Blockchain, Cryptoassets, and Decentralized Finance from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

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.

Identity

Accessing large, centralized systems such as email, health insurance, or a bank account requires the provision of various identifiers—for example, government-issued ID cards, self-selected passwords, or biometric data. However, identifier-based systems are problematic—both administratively and philosophically. In this module you will learn about five problems with identifier-based systems and explain how a distributed self-sovereign identity system, deployed on the blockchain, can resolve many of these issues.

DApps and Distributed Business Models

There are countless opportunities for blockchain to disrupt or displace traditional centralized business models. In this module, we explore how blockchain technology can support “open networked enterprise” business models through the inclusion of native payment systems, reputation systems, uncensorable content, trustless transactions, smart contracts, and autonomous agents.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to emerging digital assets and decentralized financial systems

Taught by Alex Tapscott and Don Tapscott, both having published thought leadership titled "Blockchain Revolution" which explores the impact of blockchain on business

Designed for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses to enhance their understanding and adoption of blockchain technology and its applications

Examines blockchain concepts like smart contracts, digital assets, decentralized identity systems, and distributed financial models

Requires learners to have a basic understanding of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and web3

Reviews summary

Highly rated blockchain course for beginners

Learners say this largely positive beginner-friendly course provides clear and informative explanations of blockchain fundamentals, cryptoassets, and decentralized finance. They especially appreciate the engaging instructors and useful examples provided throughout the course. While some note that course content may be outdated, they still recommend it as a starting point for those new to the field.

Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.

"Great instructors who are experts in the field."

"I have enjoyed the courses hosted by the father/son duo."

"Don and Alex Tapscott are great instructors and have taught me a lot about the blockchain space and its potential."

Explanations are clear and easy to understand.

"Learned a lot of new things."

"The two instructors certainly took their time explaining the basics of Blockchain."

"This course has made me understand what blockchain and smart contract entails."

Content is informative and relevant.

"The course is very well structured, an eye opener."

"Very good introduction to some parts of the blockchain ecosystem."

"This course is designed to introduce the learning the practical use cases of blockchain."

The course lacks coverage of decentralized finance (DeFi).

"Nothing on decentralized finance specifically which is why I took the course."

"Was pretty cool but i would like more reviews on actual DeFi applications and what are they creating today."

Some content is outdated.

"Good generic overview but substantial part of the content is outdated."

"Lectures are often from 2017 or 2019 at last."

"Most of the content is dated, it feels very much like state of the art in 2018."

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, Cryptoassets, and Decentralized Finance with these activities:

Find a mentor who can provide guidance on blockchain development

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This will provide you with access to an experienced professional who can provide you with guidance and support.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Attend blockchain meetups and conferences
Network with other blockchain professionals
Ask for referrals

Join a blockchain study group

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This will allow you to connect with other students and discuss the course material.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Find a blockchain study group
Attend the study group meetings
Participate in the discussions

Follow a tutorial on blockchain development

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This will provide you with a structured approach to learning blockchain development.

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Find a tutorial on blockchain development
Follow the tutorial
Complete the exercises

Five other activities

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Solve blockchain-related coding problems

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This will help you improve your problem-solving skills and reinforce your understanding of blockchain technology.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Find a list of blockchain-related coding problems
Solve the problems
Review your solutions

The Blockchain Revolution

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Read this book by the same authors as this course for a deeper understanding of the blockchain and its potential applications.

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

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Read the book
Take notes on key concepts
Summarize the book in your own words

Write a blog post about a blockchain-based application

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This will help you refine your understanding of blockchain technology and its potential applications.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Choose a blockchain-based application
Research the application
Write a blog post about the application
Publish your blog post

Develop a blockchain-based prototype

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This will provide you with hands-on experience with blockchain technology.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Choose a project idea
Design the project
Develop the project
Test the project
Deploy the project

Contribute to an open-source blockchain project

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This will provide you with hands-on experience with blockchain technology and contribute to the blockchain community.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Find an open-source blockchain project to contribute to
Read the project's documentation
Make a contribution to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain, Cryptoassets, and Decentralized Finance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Developer

