Blockchain Foundations and Use Cases

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.

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Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Module 1: Blockchain Foundations
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.
Week 2
Module 2: The Technical Side
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.
Week 3
Module 3: Blockchain in Use
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.
Week 4
Module 4: Further Topics
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.
Week 5
Module 5: Use Cases
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.

FAQ

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 purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, 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.

Reviews

it was a great fun ..learning blockchain with consensys

i really loved the course cause i was pretty much curious about blockchain..

thanks to the teacher !!

Great course that goes through the basics of Blockchain technology.

It includes discussions about what to consider before implementing a blockchain solution.

Great content and very interesting concepts in this course. Only downside was that there were so many typos everywhere. I reported a quite a few typos and could probably find more if I tried.

Course is very good start to enter into blockchain ecosystem understanding all concepts and things that decentralization can bring into upcoming digital transformations in every sector.