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Blockchains, Tokens, and The Decentralized Future

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Blockchains, Tokens, and The Decentralized Future

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

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Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
2 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

10 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
2 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree

What you'll learn

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, including its cryptographic foundations and the importance of hashing.

  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of the two leading blockchain platforms, Bitcoin and Ethereum, and the challenges they face.

  • Examine the transformative potential of blockchain across different sectors, including finance, health care, governance, and nonprofits.

  • Develop a critical understanding of the regulatory environment surrounding blockchain technology.

Details to know

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Assessments

25 assignments

Taught in English

There are 4 modules in this course

Dive into the transformative world of blockchain with our course, designed to navigate the complexities of digital currencies, smart contracts, and decentralized applications. Whether you're intrigued by Bitcoin, Ethereum, or the broader implications of blockchain for industries and governance, this course offers deep insights and practical knowledge to leverage blockchain technology for innovation and problem-solving. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, it's your gateway to mastering the blockchain ecosystem and its burgeoning impact on the digital age.

The first module explores the core concepts of blockchain, the revolutionary technology powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. You will gain an understanding of how distributed ledgers revolutionize data security, transparency, and trust in various industries. The module continues to demystify the cryptographic building blocks that ensure secure and verifiable transactions on blockchain networks. As the module goes further, we will explore the intricacies of Bitcoin transactions, wallets, and the consensus mechanism that maintains network integrity. Later in this module, we will uncover the technical foundations of the Bitcoin network, including Proof of Work and its implications. You will gain hands-on experience with Bitcoin transactions by using a blockchain explorer. In the end, we will analyze the challenges and opportunities presented by Bitcoin, including the promising Lightning Network. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with a strong understanding of blockchain technology, its potential for disruption, and how Bitcoin fits into the larger financial landscape. This knowledge will enhance your ability to evaluate blockchain-based ventures, navigate emerging financial trends, and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

What's included

20 videos6 readings7 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

20 videosTotal 101 minutes
  • Introduction to Blockchains, Tokens, and The Decentralized Future3 minutes
  • Meet Your Instructor Robert Brunner5 minutes
  • The Impact of the Gies Community2 minutes
  • Module Introduction: Blockchain, Bitcoin, and The Bitcoin Network5 minutes
  • Introduction to Blockchain6 minutes
  • Introduction to Hashing6 minutes
  • Cryptography in Blockchain6 minutes
  • Understanding Blockchain Transactions4 minutes
  • Blockchain Wallets5 minutes
  • Building Blocks on Blockchain6 minutes
  • Consensus Mechanisms6 minutes
  • Introduction to Bitcoin7 minutes
  • Introduction to the Bitcoin Software6 minutes
  • Bitcoin Transactions Demystified6 minutes
  • The Bitcoin Network6 minutes
  • Proof of Work: Bitcoin’s Heartbeat5 minutes
  • Navigating Bitcoin’s Digital Ledger Part 14 minutes
  • Navigating Bitcoin's Digital Ledger Part 23 minutes
  • Bitcoin’s Challenges and Solutions5 minutes
  • The Lightning Network in Action6 minutes
6 readingsTotal 60 minutes
  • Syllabus10 minutes
  • About the Discussion Forums10 minutes
  • Online Education at Gies College of Business10 minutes
  • Updating Your Profile10 minutes
  • Module 1 Overview10 minutes
  • Module 1 Readings10 minutes
7 assignmentsTotal 115 minutes
  • Graded Quiz: Blockchain, Bitcoin, and The Bitcoin Network30 minutes
  • Orientation Quiz30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: An Overview of Blockchain, Hashing and Cryptography10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Transactions, Wallets, and Consensus Mechanism in Blockchain15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: An Overview of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Transactions10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Bitcoin Network, Proof of Work, and Exploring The Bitcoin Blockchain.com10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Bitcoin's Challenges and The Promise of Lightning Network10 minutes
1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes
  • Getting to Know Your Classmates10 minutes
1 pluginTotal 15 minutes
  • Welcome! Please Tell Us About Yourself15 minutes

