Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases

Instructor: ConsenSys Academy

Sponsored by Coursera for Reliance Family

88,233 already enrolled

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.7

(840 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

Approx. 9 hours

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.7

(840 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

Approx. 9 hours

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

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. Join ConsenSys Academy and course instructor Nick Nelson in this rich-media introduction to the foundations of blockchain.

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 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.

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.

What's included

9 videos5 readings1 assignment

9 videosTotal 20 minutes

Welcome1 minutePreview module
Introduction1 minute
Consensys Introduction1 minute
Lesson 2: The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain2 minutes
Lesson 3: What is Decentralization?1 minute
Decentralization3 minutes
Lesson 4: Ledgers, Distributed Ledgers, and Consensus3 minutes
Lesson 5: The Paper Blockchain2 minutes
Why Blockchain?2 minutes

5 readingsTotal 55 minutes

The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain20 minutes
Supplemental Reading: The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain10 minutes
The Move to Decentralization7 minutes
Supplemental Reading: The Move to Decentralization8 minutes
Supplemental Reading: What is a Blockchain?10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

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.

What's included

7 videos4 readings1 assignment

7 videosTotal 25 minutes

Introduction0 minutesPreview module
Lesson 1: Public Key Cryptography4 minutes
Lesson 2: Cryptographic Hash Functions6 minutes
Digital Signing3 minutes
Lesson 4: Anatomy of a Block5 minutes
Lesson 5: The Chain of Blocks1 minute
Lesson 6: Nodes and Networks2 minutes

4 readingsTotal 50 minutes

Why Do I Need a Public and Private Key on the Blockchain?10 minutes
Hash Functions10 minutes
Supplemental Reading: Hash Functions20 minutes
Bitcoin-Digital Signatures-Khan Academy10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 Quiz30 minutes

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.

What's included

6 videos5 readings1 assignment

6 videosTotal 27 minutes

Introduction0 minutesPreview module
Lesson 1: Consensus Mechanisms and Trust Frameworks4 minutes
Lesson 2: Public, Private & Consortium Blockchains3 minutes
Blockchain Interoperability7 minutes
Lesson 3: When to Use a Blockchain5 minutes
Lesson 4: Implications of Blockchain on Business5 minutes

5 readingsTotal 55 minutes

Trust Frameworks and Consensus Mechanisms10 minutes
Public, Consortium, Private Blockchains & Interoperability10 minutes
Supplemental Reading: Public, Consortium, Private Blockchains & Interoperability10 minutes
Supplemental Reading: When to Use a Blockchain10 minutes
Supplemental Reading: Implication of Blockchain on Traditional Business15 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

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.

What's included

9 videos4 readings1 assignment

9 videosTotal 38 minutes

Introduction0 minutesPreview module
Lesson 1: Cryptocurrency Tokens6 minutes
Lesson 2: Wallets, Exchanges & Transactions6 minutes
Lesson 3: Bitcoin and Ethereum3 minutes
Bitcoin vs Ethereum4 minutes
Lesson 4: Smart Contracts & The EVM5 minutes
Lesson 5: Decentralized Apps3 minutes
Lesson 6: Blockchain Platforms & Extensions4 minutes
Lesson 7: Blockchain Solution Architecture4 minutes

4 readingsTotal 57 minutes

Cryptocurrency Tokens15 minutes
Introduction to Ethereum20 minutes
Supplemental Reading: Bitcoin and Ethereum10 minutes
Smart Contracts12 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 4 Quiz30 minutes

In this module we will review the following use cases: Self-Sovereign Identity and Reputation, Ownership and Governance, Supply Chain and Asset Tracking, and Royalties in the Music Industry.

What's included

6 videos4 readings1 peer review

6 videosTotal 43 minutes

Introduction0 minutesPreview module
Lesson 1: Self-Sovereign Identity and Reputation8 minutes
Lesson 2: Ownership and Governance11 minutes
Lesson 3: Supply Chain and Asset Tracking14 minutes
Lesson 4: Royalties in the Music Industry7 minutes
Wrap-Up0 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Uport: Self-sovereign Identity and Reputation10 minutes
Meridio: Ownership and Governance10 minutes
Viant: Supply Chain and Asset Tracking10 minutes
Ujo: Royalties in the Music Industry10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Create a Blockchain Use Case60 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

4.7 (170 ratings)

ConsenSys Academy

1 Course88,233 learners

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ConsenSys Academy

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4.7

840 reviews

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Reviewed on Feb 24, 2021

A truly enlightening and useful course. The course is so nicely designed and is practical in nature. The course presented by those who matter in blockchain technology really makes it one of its kind.

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2018

I liked the course however it was quite a "SHILL" fest towards Ethereum. Very little mention of any other blockchain and the final module was just what I thought to be a big sales of some tokens.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2019

This is an outstanding course for neophyte blockchain entrepreneurs and those who desire to create a career in this emerging high-technology field.

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