This first course of the Blockchain specialization provides a broad overview of the essential concepts of blockchain technology – by initially exploring the Bitcoin protocol followed by the Ethereum protocol – to lay the foundation necessary for developing applications and programming. You will be equipped with the knowledge needed to create nodes on your personal Ethereum blockchain, create accounts, unlock accounts, mine, transact, transfer Ethers, and check balances.
Offered By
University at Buffalo
The State University of New York
About this Course
121,238 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
38%
started a new career after completing these courses
39%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
What you will learn
A learner will be able to recognize foundational concepts of blockchain, and apply these program concepts on the blockchain.
Skills you will gain
EthereumCryptographyBlockchainsBitcoin
Learner Career Outcomes
38%
started a new career after completing these courses
39%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Knowledge of at least one modern, high-level programming language is required.
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
4 hours to complete
Blockchain Defined
We will introduce and define blockchain, explain the structure and operational aspects of Bitcoin blockchain, and compare different types of blockchains.
4 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 26 min), 6 readings, 5 quizzes
5 videos
Blockchain Defined: Bitcoin & Blockchain8m
Blockchain Structure5m
Basic Operations4m
Beyond Bitcoin3m
6 readings
Acknowledgements: Blockchain5m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Bitcoin & Blockchain15m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Blockchain Structure12m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Basic Operations10m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Beyond Bitcoin18m
REQUIRED Quiz Resources and Directions: Blockchain Defined - Week 110m
5 practice exercises
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Blockchain Defined - Week 130m
4 hours to complete
Ethereum Blockchain
We will discuss the innovation of the Ethereum blockchain, review its protocol, and explore the payment model for code execution.
4 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 19 min), 5 readings, 5 quizzes
5 videos
Practitioner's Perspective: The Enterprise2m
Ethereum Structure4m
Ethereum Operations2m
Incentive Model4m
5 readings
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Smart Contracts15m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Ethereum Structure10m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Ethereum Operations12m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Incentive Model10m
REQUIRED Quiz Resources and Directions: Ethereum Blockchain - Week 210m
5 practice exercises
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Ethereum Blockchain - Week 230m
4 hours to complete
Algorithms & Techniques
We will discuss the concept of asymmetric key encryption, define the concept of hashing, and explain techniques that use algorithms to manage the integrity of transactions and blocks in blockchain.
4 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 21 min), 5 readings, 5 quizzes
4 videos
Hashing5m
Transaction Integrity3m
Securing Blockchain4m
5 readings
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Public-Key Cryptography12m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Hashing30m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Transaction Integrity15m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Securing Blockchain10m
REQUIRED Quiz Resources and Directions: Algorithms & Techniques - Week 310m
5 practice exercises
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Algorithms & Techniques - Week 330m
7 hours to complete
Trust Essentials
We will define elements of trust in blockchain and discuss the Consensus protocol.
7 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 19 min), 5 readings, 6 quizzes
5 videos
Consensus Protocol2m
Practitioner's Perspective: Decentralized Governance2m
Robustness5m
Forks4m
5 readings
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Decentralized Systems20m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Consensus Protocol1h
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Robustness5m
(OPTIONAL) Resources: Forks10m
Blockchain Basics: Key Takeaways5m
5 practice exercises
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Self-Check30m
Trust Essentials - Week 430m
Reviews
4.6
TOP REVIEWS FROM BLOCKCHAIN BASICS
by ESDec 30, 2019
Out of date: the content is from 2017 I believe, and this is a field that is evolving so fast. It was hard to follow along on the programming exercises, but it was a good introduction to the concepts.
by TTNov 18, 2018
This is an introductory course to Blockchain. The supplemented material (in other words self-study) is excellent and in my opinion is the only way to master the concepts and details of this discipline
by SSJul 27, 2018
I find this course helpful to absolute beginner and for one who wants to grasp the basic concepts of Blockchain . The tutor tried to explain most part with simplicity and good and sufficient details.
by LMJul 29, 2019
Comprehensive and clear course that summarize the basic concepts to understand the blockchain technology. Also the resources and contents included are very valuables. I totally recommend this course.
by UDec 31, 2019
One of the Best course for Absolutely Beginners :-) Discussed Core Fundamental Factors of Blockchain of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Amazing Resources & Really Helpful Content. Thanks Bina Ramamurthy Ma'am.
by SPJul 15, 2018
Amazing Course , easy to follow , in depth explanation, easy to understand , I have was amazing Experience, still learning a lot ... and for me this was the best way to start learn about blockchain
by BRJan 20, 2019
Thank you Bina mam for making this this course. My knowledge is so much expand to take this course.\n\nIf you live 100+ years don't be confused many peoples blessing with you.\n\nThank you so much.
by RLJul 14, 2019
A comprehensive course covering everything related to Blockchain Basics and great for Beginners and any professional who wants to start their career in Blockchain technology can take this course.
by RHMay 4, 2019
The course is well designed to give you an overview of Blockchain and the basic concepts. What is Smart Contract and other various terminologies and how they play a role in the blockchain. Thanks
by MKMar 15, 2019
Very nicely arranged course and very informative. Learned a lot in no time. Only hurdle is The Ethereum Virtual machine takes hell lot of time in the Miner step. rest all fine. thanks a lot.
by NNNov 6, 2019
The course was at a right pace for me and it introduced concepts at the right level of detail. Also provided lot of reading and watching material that was useful for such a evolving subject.
by KKOct 4, 2018
Information in the course was very good, but in the project part I have not felt like I am doing one POC kind of project, it is not at all interactive. It can be more practical if possible
About University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo (UB) is a premier, research-intensive public university and the largest, most comprehensive institution of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. UB offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and nearly 300 graduate and professional programs.
About The State University of New York
The State University of New York, with 64 unique institutions, is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States. Educating nearly 468,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs both on campus and online, SUNY has nearly 3 million alumni around the globe.
About the Blockchain Specialization
This specialization introduces blockchain, a revolutionary technology that enables peer-to-peer transfer of digital assets without any intermediaries, and is predicted to be just as impactful as the Internet. More specifically, it prepares learners to program on the Ethereum blockchain. The four courses provide learners with (i) an understanding and working knowledge of foundational blockchain concepts, (ii) a skill set for designing and implementing smart contracts, (iii) methods for developing decentralized applications on the blockchain, and (iv) information about the ongoing specific industry-wide blockchain frameworks.
The specialization covers a range of essential topics, from the cryptographic underpinnings of blockchain technology to enabling decentralized applications on a private Ethereum blockchain platform.
It is ideal for programmers and designers involved in developing and implementing blockchain applications, and anyone who is interested in understanding its potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
