Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies Fundamentals

Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies Fundamentals

Instructors: Ali Amrollahi

Included with

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

The fundamental concepts of blockchain technology, understanding how it works, why it was created and the problems it aims to solve.
Mechanisms behind the working of cryptocurrencies through blockchain, cryptography, consensus, and decentralized transaction validation.
How Blockchain helps businesses build trust, boost transparency and unlock value by transforming how data, assets, and transactions are managed.
Explore Ethereum’s DeFi apps: decentralized exchanges, lending & borrowing protocols, and liquid staking innovations.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Web Applications

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

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There are 5 modules in this course

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, starting with foundational concepts and the evolution of money and payment systems. Students will explore how blockchain networks function, including block validation, cryptographic hashing, and consensus mechanisms such as Proof of Work and Proof of Stake. The course delves into Ethereum's architecture, smart contracts, gas fees, and recent protocol upgrades. Learners will also gain hands-on insights into decentralized applications (DApps), token standards (ERC-20, NFTs), and use cases in gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi). Finally, the course examines real-world business applications of blockchain, highlighting its potential to transform industries through decentralization, transparency, and automation.

In this module, we will explore the core ideas and mechanisms that define how blockchain systems work. We will gain a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts and processes that form the foundation of blockchain technology.

What's included

6 videos2 readings2 assignments

6 videos Total 20 minutes

Course Introduction 2 minutes
Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Introduction 2 minutes
Trustless Systems and the Benefit of Blockchain 5 minutes
The history of blockchain technology 4 minutes
Decentralised Systems & Distributed Ledgers 4 minutes
Blockchain Technology 4 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

Course Structure 10 minutes
Blockchain, Decentralised Systems, and Consensus Mechanisms 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Final Assignment 30 minutes
Practice Assignment 30 minutes

In this module we will learn how blockchain systems validate blocks. This includes the hash algorithms underlying protocols like Bitcoin and proof of stake processes such as those used in Ethereum.

What's included

5 videos1 reading2 assignments

5 videos Total 19 minutes

Mining and Validating: Proof of Work and Proof of Stake Introduction 2 minutes
Issues in recording transactions in the Blockchain 4 minutes
Encryption and Hash function 5 minutes
Consensus Mechanism 5 minutes
Smart Contract Concepts 4 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Mining and Validating: Proof of Work and Proof of Stake 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Final Assignment 30 minutes
Practice Assignment 30 minutes

In this module, we will learn how Ethereum functions and what makes it unique. We will explore smart contracts, the role of gas, compute, and storage, and gain an understanding of both the legacy and updated Ethereum fee models.

What's included

8 videos6 readings2 assignments

8 videos Total 38 minutes

Ethereum Introduction 1 minute
Ethereum vs Bitcoin 6 minutes
Smart Contract Applications 4 minutes
Uses of Smart Contracts 4 minutes
Gas Fees in Ethereum 5 minutes
From Mining to Staking 7 minutes
Staking 6 minutes
Burning Base Fees 4 minutes

6 readings Total 60 minutes

Ethereum Whitepaper 10 minutes
What are Smart Contracts 10 minutes
EThereum Pectra Upgrade and Fees 10 minutes
Ethereum Treasury Companies 10 minutes
Monero 51% Attack 10 minutes
Ethereum Burning Transaction Fees 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Final Assignment 30 minutes
Practice Assignment 30 minutes

In this module we will learn how decentralised applications (Dapps) can be deployed using smart contracts. This will include a brief introduction to tokens (ERC20 and NFTs), decentralized games (Cryptokitties, Axie Infinity), Decentralized Finance).

What's included

5 videos5 readings2 assignments

5 videos Total 18 minutes

Decentralised Applications and Finance Introduction 1 minute
Introduction to Dapps 3 minutes
ERC2O and NFTs 4 minutes
Decentralised Games 3 minutes
DeFi Apps 6 minutes

5 readings Total 50 minutes

What are dApps 10 minutes
Most Popular Decentralised Applications 10 minutes
Ethereum Liquid Staking 10 minutes
PlayFi - Gaming + DeFi 10 minutes
Mining Bitcoin at Home? 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Final Assignment 30 minutes
Practice Assignment 30 minutes

In this module, you will learn how blockchain systems can be applied across a range of business scenarios and the kinds of efficiencies and solutions they can provide. We will explore how blockchain facilitates secure transactions, enhances transparency, streamlines processes, and supports innovative business models.

What's included

5 videos2 readings2 assignments

5 videos Total 20 minutes

Blockchain Applications Introduction 2 minutes
Immutability 5 minutes
Decentralised Control, Transparency, Security and Privacy 5 minutes
Integration of Blockchain 4 minutes
Tokenisation and Digital Ownership 4 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

Blockchain Applications 10 minutes
Summary of the Course and Next Steps 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Final Assignment 30 minutes
Practice Assignment 30 minutes

Instructors

Ali Amrollahi

Macquarie University

1 Course 187 learners

Sean Foley

Macquarie University

1 Course 187 learners

Offered by

Macquarie University

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