The Complete DeFi—Decentralized Finance—Industry Labs
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The Complete DeFi—Decentralized Finance—Industry Labs
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Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Master blockchain fundamentals and Layer 1/Layer 2 solutions like Polygon.
Learn how to deploy decentralized finance (DeFi) apps using smart contracts.
Gain hands-on experience with the Ethereum Virtual Machine and ZK Rollups.
Understand the impact of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) on global finance.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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There are 8 modules in this course
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A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This comprehensive course will immerse you in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain, helping you build foundational knowledge of these transformative technologies. You'll explore blockchain technology, from the basics to the latest advancements, and how it connects to DeFi applications like lending, borrowing, and stablecoins. By mastering the underlying infrastructure of DeFi, you'll gain insights into the potential of decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts. Throughout this course, you'll be guided through the architecture of Polygon and other layer 2 solutions, which enable more efficient and scalable blockchain transactions. We dive deep into key DeFi concepts, including NFTs, tokens, stablecoins, and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). This course will empower you to create and deploy your own decentralized finance applications using Polygon’s architecture and Ethereum-based smart contracts. Learn by doing with hands-on labs, which cover smart contract deployments, tokenomics, and DApp functionalities. By the end of this course, you will be able to navigate DeFi projects, deploy smart contracts, and leverage decentralized exchanges and finance protocols with confidence. This course is designed for anyone looking to master DeFi and blockchain technologies. It’s ideal for finance, tech, and software development professionals, as well as enthusiasts who have a basic understanding of blockchain concepts. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career or launch your own DeFi project, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
In this module, we will introduce the key concepts of blockchain and its role in decentralized finance (DeFi). We will dive into the technicalities of Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions, particularly focusing on Polygon’s innovative approach to improving transaction speeds and reducing costs. By the end of this module, you'll have a solid foundation in how blockchain technology works and its applications in DeFi.
What's included
8 videos1 reading
8 videos•Total 30 minutes
- Welcome: Introduction to This DeFi Course•7 minutes
- What Is Blockchain for Noobs•7 minutes
- What Is Layer 1 and Layer 2 in Blockchain•5 minutes
- Why Are We Learning DeFi with Polygon•2 minutes
- Layer 2 Solutions for Ethereum•2 minutes
- Polygon Bridges Versus Sidechains•2 minutes
- Polygon Rollups Versus Sidechain•2 minutes
- The Polygon Sidechain•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Full Course Resources•10 minutes
In this module, we will provide an in-depth look into the essential components of decentralized finance (DeFi). You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of key DeFi elements such as lending, borrowing, and stablecoins, while also exploring the distinctions between CEXs and DEXs. The module also covers the role of cryptocurrencies, tokens, and NFTs in this rapidly evolving landscape.
What's included
10 videos1 assignment
10 videos•Total 60 minutes
- What Is DeFi?•6 minutes
- Lending and Borrowing with DeFi•2 minutes
- CEXs Versus DEXs - Centralized Versus Decentralized Exchanges•5 minutes
- What Are Stablecoins?•5 minutes
- Case Study Stablecoins - TerraLabs and UST Rise and Fall•7 minutes
- What Are Cryptocurrencies and Tokens?•6 minutes
- Are All Cryptocurrencies Securities by Default Except for Bitcoin?•8 minutes
- What is the ERC 20 Standard?•7 minutes
- Introduction to NFTs - ERC721 Standard – Non-Fungible Tokens•5 minutes
- NFT Case Studies•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Decentralized Finance Key Concepts - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive into the architecture behind Polygon, focusing on how it enhances the Ethereum network. You'll explore concepts such as Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake, the critical components like Heimdall, and how Polygon facilitates efficient smart contract deployments. This case study will provide you with hands-on knowledge of Polygon’s robust infrastructure in Web3 applications.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videos•Total 12 minutes
- Proof of Work Versus Proof of Stake Brief Outline•3 minutes
- Polygon BOR - A Checkpoint for Ethereum Mainchain•2 minutes
- Heimdall Polygon - The Layer 2 Chain Within the Polygon Network•1 minute
- Polygon Smart Contracts and Deployments with Ethereum Main Net•1 minute
- Polygon Architecture Summary - A Deeper and More Condensed Dive•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Polygon Architecture – Industry-Level Web3 Case Study - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will provide an overview of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), exploring their design, functions, and implications on the global financial system. You will gain insights into how CBDCs differ from cryptocurrencies, their potential role in future monetary policy, and the growing interest from governments around the world.
