Provides a comprehensive introduction to blockchain technology, philosophy of decentralization and its significance

What you'll learn
Gain a solid grasp of blockchain technology, its history, and the transition towards decentralization.
Explore the technical aspects of blockchain, including cryptography, consensus mechanisms, and network fundamentals.
Learn about the practical uses of blockchain, its various types (public, consortium, private), and when it's suitable for specific business scenarios.
Dive deeper into next-generation blockchains like Ethereum, smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, wallets, and their implications on traditional business models.

Requirements
Participants should be comfortable using computers and have a basic understanding of digital technology.
An eagerness to explore and understand new concepts, as blockchain is a rapidly evolving field.

Description
About this CourseThis 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.Module 1: Blockchain FoundationsIn 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.Module 2: The Technical SideIn 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.Module 3: Blockchain in UseWelcome 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.Module 4: Further TopicsIn 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 moduleModule 5: Use CasesIn 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.

Overview
Section 1: Blockchain Foundations

Lecture 1 Welcome

Lecture 2 Introduction

Lecture 3 Consensys Introduction

Lecture 4 The Brief, Brief History of Blockchain

Lecture 5 What is Decentralization?

Lecture 6 Decentralization

Lecture 7 Ledgers, Distributed Ledgers, and Consensus

Lecture 8 The Paper Blockchain

Lecture 9 Why Blockchain?

Section 2: The Technical Side

Lecture 10 Introduction

Lecture 11 Public Key Cryptography

Lecture 12 Cryptographic Hash Functions

Lecture 13 Digital Signing

Lecture 14 Anatomy of a Block

Lecture 15 The Chain of Blocks

Lecture 16 Nodes and Networks

Section 3: Blockchain in Use

Lecture 17 Introduction

Lecture 18 Consensus Mechanisms and Trust Frameworks

Lecture 19 Public, Private & Consortium Blockchains

Lecture 20 Blockchain Interoperability

Lecture 21 When to Use a Blockchain

Lecture 22 Implications of Blockchain on Business

Section 4: Further Topics

Lecture 23 Introduction

Lecture 24 Cryptocurrency Tokens

Lecture 25 Wallets, Exchanges & Transactions

Lecture 26 Bitcoin and Ethereum

Lecture 27 Bitcoin vs Ethereum contd..

Lecture 28 Smart Contracts & The EVM

Lecture 29 Decentralized Apps

Lecture 30 Blockchain Platforms & Extensions

Lecture 31 Blockchain Solution Architecture

Software developers interested in learning the technical intricacies of blockchain.,Individuals seeking to comprehend how blockchain technology can impact traditional business models and decision-making.,Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to harness blockchain for innovative business ideas.,Anyone intrigued by the concept of blockchain and decentralization, regardless of their technical background.