This course is part of the Fintech: Foundations & Applications of Financial Technology Specialization

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Fintech: Foundations & Applications of Financial Technology SpecializationUniversity of Pennsylvania

About this Course

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What is Cryptocurrency and how is it an innovative and effective method of currency? This course was designed for individuals and organizations who want to learn how to navigate investment in cryptocurrencies. Professors Jessica Wachter and Sarah Hammer will guide you through developing a framework for understanding both Cryptocurrency and Blockchain. You’ll learn how to define a currency, analyze the foundations of digital signatures and blockchain technology in cryptocurrency, and accurately assess the risks of cryptocurrency in a modern investment portfolio. By the end of this course, you’ll have a deep understanding of the realities of Cryptocurrency, the intricacies of Blockchain technology, and an effective strategy for incorporating Cryptocurrency into your investment plans. No prerequisites are required, although "Fintech: Foundations, Payments, and Regulations"  from Wharton's Fintech Specialization is recommended.

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Course 2 of 4 in the

Fintech: Foundations & Applications of Financial Technology Specialization

Approx. 4 hours to complete

English

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 4 in the

Fintech: Foundations & Applications of Financial Technology Specialization

Approx. 4 hours to complete

English

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.74/5 (341 Ratings)

Jessica Wachter

Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Professor in Quantitative Finance

Finance

114,937 Learners

2 Courses

Sarah Hammer

Senior Director of the Alternative Investments Initiative, Adjunct Professor of Law

The Wharton School / University of Pennsylvania Law School

48,569 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

University of Pennsylvania

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating95%(2,595 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Module 1: Introduction to Cryptocurrency

In this module, you’ll define Bitcoin and understand its popularity as a currency. You’ll discuss the methodology behind transacting with Bitcoin, and gain a deep understanding of the definition of currency and the critical importance of a shared common belief behind a unit of currency. You’ll also analyze the growth of centralized intermediaries that facilitate dollar transactions using cash-alternative methodologies and their role in currency. By the end of this module, you’ll have a more clearly defined understanding of why cryptocurrency and bitcoin is used as a cash-alternative method, and how Bitcoin derives its potential value in the current market.

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 23 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week2

Week 2

1 hour to complete

Module 2: Rules and Structure of Bitcoin

This module was designed to analyze the problems that a decentralized currency must solve in order to be successful, and how Bitcoin meets these challenges using cryptology and blockchain technology. After identifying the philosophy of identity behind the concept of property rights, you'll learn how Bitcoin utilizes digital signatures in their transactions to ensure privacy for individuals. Then, you’ll examine how blockchain technology employs Hash Functions to detect tampering attempts. Finally, you’ll explore the creation and concept of Distributed Consensus Protocol and how Proof of Work incentivizes honest trading and stable currency creation. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to identify the importance of digital signatures, Blockchain, and Proof of Work in the stability of Bitcoin as a currency.

1 hour to complete

9 videos (Total 71 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week3

Week 3

1 hour to complete

Module 3: Cryptocurrency as an Asset Class

In this module, you’ll examine Cryptocurrency as an asset class, and delve deeper into whether Cryptocurrency has a place in individual investment portfolios. Through examining the theory and data perspective of traditional finance, you’ll understand the risks and returns on Bitcoin and its place in a more stable and predictable portfolio. You’ll also learn about the Capital Asset Pricing Model, and key concepts of Modern Portfolio Theory such as Tangency Portfolio and the Sharpe Ratio. Through calculating and specifying both Beta and Alpha of Bitcoins, you’ll be able to accurately measure the systematic risk the investor takes in creating a portfolio with Bitcoin. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to estimate and analyze the values of Beta and Alpha in Cryptocurrency, and effectively optimize utility in incorporating Cryptocurrency as an asset for your portfolio.

1 hour to complete

5 videos (Total 47 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Module 4: The Blockchain Ecosystem

In this module, you’ll explore the Blockchain Ecosystem and the numerous use cases for Blockchain in different industries. Through examination of the key attributes of Blockchain, you’ll discover how Blockchain is built. You’ll also learn about the difference between Proof of Work and Proof of Stake, and the two interoperabilities of Blockchain. Through analyzing the different types of crypto finance, you’ll explore the different use cases of Blockchain in business, gaming, and investing. By the end of this module, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of Blockchain, be able to utilize Blockchain in many different contexts, and assess how Blockchain will affect both business and society in the future.

2 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 82 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

11 videos

Module Introduction52sWhat is an Ecosystem3mBuilding the Blockchain11mCrypto Finance8mBusiness Use Cases13mBlockchain in Gaming2mInvesting in Blockchain5mGovernment and Regulation7mMedia and Advocacy1mCreating the New Frontier of FinTech - Securitize10mCreating the New Frontier of FinTech - Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.16m

1 reading

Module 4 Lecture Slides10m

1 practice exercise

Module 4 Quiz

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TOP REVIEWS FROM CRYPTOCURRENCY AND BLOCKCHAIN: AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL CURRENCIES

by NBNov 14, 2022

This introduction helped me know the differences and similarities between blockchain and bitcoin. It really got me interested in blockchain programming and now I want to know more.

by OSFeb 21, 2021

Really enjoyed the last module by Sarah Hammer. 2nd Module was a little tech heavy. I would suggest more visual information to help keep the content more dynamic.

by BVJul 18, 2020

Good course work and information for beginners. Would be good to have some modules that can cover the more recent happenings in the block chain world and some focus on DeFI.

by JLJan 3, 2020

Good course, clear and useful contents. Both Jessica and Sarah are giving useful contents. It goes into details about how cryptocurrency works, pretty useful.

View all reviews

About the Fintech: Foundations & Applications of Financial Technology Specialization

Wharton's Fintech Specialization is designed to introduce you to the fundamental building blocks of financial technologies and real-world applications through case studies of Wharton-led companies in the field. You'll learn the the essential components of technology-driven financial strategies, from complex regulations to cryptocurrency to portfolio optimization.

You'll also learn how modern investment strategies deploy technology to produce optimal results, explore the disruptive force of changing payment methods, analyze the changing regulatory landscape, and gain a deeper understanding of robo-advising, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, and blockchain. By the end of this Specialization, you'll be able to make informed decisions about deploying financial technologies for yourself or for your business, giving you a competitive advantage in using the latest financial innovations.

Fintech: Foundations & Applications of Financial Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

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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. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies

About this Course