The sudden rise in the value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and its subsequent decline, focused the world’s attention on cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. Blockchain technology powers Bitcoin and has been hyped as the next new, transformative technology.
This course is part of the Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations Specialization
Offered By
Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations SpecializationUniversity of MichiganAbout this Course
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Course 2 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
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Beginner Level
Approx. 9 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
What you will learn
Explain how blockchain works.
Articulate the key technical aspects, such as decentralization and consensus algorithms.
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of cryptocurrency as an asset and a payment mechanism.
Evaluate tradeoffs of blockchain as a business solution.
Skills you will gain
Cryptocurrencydecentralization algorithmsconsensus algorithmsBlockchainblockchain as a business solution
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 2 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 9 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
University of Michigan
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Introduction
1 hour to complete
2 videos (Total 14 min), 3 readings
2 videos
Fintech Innovations: Series Introduction8m
3 readings
Syllabus10m
Help Us Learn More About You!10m
Learning from a Case10m
2 hours to complete
Introduction to Blockchain and Crypto
2 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 64 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
9 videos
Introduction to Blockchain5m
Classifying blockchain technologies7m
Identities on the Blockchain6m
Blockchain Data8m
Blockchain Network and Data Processing8m
Blockchain Consensus: What is it and Why do We Need It?4m
Blockchain Consensus: Generic Consensus Models13m
Putting the Concepts Together: Reading an Actual Blockchain4m
2 readings
Case Reading: Big Winnings10m
Case Reading: Beginning with Blockchain10m
2 practice exercises
Case Discussion Partcipation5m
End of Module Quiz30m
3 hours to complete
Blockchain as an Asset
3 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 65 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
8 videos
Proof-of-work (Mining): Concept4m
Proof-of-work (Mining): Implementation9m
Proof-of-work (Mining): Business Models10m
Examples of alternative consensus protocols: Proof-of-stake7m
Introduction to Ethereum6m
Smart contract: The Concept6m
Smart contract: The Application9m
2 readings
Case Reading: Mining for Bitcoin10m
Case Reading: Scoping Out Ethereum10m
2 practice exercises
Case Discussion Partcipation5m
End of Module Quiz30m
3 hours to complete
Blockchain as a Business
3 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 55 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
Buying and Selling Cryptocurrencies: Overview; Wallet & Key Storage13m
Buying and selling cryptocurrencies: Using crypto exchanges9m
Key crypto risk factors: Exchange risks7m
Key Crypto Risk Factors: Supply, Cybersecurity, and Centralization8m
Crypto Risk Factors: Utility and Sentiment8m
3 readings
Case Reading: Studying the Cryptocurrency Market10m
Case Reading: Risky Business10m
Course Feedback10m
2 practice exercises
Case Discussion Partcipation5m
End of Module Quiz30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY EXPLAINED
by KGApr 24, 2020
The course content is good but a bit too slow and the instructor could have used some more tools rather than just him speaking into the camera though he managed to grab our attention most times.
by SKApr 13, 2020
It is really awesome course. Concepts are clearly explained by the professor. Graphical representation is also made perfectly to understand easily. Thanks to Coursera & University of Michigan.
by ODApr 21, 2020
The information is really valuable. The authors should review some of the sound in the last week, though. I really appreciate the conceptual maps the authors worked on, very useful!
by MIMay 26, 2020
The course describes ins and outs of Blockchain & Crypto currency in a easy way. Anyone can understand the core concept of Blockchain. I personally recommend this course.
About the Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations Specialization
This specialization is intended to familiarize learners with a broad range of financial technologies. While finance has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, the financial industry is changing rapidly in the face of new technology. In the past, at the forefront of innovation in finance were central governments and financial institutions. Today, information technology firms and professionals are leading innovation in the financial industry.
Our goal is to show learners the genesis and use cases of the technology. We hope to familiarize professionals sufficiently with the technology that they can utilize and adapt the technologies in their careers.
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 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?
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
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. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