The second module covers the evolution and technological advancements of Ethereum, exploring its foundational concepts, the development of smart contracts, decentralized applications (DApps), and the significant transition from the proof-of-work to the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. You will explore Ethereum's history, its role in creating a decentralized web, the challenges of scalability and privacy, and the introduction of zero-knowledge proofs to enhance security and efficiency. Innovations in Ethereum's ecosystem, such as novel implementations of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and cryptographic techniques like zero-knowledge proofs, are highlighted for their potential to revolutionize smart contracts by ensuring privacy, reducing transaction costs, and improving execution speed. The module emphasizes Ethereum's impact on fostering trustless transactions and its ongoing research areas aimed at overcoming the limitations of current blockchain technologies, illustrating Ethereum's pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized finance and applications.

What's included

16 videos2 readings6 assignments

16 videosTotal 90 minutes
  • Module Introduction: Ethereum, Smart Contract, and Evolving Ethereum Ecosystem5 minutes
  • Introduction to Ethereum6 minutes
  • Ethereum’s Distinctive Qualities5 minutes
  • Exploring Ethereum With Etherscan5 minutes
  • Ethereum’s Consensus Mechanisms6 minutes
  • Ethereum’s Validation Process6 minutes
  • Ethereum’s Journey to Proof of Stake6 minutes
  • Introduction to Smart Contracts5 minutes
  • The Ethereum Virtual Machine5 minutes
  • Ethereum and the Promise of Zero Knowledge Proofs5 minutes
  • Exploring Smart Contracts6 minutes
  • Understanding Ethereum’s Gas System6 minutes
  • The Disruptive Power of Smart Contracts6 minutes
  • The Ethereum Evolution: Layer 2 Solutions7 minutes
  • Ethereum Ecosystem: Expanding Horizons6 minutes
  • Alternatives to Ethereum: Exploring Layer 1 Blockchains6 minutes
2 readingsTotal 20 minutes
  • Module 2 Overview10 minutes
  • Module 2 Readings10 minutes
6 assignmentsTotal 85 minutes
  • Graded Quiz: Ethereum, Smart Contract, and Evolving Ethereum Ecosystem30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: An Overview of Ethereum15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Ethereum's Consensus Mechanism: Proof of Stake10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Smart Contract and Zero Knowledge Proof10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: A Deep Dive into Smart Contracts and Their Disruptive Potential10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Ethereum's Evolving Ecosystem and Layer 2 Solutions10 minutes

Module 3 offers a comprehensive exploration into various facets of the blockchain and Web3 technologies, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the digital landscape. Module 3 introduces Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), presenting case studies on POAP, ENS, CryptoKitties, and the Bored Ape Yacht Club. You will also explore how NFTs leverage Ethereum's smart contracts to authenticate ownership, demonstrate provenance, and manage the scarcity of digital assets, ranging from art to domain names. The discussion extends to platforms like OpenSea and Etherscan, illustrating how they facilitate interaction with NFTs on the blockchain, thereby underscoring the burgeoning diversity and creativity within the NFT ecosystem. Module 3 further explores Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), introducing Aragon as a tool for creating and managing DAOs, and introduces Web3 projects such as Ocean Protocol, Audius, and Decentraland. These lessons shed light on how DAOs offer a novel approach to governance, leveraging blockchain technology to enable a decentralized and autonomous organizational structure. Meanwhile, Web3 projects are presented as exemplars of how blockchain technology empowers users with greater control over data, enhances digital content ownership, and fosters direct creator-consumer connections. Collectively, module 3 offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of blockchain and Web3 technologies, suggesting a future where digital interactions are more decentralized, transparent, and user-centric.

