
Building a simple blockchain application will give you hands-on experience with the practical implementation of blockchain technology.
Browse courses on Blockchain Development
Show steps
  • Choose a blockchain framework and learn its basics.
  • Design and develop a simple blockchain application using the framework.
  • Test and deploy your application.
  • Document your application and share it with others.
Contribute to an Open-Source Blockchain Project
Make practical contributions to a real-world blockchain project to gain hands-on experience and deepen understanding.
Browse courses on Blockchain Development
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source blockchain project to contribute to
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase
  • Propose or identify an area for contribution
  • Implement and submit your contribution

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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Engineer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems.
Cover image
The Business Blockchain
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its history, architecture, and applications.
The Business Blockchain: Promise, Practice, and...
Hardcover
$$
The Business Blockchain: Promise, Practice, and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mastering Bitcoin
Save
Comprehensive guide to the Bitcoin blockchain, covering everything from its history and architecture to its technical implementation.
Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain
Paperback
$$
Mastering Bitcoin
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Block Chain for Smart Systems
Save
Provides an in-depth look at the distributed systems principles that underpin blockchain technologies.
Blockchain for Smart Systems (Chapman & Hall/CRC...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
The Blockchain Developer
Save
Hands-on guide to blockchain development, covering everything from setting up a development environment to building and deploying blockchain applications.
The Blockchain Developer
Paperback
Check
The Blockchain Developer
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Mastering Blockchain
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, covering everything from its history and architecture to its technical implementation.
Mastering Blockchain - Fourth Edition: Inner...
Paperback
$$
Mastering Blockchain - Third Edition: A deep dive...
Paperback
$$$
Mastering Blockchain - Second Edition: Distributed...
Paperback
$$
Mastering Blockchain: Deeper insights into...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mastering Ethereum
Save
Complete guide to the Ethereum blockchain, covering everything from its history and architecture to its technical implementation.
Mastering Ethereum: Building Smart Contracts and...
Paperback
$$
Mastering Ethereum: Building Smart Contracts and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Quantum Computing For The Brain
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its potential impact on various industries.
Quantum Computing for the Brain (Between Science...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Blockchain Revolution
Save
Provides a high-level overview of blockchain technology and its potential impact on various industries.
Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind...
Paperback
$$
Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind...
Paperback
$$
(Español) La revolución blockchain [The Blockchain Revolution]
Audible Audiobook
$$
Blockchain Revolution, Business Adventures Twelve...
Paperback
$$
(Português) Blockchain revolution (Portuguese Edition)
Kindle Edition
$
(Deutsch) Die Blockchain-Revolution: Wie die Technologie...
Kindle Edition
$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems.
Cloud Computing Technologies - Master's
Most relevant
Applications of Software Architecture for Big Data
Most relevant
Blockchain Theory and Applications I
Most relevant
The Blockchain System
Most relevant
Microservices Design, Communication, and Data Handling
Most relevant
Amazon Neptune Service Primer
Most relevant
Business Implementation and Security
Most relevant
Practical Kubernetes Guide
Most relevant
Microservices Interview Questions and Answers Guide - 2025
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The University of Sydney
Instructor
Vincent Gramoli
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Blockchain Scalability and its Foundations in Distributed Systems.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser