The Blockchain System from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Authenticating Transactions and Distributing Data to Peers

During this initial week we will start by looking at how the blockchain data are shared among nodes in the peer-to-peer network over the internet and how the interconnectivity of the nodes is managed.

Determining the Canonical Version of a Blockchain

We will continue to look more closely at how nodes add blocks to the data structure with the goal of maintaining a consistent transaction history. We’ll also see that multiple histories can sometimes arise due to a variety of factors ranging from benign, but unpredictable, node outages to intentional malfeasance. This requires that the system have a means of collectively determining which single history is the correct one. We’ll explore two approaches to achieve this: the longest chain criterion and the heaviest chain criterion and practice applying the principles that we have learned in this week’s assignment.

Blockchain Limitations

The blockchain is not a perfect system and indeed has its limitations. We will explore some of the constraints of the blockchain and address the issues that cause such limitations.

Organizational Applications of Blockchain

We will finish the course by exploring other opportunities for using a blockchain approach to decentralize what have been heretofore centralized industries in which individual entities have controlled or consolidated information. We will develop ideas for applying a blockchain approach to industries other than cryptofinance.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores core blockchain concepts and applications, making it suitable for learners interested in understanding this emerging technology

Taught by Stefano M. Stefan, an experienced instructor in blockchain and distributed ledger technologies

Covers topics like data authentication, blockchain reconciliation, limitations, and organizational applications, providing a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology

Requires the purchase of two specific books for assignments, which may add to the financial burden for learners

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"Nice."

Low student engagement.

"fellow learner engagement has been one of the lowest I've seen so far."

Course materials are subpar.

"Learning material is not so good compared to other courses."

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 The Blockchain System with these activities:

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Gather notes from each lecture and tutorial
Review your assignments and quizzes
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Career center

Learners who complete The Blockchain System will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Consultant

Blockchain Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses on how to implement and use blockchain technology. They need a deep understanding of blockchain technology, as well as business processes and requirements. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Blockchain Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Consultant

Blockchain Architect

Blockchain Architects are responsible for designing and implementing blockchain-based solutions for businesses. They need a deep understanding of blockchain technology, as well as business processes and requirements. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Blockchain Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Architect

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining blockchain-based systems and applications. They need a deep understanding of blockchain technology, including the principles of consensus, cryptography, and distributed systems. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Blockchain Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Cryptocurrency Analyst

Cryptocurrency Analysts are responsible for analyzing and interpreting data on cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based systems. They need a strong understanding of blockchain technology, as well as financial markets and economics. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Cryptocurrency Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help businesses make better decisions. They need a strong understanding of data analysis techniques, as well as programming and machine learning. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Data Scientist in the blockchain industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. They need a strong understanding of software development principles, as well as programming languages and technologies. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Software Engineer in the blockchain industry.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. They need a strong understanding of product development and management principles, as well as market research and analysis. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Product Manager in the blockchain industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. They need a strong understanding of project management principles, as well as scheduling and budgeting. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Project Manager in the blockchain industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing and improving business processes. They need a strong understanding of business analysis techniques, as well as data analysis and modeling. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Business Analyst in the blockchain industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing and interpreting financial data to help businesses make better decisions. They need a strong understanding of financial markets and economics, as well as data analysis techniques. This course, The Blockchain System, provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. It covers topics such as authenticating transactions, distributing data to peers, determining the canonical version of a blockchain, and blockchain limitations. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Financial Analyst in the blockchain industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Lawyer

Lawyers are responsible for providing legal advice and representation to clients. They need a strong understanding of the law, as well as legal research and analysis. This course, The Blockchain System, may be useful for Lawyers who want to learn more about blockchain technology and its potential impact on the legal profession.

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Accountant

Accountants are responsible for preparing and analyzing financial statements. They need a strong understanding of accounting principles and practices, as well as tax laws and regulations. This course, The Blockchain System, may be useful for Accountants who want to learn more about blockchain technology and its potential impact on the accounting profession.

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IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning and managing IT systems and infrastructure. They need a strong understanding of IT principles and practices, as well as project management and budgeting. This course, The Blockchain System, may be useful for IT Managers who want to learn more about blockchain technology and its potential impact on the IT profession.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns. They need a strong understanding of marketing principles and practices, as well as market research and analysis. This course, The Blockchain System, may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to learn more about blockchain technology and its potential impact on the marketing profession.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for managing sales teams and achieving sales targets. They need a strong understanding of sales techniques and principles, as well as customer relationship management. This course, The Blockchain System, may be useful for Sales Managers who want to learn more about blockchain technology and its potential impact on the sales profession.

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