Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services from Coursera

What's inside

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.

Public and Private Ledgers

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 can be protected in both public and private ledgers using both procedural and technological methods.

The Blockchain Ecosystem

Although blockchain technology emerged from the open source community, it quickly attracted many stakeholders, each with different backgrounds, interests, and motives. In this module, you will explore the roles and perspectives of nine categories of stakeholders within the blockchain ecosystem, including industry pioneers, venture capitalists, developers, governments, regulators, leaders, and end users.

Blockchain Implementation Challenges

Like every revolutionary technology, the 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 blockchain technology, which is still an emerging field of study

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work on blockchain technology

Develops skills in understanding and analyzing blockchain technology, which are core skills for those working in related fields

Provides a strong foundation for beginners interested in blockchain technology

Examines the latest developments in blockchain technology, which is highly relevant to innovators

Advises students to take other courses first as prerequisites

Reviews summary

Blockchain for finance

Learners say this course will teach you the basics of blockchain in a way that's easy to understand. Engaging assignments and informative readings as well as real-world examples will guide you through the lectures. The instructors, Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott, are credited for their expertise and passion. While the course is largely positive, some indicate that materials may be outdated. This course is a great option to begin your blockchain journey or gain a higher level understanding for use in financial services.

The course is grounded in real world examples which helps learners connect the concepts.

"Great course with references and reading"

"Excellent course with well structured...practical case studies are included "

The course is thorough and informative for learners who are new to blockchain technology and its uses in finance.

"Very good and broad introduction to BC for a beginner, treating a wide range of subjects"

"A brilliant, thouroughly facinating course from beginning to end."

"This course helps me explore new skills. I am able to experience blockchain knowledge from renowned instrictors like Don and Alex."

Students credit instructors Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott as knowledgeable and passionate.

"Great teachers with genuine passion and interesting content!"

"Don Tapscott is a world class teacher with extensive knowledge on Blockchain technology. "

"Thank you Alex Tapscott sir. Your letures were precise and had easily understandable examples. "

Some students feel that materials may be outdated especially those relating to Bitcoin.

"Sources and links need to be updated from 2018."

"meh. Shame the reading materials are 2-3 years old. Which means decades for the blockchain and crypto universes."

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 Financial Services with these activities:

Review Blockchain Revolution

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Review the background and fundamentals of blockchain technology from the perspective of business and economics to prepare for the course.

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

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Read the introduction and first three chapters
Summarize the main concepts of blockchain technology
Identify the key challenges and opportunities presented by blockchain technology

Create a Comprehensive Study Resource

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Compile your notes, assignments, and other course materials into a single organized resource for easy reference and review

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Gather all relevant materials from the course
Review and organize the materials into a logical structure
Create a binder, digital folder, or online repository to store the compiled materials

Solve Blockchain Problems

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Enhance your problem-solving abilities and deepen your understanding by solving practical blockchain-related problems

Browse courses on Blockchain Technology

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Identify online platforms or resources for blockchain problem sets
Select problems that align with the course material
Solve the problems independently
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Five other activities

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Follow Coursera Tutorials

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Supplement your understanding of blockchain concepts by following interactive tutorials on Coursera to reinforce your learning

Browse courses on Blockchain Technology

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Select relevant tutorials from the Coursera catalog
Complete the tutorials at your own pace
Take notes and review the material regularly

Join a Blockchain Study Group

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Engage with peers in a collaborative learning environment to exchange ideas, discuss concepts, and reinforce your understanding

Browse courses on Blockchain Technology

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Find or create a study group with other students taking the same course
Set regular meeting times and establish a study schedule
Take turns presenting concepts, leading discussions, and solving problems

Attend a Blockchain Workshop

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Participate in a hands-on workshop to gain practical experience with blockchain development and implementation

Browse courses on Blockchain Technology

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Research and identify relevant blockchain workshops
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions

Develop a Blockchain Concept Map

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Create a visual representation of blockchain concepts to enhance your understanding and improve your ability to communicate these concepts

Browse courses on Blockchain Technology

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Gather information and identify key concepts related to blockchain technology
Organize the concepts into a logical structure
Use a concept mapping tool or software to create a visual representation

Contribute to Open-Source Blockchain Projects

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Engage in the development and improvement of real-world blockchain projects to enhance your technical skills and deepen your understanding

Browse courses on Blockchain Technology

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Identify open-source blockchain projects that align with your interests
Fork the project repository and make modifications
Submit a pull request with your contributions
Review and collaborate on code

