Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases

ConsenSys Academy

About this Course

37,269 recent views

This course is the definitive introduction to blockchain for both the developer and non-developer audience. Beyond the technology, this course will introduce you to some of the philosophy behind decentralization and why there is so much excitement around it. 
During the first three modules, you'll be introduced to blockchain and the technology behind it. In module four, we'll go beyond bitcoin and delve deeper into a next-generation blockchain called Ethereum to introduce you to what modern blockchains can do. The use cases featured in the final module are drawn from among the businesses in ConsenSys' startup portfolio. We believe we're uniquely positioned to present you with a valuable behind-the-scenes look at the people and companies working in this space to help give you a better understanding of the business side of blockchain.

Together, we'll examine businesses use cases, hear from industry leaders, and give you the opportunity to develop and analyze a use case yourself. With this course, not only will you be the one who is able to explain blockchain to your colleagues, you'll be well on your way to making educated business decisions with your new, foundational understanding of the technology.

Learner Career Outcomes

41%

started a new career after completing these courses

46%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

25%

got a pay increase or promotion

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Chinese (Simplified), Russian, English, Spanish

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.68/5 (51 Ratings)

ConsenSys Academy

36,746 Learners

1 Course

Learner Career Outcomes

41%

started a new career after completing these courses

46%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

25%

got a pay increase or promotion

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Chinese (Simplified), Russian, English, Spanish

Offered by

ConsenSys Academy

ConsenSys is a global leader in the blockchain space: a startup incubator, decentralized in nature, and employing some of the brightest minds in the industry. We’re ConsenSys Academy—the educational arm of ConsenSys—and given our unprecedented access to the luminaries and developers who are building the future of blockchain, we’re in the unique position to offer students leading-edge educational content; content that keeps pace with this new field’s rapid evolution. We are the educational core of the next-generation blockchain platform, Ethereum. Our mission is to be the global leader in blockchain education for individuals, institutions, and communities.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating94%(4,680 ratings)

Week

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Module 1: Blockchain Foundations

In this module we will cover the following topics: 1. Why are People Excited About Blockchain? 2.The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain 3.The Move to Decentralization 4. Ledgers, Distributed Ledgers, and Consensus 5. What is Blockchain? The reading materials will help you to expand your knowledge of the materials presented in this module. There is an assessment at the end of this module. You need to achieve 80% or higher to pass and receive the Course Certificate.

2 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 20 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz

9 videos

Welcome1m

Introduction1m

Consensys Introduction1m

Lesson 2: The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain2m

Lesson 3: What is Decentralization?1m

Decentralization3m

Lesson 4: Ledgers, Distributed Ledgers, and Consensus3m

Lesson 5: The Paper Blockchain2m

Why Blockchain?2m

5 readings

The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain20m

Supplemental Reading: The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain10m

The Move to Decentralization7m

Supplemental Reading: The Move to Decentralization8m

Supplemental Reading: What is a Blockchain?10m

1 practice exercise

Module 1 Quiz30m

Week

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Module 2: The Technical Side

In this module we will cover the following topics: Cryptography, Hash Functions, Public Key Cryptography and Signing, Blocks and Blockchain, the Chain, Nodes and Network. The reading materials will help you to expand your knowledge of the materials presented in this module. There is an assessment at the end of this module. You need to achieve 80% or higher to pass and receive the Course Certificate.

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 25 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

7 videos

Introduction32s

Lesson 1: Public Key Cryptography4m

Lesson 2: Cryptographic Hash Functions6m

Digital Signing3m

Lesson 4: Anatomy of a Block5m

Lesson 5: The Chain of Blocks1m

Lesson 6: Nodes and Networks2m

4 readings

Why Do I Need a Public and Private Key on the Blockchain?10m

Hash Functions10m

Supplemental Reading: Hash Functions20m

Bitcoin-Digital Signatures-Khan Academy10m

1 practice exercise

Module 2 Quiz30m

Week

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Module 3: Blockchain in Use

Welcome to the Blockchain in Use module. In this module we will cover the following topics: Introduction, Trust Framework and Consensus Mechanisms, Public, Consortium, Private Blockchains, Blockchain Interoperability, When to Use a Blockchain (Limitations and Misconceptions), Implications of Blockchain on Traditional Business. The reading materials will help you to expand your knowledge of the materials presented in this module. There is an assessment at the end of this module. You need to achieve 80% or higher to pass and receive the Course Certificate.

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 27 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz

6 videos

Introduction37s

Lesson 1: Consensus Mechanisms and Trust Frameworks4m

Lesson 2: Public, Private & Consortium Blockchains3m

Blockchain Interoperability7m

Lesson 3: When to Use a Blockchain5m

Lesson 4: Implications of Blockchain on Business5m

5 readings

Trust Frameworks and Consensus Mechanisms10m

Public, Consortium, Private Blockchains & Interoperability10m

Supplemental Reading: Public, Consortium, Private Blockchains & Interoperability10m

Supplemental Reading: When to Use a Blockchain10m

Supplemental Reading: Implication of Blockchain on Traditional Business15m

1 practice exercise

Module 3 Quiz30m

Week

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Module 4: Further Topics

In this module we will cover the following topics: Introduction, Bitcoin and Ethereum, Ethereum, Smart Contracts, Cryptocurrency Tokens, Wallets and the Marketplaces, and Implications on Traditional Businesses. The reading materials will help you to expand your knowledge of the materials presented in this module. There is an assessment at the end of this module. You need to achieve 80% or higher to pass and receive the Course Certificate.

2 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 38 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

9 videos

Introduction31s

Lesson 1: Cryptocurrency Tokens6m

Lesson 2: Wallets, Exchanges & Transactions6m

Lesson 3: Bitcoin and Ethereum3m

Bitcoin vs Ethereum4m

Lesson 4: Smart Contracts & The EVM5m

Lesson 5: Decentralized Apps3m

Lesson 6: Blockchain Platforms & Extensions4m

Lesson 7: Blockchain Solution Architecture4m

4 readings

Cryptocurrency Tokens15m

Introduction to Ethereum20m

Supplemental Reading: Bitcoin and Ethereum10m

Smart Contracts12m

1 practice exercise

Module 4 Quiz30m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, 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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases