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.
Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases
Offered By
ConsenSys Academy
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Module 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.
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
2Module 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.
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
Need for Public-Private Key Cryptography on the Blockchain10m
Hash Functions10m
Supplemental Reading: Hash Functions20m
Supplemental Reading: Public Key Cryptography & Signing3m
1 practice exercise
Module 2 Quiz30m
Week
3Module 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.
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
4Module 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.
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
About 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.
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 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.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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