What's included
11 videos1 assignment
11 videos•Total 33 minutes
- An Introduction to This Section•2 minutes
- Basic Definition of CBDCs•4 minutes
- Expanded Definition of CBDCs•3 minutes
- Roots and Emergence of CBDCs•4 minutes
- The Monetary Agenda of CBDCs•3 minutes
- Introduction to the Money Flower•2 minutes
- General Purpose Versus Wholesale CBDCs•2 minutes
- General and Wholesale CBDCs Uncovered•4 minutes
- International Interest and Piloting for CBDCs•2 minutes
- CBDCs Versus Crypto•2 minutes
- CBDCs Versus Bitcoin - Pros and Cons•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- What Are CBDCs - Central Bank Digital Currencies - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will provide hands-on experience with decentralized finance (DeFi) through smart contracts. You'll set up your development environment, deploy smart contracts, and learn how to interact with DeFi applications. This module equips you with the practical skills necessary to build and deploy your own DeFi projects in a test environment.
What's included
13 videos1 assignment
13 videos•Total 93 minutes
- Setting Up an IDE with REPLIT•3 minutes
- What Is MetaMask - Setting Up Your First MetaMask Wallet•9 minutes
- Setting Up the Mumbai Testnet Network to MetaMask with Infura•12 minutes
- Fork Starter Project•6 minutes
- Transfer Matic Test Tokens with the Polygon Network•7 minutes
- Smart Contract Reviews and Fundamentals (Non-Technical)•10 minutes
- Deploy Your First Smart Contract with Polygon•5 minutes
- Deploy DeFi-Based DApp Smart Contracts•7 minutes
- Add Your Own Token to a MetaMask Wallet•2 minutes
- Tokenomics Fundamentals and Case Study Scenarios with Eth•7 minutes
- Minting Tokens•5 minutes
- Fundamentals Mechanisms for DeFi Applications•6 minutes
- Final Lab: DeFi Smart Contract Interactions•13 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- DeFi Labs - Learning Hands-On Decentralized Finance with Smart Contracts - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and its pivotal role in decentralized finance and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). You’ll gain an understanding of how smart contracts are executed, the importance of contract storage, and how the EVM handles operations through opcodes, which is essential for developers working with blockchain technologies.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
6 videos•Total 13 minutes
- What Is a Virtual Machine (Basic Introduction)•2 minutes
- What Are Smart Contracts - Ethereum and Solidity•2 minutes
- Optional - Advanced - Introduction to Opcodes for the EVM•3 minutes
- How Contract Storage Works with Ethereum Smart Contracts•3 minutes
- Optional - Advanced - Opcodes Allow the EVM to Compute Almost Anything•0 minutes
- Review - What Is the Ethereum Virtual Machine•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- The Ethereum Virtual Machine (NFTs Under the Hood) - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the cutting-edge technology behind Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) and ZK Rollups, which are revolutionizing blockchain scalability. You'll learn how ZKPs enhance transaction privacy and efficiency and dive into the application of ZK Rollups within the Polygon network to improve Ethereum’s throughput and cost-effectiveness.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
4 videos•Total 12 minutes
- Introduction to Zero Proof Knowledge•5 minutes
- Defining A ZK Rollup Within Blockchain Technology•2 minutes
- Polygon Specification for Ethereum Compatibility•2 minutes
- ZK Rollups and ZKEVM Summary•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- The ZK Rollups Complete Introduction - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive deep into the world of Decentralized Applications (DApps). You'll learn about their unique advantages, how they operate on blockchain networks, and explore the challenges DApps face, including security vulnerabilities. We will also highlight various real-world examples, showcasing the diverse use cases of DApps in decentralized finance and beyond.
What's included
8 videos3 assignments
8 videos•Total 22 minutes
- What Is a DApp - Basic Definition•3 minutes
- DApp - The Problem-Solving Statement•2 minutes
- How Does a DApp Fundamentally Work•4 minutes
- What Are the Benefits of DApps•3 minutes
- DApp Vulnerabilities•2 minutes
- Examples of DApps•3 minutes
- OpenSea - Functionality Case Study•3 minutes
- DApp Overview•2 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
- Deeper Dive into What Is a DApplication with More Examples - Assessment•15 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
Instructor
Explore more from Finance
- Status: Free TrialT
The State University of New York
Course
- Status: Free TrialT
The State University of New York
Specialization
- Status: Free TrialA
Alex Genadinik
Course
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