Introduction to Blockchain for Global Commerce from Coursera

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Syllabus

The Second Era of the Internet

The Internet connects billions of people around the world, and is great for communicating and collaborating online. However, because it was built for moving and storing information, and not value, it has done little to change the way we do business. Now, for the first time in human history, two or more parties anywhere in the world can transact and do business peer to peer using the blockchain. In this module we introduce blockchain as “the trust protocol,” and explain how it represents the second era of the Internet. We describe how blockchain technology establishes trust—not through powerful intermediaries, but rather through collaboration, cryptography and clever code.

Blockchain Design Principles

We believe that the next era of the digital economy can be shaped around a set of blockchain design principles, which can be used for creating software, services, reinventing business models, markets, organizations, and even governments. This module frames the blockchain revolution around seven design principles. For each principle we describe a current problem to be solved, identify “blockchain breakthroughs” to these problems, and discuss the implications of these breakthroughs on the digital economy. We hope that these design principles will assist learners in contemplating their roles and their futures in the blockchain revolution.

Digital Assets

Blockchain is the first native digital medium for value. Consequently, we are witnessing one of the largest transformations of wealth in human history—from paper-based analog assets to digital ones. In this module, students will learn about nine different kinds of cryptoassets, including cryptocurrencies, protocol tokens, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), stablecoins, securities tokens, governance tokens, exchange tokens, natural asset tokens, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Smart Contracts

In this module, you will learn what smart contracts are and how they work. We will discuss how blockchain-based smart contracts can enable individuals and organizations to reduce transaction costs, minimize the need for third-party intermediaries, and improve productivity, security, and privacy.

Public, Private, and Consortium Blockchains

The advent of blockchain technology forces us to reconsider the upside and downside of public revelation of transactions and contracts. The implementation, application, and possible regulation of distributed ledgers involve choices that will critically affect information disclosure and economic interactions. Whether the ledger is public and permissionless, such as the Bitcoin or Ethereum blockchains, or private and permissioned, such as the Ripple or Hyperledger implementations, in principle transactions on a blockchain have a high native level of transparency. In this module, you will learn how privacy can be protected in both public and private ledgers using both procedural and technological methods.

Blockchain Implementation Challenges

Like every revolutionary technology, blockchain has its upside and its downside. In this module we discuss ten implementation challenges which must be overcome as we transition to the second era of the Internet. For each challenge, you will also learn about potential solutions and what we can do to ensure the fulfillment of the blockchain’s promise.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the limitations of the Internet, which is standard in tech-related fields

Taught by recognized industry experts, Alex Tapscott and Don Tapscott

Examines blockchain technology, which is highly relevant in fintech

Provides a comprehensive study of the second era of the Internet

Covers key concepts such as mining, hashing, public key cryptography, and the double-spend problem

Instructs students on seven design principles for blockchain technology

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 Introduction to Blockchain for Global Commerce with these activities:

Form a study group with classmates

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Encourages collaboration, peer support, and deeper understanding of course concepts.

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Identify a group of classmates with shared interests and availability.
Establish regular meeting times and a communication platform.
Review course materials, discuss concepts, and solve problems together.

Follow online tutorials on blockchain development platforms

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Provides hands-on experience with blockchain development tools and frameworks.

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Identify reputable online courses or tutorials on blockchain development platforms.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, building projects and experimenting with code.
Troubleshoot any issues and seek assistance from online forums or mentors.

Solve blockchain-related coding challenges

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Improves problem-solving skills and practical understanding of blockchain development.

Browse courses on Smart Contract Development

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Find online coding challenges or tutorials focused on blockchain.
Attempt to solve the challenges, debugging and optimizing code.
Review solutions and compare approaches with other learners.

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Write a blog post about a specific blockchain use case

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Reinforces understanding of blockchain concepts by applying them to real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Blockchain Applications

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Identify a specific blockchain use case in an industry of interest.
Research the technology and its implementation details.
Write a compelling blog post outlining the problem, solution, and benefits of the use case.

Contribute to an open-source blockchain project

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Enhances practical skills, fosters collaboration, and contributes to the blockchain ecosystem.

Browse courses on Blockchain Development

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Identify an open-source blockchain project aligned with interests and skills.
Review the project's codebase and documentation.
Identify areas for improvement or contribution.
Submit pull requests or issue reports to contribute to the project.

Attend a blockchain workshop or conference

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Provides opportunities to engage with industry experts, learn about the latest advancements, and expand professional networks.

Browse courses on Blockchain Technology

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Research and identify relevant blockchain workshops or conferences.
Register and attend the event.
Actively participate in sessions and discussions.
Connect with speakers, attendees, and potential mentors.

Read "Blockchain Revolution" by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

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Provides a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology and its potential to transform various industries and sectors.

View Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
Highlight important passages and mark sections for further research.
Summarize the main arguments and implications of blockchain technology.

Develop a blockchain-based solution to a real-world problem

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Challenges students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve practical problems using blockchain technology.

