Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained

This course is part of the Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations Specialization

4.6
stars
374 ratings
•
83 reviews

Robert Dittmar +1 more instructor

Offered By

Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations SpecializationUniversity of Michigan

About this Course

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.
In this course, we first discuss the technical underpinnings of blockchain and review key concepts such as decentralization and consensus algorithms.

We then examine blockchain as an asset and review the dynamics of the cryptocurrency markets.

Finally, we examine blockchain as a business solution, with a focus on understanding business cases in which blockchain does and does not make sense.

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Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 2 of 4 in the

Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations Specialization

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

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

Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations Specialization

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.64/5 (77 Ratings)

Robert Dittmar

Professor of Finance

Stephen M. Ross School of Business

29,079 Learners

4 Courses

Andrew Wu

Michael R. and Mary Kay Hallman Fellow, Assistant Professor of Technology and Operations and Finance

Stephen M. Ross School of Business

29,079 Learners

4 Courses

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

Week

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Introduction

1 hour to complete

2 videos (Total 14 min), 3 readings

Week

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Introduction to Blockchain and Crypto

2 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 64 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

9 videos

Course Introduction4m

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

Week

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Blockchain as an Asset

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 65 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

8 videos

Introduction to Bitcoin9m

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

Week

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Blockchain as a Business

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 55 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

6 videos

Blockchain as an asset: Overview of the Cryptocurrency Market8m

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

4 readings

Case Reading: Studying the Cryptocurrency Market10m

Case Reading: Risky Business10m

Course Feedback10m

Keep Learning with Michigan Online10m

2 practice exercises

Case Discussion Partcipation5m

End of Module Quiz30m

Reviews

4.6

83 reviews

5 stars
71.80%
4 stars
21.01%
3 stars
5.85%
2 stars
1.06%
1 star
0.26%

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 CMApr 24, 2020

I do not know if I feel prepare to enter an exchange, but I guess I must still learn by experience. It was an interesting and fun journey. I would love to see more courses like this.

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!

View all reviews

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.

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:
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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.
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.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

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Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained