The Blockchain Architecture - Intermediate Concepts course is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of digital technologies and foundational knowledge of blockchain principles and platforms. This course will delve deep into the realm of blockchain technology. Building upon the foundational knowledge obtained in the introductory course, this intermediate course offers a detailed look into security considerations, risk management strategies, and an overview of blockchain architecture. The course modules also explore the intricacies of smart contracts, legal and ethical implications of blockchain technology, and various governance models prevalent in the industry.
Blockchain Architecture - Intermediate Concepts
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Blockchain Architecture - Intermediate Concepts
This course is part of Blockchain Solution Architecture Specialization
Instructor: Kris Bennett
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
14 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
16 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Blockchain Solution Architecture Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 8 modules in this course
Welcome to Blockchain Solution Architecture -Intermediate Concepts. This course is designed to delve deeper into the realm of blockchain technology. It builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the Fundamentals of Blockchain Architecture course, and offers a detailed look into security considerations, risk management strategies, and an overview of blockchain architecture. We will also explore the intricacies of smart contracts, legal and ethical implications of blockchain technology, and various governance models prevalent in the industry.
What's included
1 video3 readings
This module provides an in-depth analysis of blockchain security at multiple levels. It covers smart contract security issues like reentrancy, integer overflow, and more. It discusses protocol-level security aspects including consensus algorithms, incentive mechanisms, and cryptography. Network-level security topics include Eclipse attacks, Sybil attacks, and ways to harden blockchain networks against risks. Students will learn to evaluate security tradeoffs and strengthen blockchain solutions.
What's included
12 videos1 reading3 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin
This module deeply explores the evolving global regulatory landscape for blockchain and cryptocurrencies. It examines existing regulations across major jurisdictions and identifies gaps. It covers legal issues like data privacy, AML/KYC, custody, and more. Students will analyze case studies of enforcement actions. The module looks at self-regulatory efforts and trends in regulating DeFi and NFTs. Students will gain perspective on navigating the complex, uncertain regulatory landscape.
What's included
6 videos1 reading3 assignments2 discussion prompts1 plugin
This comprehensive risk management module examines risks across multiple dimensions. Enterprise risks include technology failures, stakeholder alignment, and solution viability. Geopolitical risks cover government stances, legal ambiguity, and jurisdictional differences. Market risks include volatility, speculation, and maturity. Reputational risks arise from partnerships, social impacts, and public perception. Students will evaluate ethical risks and compliance with evolving regulations. The module equips students to develop a blockchain risk management plan.
What's included
6 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt2 plugins
This module covers best practices for properly documenting blockchain solutions. This includes crafting an executive overview, problem statement, SMART goals, guiding principles, solution architecture, timeline, risk assessment, and data dictionary. Students will learn how documentation increases solution clarity, alignment, and governance. Proper documentation practices are essential for blockchain projects to gain approval and funding.
What's included
9 videos3 assignments2 discussion prompts1 plugin
This module analyzes the unique governance challenges arising from blockchain's decentralized nature. It covers governing shared infrastructure and consortium models. Blockchain-specific concerns like resolving forks are discussed. The module explores the workings of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Students will compare governance approaches and evaluate applicability based on blockchain architecture and use cases.
What's included
7 videos1 reading3 assignments1 discussion prompt
This module profiles a diverse set of real-world blockchain projects across finance, supply chain, credentialing, media, government, and other industries. Students will examine early successes and failures. The module draws key lessons from these pioneer implementations to reinforce learning from other modules. Students gain perspective on blockchain's real-world potential and limitations.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This is a recap of the course and what you have learned.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Software Development
University of California, Irvine
University of Alberta
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Software Development? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
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.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. 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.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.