Browse courses on Blockchain Applications

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Identify a real-world problem that can be addressed using blockchain.
Design a blockchain-based solution, including smart contracts and system architecture.
Develop and test the solution, ensuring security and efficiency.
Document the project and present the findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Blockchain for Global Commerce will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Developer

As the demand for blockchain technology skyrockets, numerous industries are seeking qualified blockchain developers to design, build, and maintain blockchain-based systems. This course takes you through the concepts, principles, and challenges of blockchain technology, giving you a strong foundation in blockchain development. Whether you're a software developer looking to specialize or a professional interested in mastering blockchain, this course provides the essential knowledge and skills for a successful career as a Blockchain Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Analyst

Blockchain Analysts play a crucial role in evaluating the potential and risks associated with blockchain technology. This course provides a deep understanding of blockchain's core concepts, challenges, and implications, allowing you to make informed decisions and advise organizations on how to leverage blockchain effectively. Whether you're interested in consulting, research, or investment analysis, this course gives you a solid foundation to succeed as a Blockchain Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Analyst

Blockchain Engineer

A Blockchain Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing blockchain solutions to solve real-world problems. With its comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges, this course equips you with the technical expertise required to excel in this field. By understanding how blockchain can address the limitations of the internet, you gain a competitive edge and contribute to advancements in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Engineer

Blockchain Consultant

Blockchain Consultants provide guidance and expertise to organizations looking to adopt or implement blockchain technology. This course equips you with a thorough understanding of blockchain's principles, challenges, and applications, enabling you to advise clients on how to leverage blockchain for their specific needs. By mastering the design principles and use cases discussed in this course, you can effectively communicate the benefits of blockchain and position yourself as a valuable asset to organizations seeking to stay ahead of the technological curve.

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Cryptocurrency Trader

Cryptocurrency Traders buy and sell digital currencies in the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, cryptoassets, and market dynamics, empowering you to make informed trading decisions and navigate the complexities of the cryptocurrency landscape. By learning about smart contracts and blockchain design principles, you gain a competitive advantage and increase your chances of success as a Cryptocurrency Trader.

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Supply Chain Manager

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing supply chain management by enhancing transparency, traceability, and efficiency. This course provides you with a deep understanding of blockchain's potential to transform supply chains. By learning about blockchain design principles and use cases in the supply chain industry, you can position yourself as a highly sought-after expert in this rapidly evolving field. The knowledge you gain will enable you to create and manage efficient, secure, and transparent supply chains that meet the demands of the digital age.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists have a strong foundation in data analysis and machine learning, and blockchain technology can provide them with a powerful toolset for collecting and analyzing data. This course equips you with the knowledge of blockchain's design principles and its applications in data management. By understanding how blockchain can enhance data security, transparency, and immutability, you can expand your skillset, improve your data analysis capabilities, and drive better decision-making.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate the financial health and performance of companies and investments. With the advent of blockchain technology and its impact on the financial industry, understanding blockchain's principles and applications is becoming increasingly valuable. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain's role in finance, enabling you to analyze and interpret financial data more effectively. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, you can increase your competitiveness and gain an edge in the financial sector.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products. With the increasing adoption of blockchain technology, Product Managers must understand its implications and applications in various industries. This course provides a thorough overview of blockchain's potential for product development, enabling you to create innovative products that leverage the benefits of blockchain. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing the transformative power of blockchain, you can differentiate your products, meet customer demands, and drive business success.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies to promote products and services. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain's potential in marketing, enabling you to create innovative marketing campaigns that leverage the benefits of blockchain. By understanding blockchain design principles and use cases in marketing, you can stay ahead of the curve, engage with audiences in new ways, and drive business growth.

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IT Architect

IT Architects design and implement technology solutions to meet business needs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain's implications and applications in IT architecture, enabling you to create and implement secure, scalable, and efficient IT infrastructures that leverage the benefits of blockchain. By understanding blockchain design principles and use cases in IT architecture, you can stay ahead of the curve, meet the demands of modern businesses, and drive technological innovation.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists conduct research and develop new computing technologies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain's implications and applications in computer science, enabling you to contribute to the advancement of blockchain technology and its applications. By understanding blockchain design principles and use cases in computer science, you can stay ahead of the curve and drive groundbreaking research and innovation in the field.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain's implications and applications in software development, enabling you to create and implement secure, reliable, and efficient software solutions that leverage the benefits of blockchain. By understanding blockchain design principles and use cases in software development, you can stay ahead of the curve, meet the demands of modern businesses, and drive technological innovation.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs create and manage their own businesses. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain's potential for entrepreneurship, enabling you to develop and launch innovative businesses that leverage the benefits of blockchain. By understanding blockchain design principles and use cases in entrepreneurship, you can stay ahead of the curve, identify new business opportunities, and drive economic growth.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice and services to corporations and governments. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain's implications and applications in investment banking, enabling you to understand and advise on the use of blockchain in capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, and other financial transactions. By understanding blockchain design principles and use cases in investment banking, you can stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation in the financial sector.

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Introduction to Blockchain for Global Commerce

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