What's included

14 videos2 readings6 assignments

14 videosTotal 82 minutes
  • Module Introduction: Tokens, DAOs, and Web36 minutes
  • Introduction to Ethereum Tokens6 minutes
  • Introduction to Non-Fungible Tokens6 minutes
  • Exploring Non-Fungible Tokens on Ethereum5 minutes
  • Introduction to Decentralized Autonomous Organizations6 minutes
  • Successful Examples of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations6 minutes
  • Creating Decentralized Autonomous Organizations 5 minutes
  • Introduction to Web36 minutes
  • Examples of Web36 minutes
  • Introduction to Decentralized Applications (DApps)6 minutes
  • Key Characteristics and Types of Decentralized Applications7 minutes
  • The Challenges of Web3 and Decentralized Applications6 minutes
  • “Bad Actors” in Blockchain6 minutes
  • The Collapse of FTX6 minutes
2 readingsTotal 20 minutes
  • Module 3 Overview10 minutes
  • Module 3 Readings10 minutes
6 assignmentsTotal 81 minutes
  • Graded Quiz: Tokens, DAOs, and Web330 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Tokens15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)1 minute
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Web310 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Decentralized Applications (DApps)10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: A Skeptic's View on Blockchain, Tokens, Web3 and DApps15 minutes

Module 4 provides an in-depth look at blockchain technology’s transformative nature of decentralization and its applications in different sectors such as governance, finance, health care and nonprofits. It starts with its foundational impact on digital governance, emphasizing decentralized government, digital identities, and voting mechanisms. It showcases blockchain's versatility in sectors like healthcare, supply chain, and beyond, while also considering its integration with AI and IoT for innovative solutions. The module explores blockchain's role in promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment, highlighting its potential to enhance transparency, efficiency, and access across global communities. Through theoretical and practical insights, learners are equipped to understand and engage with the complex implications of blockchain's expanding influence.

What's included

18 videos4 readings6 assignments1 peer review1 plugin

18 videosTotal 99 minutes
  • Module Introduction: Decentralization in Action: Governance, Finance, Healthcare, and Nonprofits5 minutes
  • Introduction to Decentralized Government6 minutes
  • Digital Identity and Voting Systems in Decentralized Government6 minutes
  • Regulatory and Legal Considerations with Blockchain Technology6 minutes
  • Introduction to Decentralized Finance (DeFi)6 minutes
  • Critical Components of Decentralized Finance6 minutes
  • Governance in Decentralized Finance5 minutes
  • Introduction to Decentralized Health Care6 minutes
  • The Components in Decentralized Health Care6 minutes
  • Opportunities for Decentralized Health Care7 minutes
  • Introduction to Decentralized Nonprofits6 minutes
  • The Components in Decentralized Nonprofits6 minutes
  • Two Case Studies With Decentralized Nonprofits6 minutes
  • The Future of Blockchain Technology6 minutes
  • Blockchain-Specific Applications and Technologies6 minutes
  • The Regulatory Environment Around Blockchain6 minutes
  • Course Conclusion2 minutes
  • Learn on Your Terms1 minute
4 readingsTotal 40 minutes
  • Module 4 Overview10 minutes
  • Module 4 Readings10 minutes
  • Get Your Course Certificate10 minutes
  • Congratulations on Completing the Course!10 minutes
6 assignmentsTotal 61 minutes
  • Graded Quiz: Decentralization in Action: Governance, Finance, Healthcare, and Nonprofits20 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Decentralized Government10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Decentralized Finance (DeFi)10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Decentralized Health Care1 minute
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Decentralized Nonprofits10 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: The Future of Blockchain Technology10 minutes
1 peer reviewTotal 180 minutes
  • Peer-Review: A Fraud or the Next Big Thing? Analysis of a Blockchain-Based Entity180 minutes
1 pluginTotal 15 minutes
  • How Was the Course?15 minutes

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
8 Courses36,635 learners

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SW
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Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

A well structured and insightful course for those who wants to engage on the crypto journey. You will be pleasantly surprised how much you learn and the potential in the crypto world.

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Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Excellent course which covers all the basics of Blockchain technology

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