Duke University
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Infrastructure
Duke University

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Infrastructure

Cam Harvey

Instructor: Cam Harvey

47,300 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(1,382 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 6 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(1,382 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 6 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Articulate the history and origins of decentralized finance

  • Define the key components of decentralized finance's infrastructure

  • Explain which problems decentralized finance is designed to solve and how

  • Identify myths or common misconceptions about decentralized finance

Details to know

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Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

This module provides a historical perspective of exchange beginning with early barter, specie currency (backed by, e.g., gold), fiat currency and electronic transfers. The module introduces some of the key problems that have arisen with the current system. It closes with the introduction to Satoshi Nakamoto’s famous 2008 paper which introduced cryptocurrency.

What's included

6 videos2 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the key foundations for DeFi, starting with the mechanics of blockchain including cryptographic hashing. The module then explores the innovation of smart contracting - a key ingredient for DeFi. There is also a discussion of the differences between the first cryptos and stablecoins.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment

This module explores the key problems with today’s legacy financial system which include: inefficiency (costly, slow, and insecure transactions); limited access (many cannot access banks and many that have bank accounts find it difficult to get loans); opacity (it is unclear how healthy our commercial financial institutions are); centralized control (current system is dominated by oligopolies that push prices higher than competitive prices) and interoperability (difficulty in moving funds across different legacy financial institutions).

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

The final module explores various different myths including: all cryptocurrencies are anonymous; blockchains are routinely hacked; quantum computing will destroy all blockchain based currencies; and the crypto ecosystem is so small that it is unlikely to compete with legacy financial institutions.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (477 ratings)
Cam Harvey
Duke University
5 Courses68,483 learners

Offered by

Duke University

Recommended if you're interested in Finance

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4.8

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