A Blockchain Developer designs, builds, and maintains blockchain-based applications and systems. Graduates of this course will have an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of blockchain technology, cryptoassets, and decentralized finance. This knowledge will enable them to successfully develop and deploy blockchain solutions that address real-world problems. This course covers a range of topics that are directly relevant to the role of a Blockchain Developer, including digital assets, smart contracts, identity, and distributed business models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Cryptocurrency Trader

A Cryptocurrency Trader buys and sells cryptocurrencies in order to make a profit. Graduates of this course will have a comprehensive understanding of the cryptocurrency market, including the different types of cryptocurrencies, the factors that affect their prices, and the risks and rewards of trading them. This knowledge will enable them to make informed trading decisions and to develop successful trading strategies. This course covers the topics that are relevant to success in this job, including cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and identity management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Trader

Blockchain Analyst

A Blockchain Analyst evaluates the potential of blockchain technology for a particular organization or industry. Graduates of this course will have a deep understanding of the technical and business aspects of blockchain technology. This knowledge will enable them to make sound recommendations about how to use blockchain to solve business problems and to create new opportunities. This course covers a variety of topics that are relevant to the role of a Blockchain Analyst, including digital assets, smart contracts, identity, and distributed business models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Analyst

Cryptocurrency Lawyer

A Cryptocurrency Lawyer provides legal advice and representation to clients who are involved in the cryptocurrency industry. Graduates of this course will have a thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This knowledge will enable them to provide valuable guidance to their clients on a wide range of issues, including cryptocurrency transactions, smart contracts, and ICOs. This course covers the topics that are essential to success in this role, including cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and identity management.

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Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Developer

A Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Developer builds and maintains decentralized financial applications. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of the principles of DeFi and the different types of DeFi applications. This knowledge will enable them to develop innovative DeFi solutions that can help to improve the efficiency and accessibility of financial services. This course covers the topics that are crucial to success in this role, including cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized business models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Developer

Venture Capitalist

A Venture Capitalist invests in early-stage companies that have the potential to grow into successful businesses. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of the venture capital industry and the factors that drive investment decisions. This knowledge will enable them to identify and invest in promising blockchain startups. This course covers the topics that are relevant to this role, such as cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized business models.

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Investment Banker

An Investment Banker provides financial advice and services to corporations and governments. Graduates of this course will have a deep understanding of the financial markets and the different types of investment products. This knowledge will enable them to provide valuable guidance to their clients on a wide range of issues, including mergers and acquisitions, debt financing, and equity offerings.

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Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst provides financial advice and analysis to individuals and organizations. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of financial markets and the different types of investment products. This knowledge will enable them to make informed investment decisions and to develop successful financial plans. This course covers the topics that are relevant to this role, such as cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized business models.

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Economist

An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Graduates of this course will have a deep understanding of economic principles and the different factors that affect economic growth. This knowledge will enable them to make informed decisions about economic policy and to forecast economic trends.

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Journalist

A Journalist investigates and reports on news and current events. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of the news industry and the different types of journalism. This knowledge will enable them to produce high-quality journalism that informs and engages the public. This course covers the topics that are essential to success in this role, such as digital assets, smart contracts, and identity management.

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Marketer

A Marketer develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products and services. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of marketing principles and the different types of marketing channels. This knowledge will enable them to create effective marketing campaigns that reach their target audience.

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Sales Representative

A Sales Representative sells products and services to businesses and consumers. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of sales techniques and the different types of sales channels. This knowledge will enable them to build strong relationships with customers and to close deals.

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Customer Service Representative

A Customer Service Representative provides support to customers who have questions or problems with products or services. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of customer service principles and the different types of customer service channels. This knowledge will enable them to provide excellent customer service and to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

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Administrative Assistant

An Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to a team or organization. Graduates of this course may have the opportunity to learn about the different types of administrative tasks and the different types of software that are used to complete them. This knowledge will enable them to provide efficient and effective administrative support.

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Data Entry Clerk

A Data Entry Clerk enters data into a computer system. Graduates of this course may have the opportunity to learn about the different types of data entry software and the different types of data that are entered into computer systems. This knowledge will enable them to enter data quickly and accurately.

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