Career center

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

Blockchain Developer

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course can help you launch a career as a Blockchain Developer. In this role, you will design, develop, and implement blockchain-based solutions for various industries. This course provides a solid understanding of blockchain technology, including its key concepts, design principles, and implementation challenges. It also covers the roles and perspectives of stakeholders within the blockchain ecosystem. With this knowledge, you can effectively contribute to the development and adoption of blockchain solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Consultant

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course can help you become a successful Blockchain Consultant. In this role, you will advise clients on how to leverage blockchain technology to improve their business operations. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of blockchain technology, its benefits, and its challenges. You will also learn about the different types of blockchain solutions and how to evaluate their suitability for different business needs. This knowledge will enable you to provide valuable guidance to clients and help them make informed decisions about blockchain adoption.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Consultant

Blockchain Architect

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course can assist you in becoming a Blockchain Architect. In this role, you will design and implement blockchain-based solutions for complex business problems. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, its architecture, and its applications. It will also cover the challenges and limitations of blockchain technology and how to overcome them. With this knowledge, you can effectively design and implement blockchain solutions that meet the specific needs of your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Architect

Blockchain Project Manager

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a Blockchain Project Manager. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and managing blockchain projects. This course will help you understand the challenges and complexities of blockchain projects and how to overcome them. It will also provide you with the skills you need to manage a team of blockchain developers and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Project Manager

Blockchain Analyst

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Blockchain Analyst. In this role, you will be responsible for analyzing blockchain data and providing insights to businesses. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of blockchain technology, its applications, and its implications for business. You will also learn how to use blockchain data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Analyst

Blockchain Engineer

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course can be beneficial for aspiring Blockchain Engineers. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining blockchain-based systems. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in blockchain technology, its architecture, and its applications. It will also cover the challenges and limitations of blockchain technology and how to overcome them. With this knowledge, you can effectively design and implement blockchain solutions that meet the specific needs of your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Engineer

Cryptocurrency Trader

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a Cryptocurrency Trader. In this role, you will be responsible for buying and selling cryptocurrencies in order to make a profit. This course will help you understand the basics of blockchain technology and how it is used in the cryptocurrency market. It will also provide you with an understanding of the different types of cryptocurrencies and how to trade them effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Trader

Cryptocurrency Analyst

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for those interested in becoming a Cryptocurrency Analyst. In this role, you will be responsible for providing insights and analysis on the cryptocurrency market. This course will help you understand the basics of blockchain technology and how it is used in the cryptocurrency market. It will also provide you with an understanding of the different types of cryptocurrencies and how to analyze their value.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Analyst

Financial Analyst

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for aspiring Financial Analysts. In this role, you will be responsible for analyzing financial data and providing insights to businesses. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of financial markets and how blockchain technology is being used to improve the efficiency and transparency of financial transactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Analyst

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for those seeking a career as an Investment Analyst. In this role, you will be responsible for analyzing investment opportunities and making recommendations to clients. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of financial markets and how blockchain technology is being used to improve the efficiency and transparency of financial transactions.

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Software Engineer

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for Software Engineers interested in working on blockchain-based projects. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of blockchain technology, its architecture, and its applications. It will also cover the challenges and limitations of blockchain technology and how to overcome them. With this knowledge, you can effectively contribute to the development and implementation of blockchain solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for Data Scientists interested in working on blockchain-related projects. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of blockchain technology, its architecture, and its applications. It will also cover the challenges and limitations of blockchain technology and how to overcome them. With this knowledge, you can effectively use blockchain data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Product Manager

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for Product Managers interested in working on blockchain-related products. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of blockchain technology, its architecture, and its applications. It will also cover the challenges and limitations of blockchain technology and how to overcome them. With this knowledge, you can effectively develop and launch blockchain-based products that meet the needs of your customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Marketing Manager

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for Marketing Managers interested in promoting blockchain-related products and services. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of blockchain technology, its benefits, and its challenges. It will also cover the different types of blockchain solutions and how to communicate their value to potential customers. With this knowledge, you can effectively develop and execute marketing campaigns that reach the right audience and drive demand for blockchain-based solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Business Development Manager

The Introduction to Blockchain for Financial Services course may be helpful for Business Development Managers interested in selling blockchain-related products and services. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of blockchain technology, its benefits, and its challenges. It will also cover the different types of blockchain solutions and how to identify potential customers. With this knowledge, you can effectively develop and execute business development strategies that drive sales and grow your business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager