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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Infrastructure by Duke University

4.8
stars
1,380 ratings

About the Course

Decentralized Finance: The Future of Finance is a set of four courses taught by Campbell R. Harvey (Professor of Finance at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, and a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research) that focus on decentralized finance (DeFi). In this first course, we begin by exploring the origins of DeFi and take a broad historical view from the earliest barter economies, such as the first peer-to-peer exchanges of bartering, to present day. The course also looks at historical examples of money having value even though it is not officially backed. We then focus on the key infrastructure components: blockchain, cryptocurrency, smart contracts, oracles, stablecoins and decentralized applications (or dApps). This includes discussion of the mechanics of the Ethereum and Bitcoin blockchains including cryptographic hashing. Next, we focus on the specific problems that DeFi is designed to solve: inefficiency (costly, slow, and insecure today), limited access (1.7 billion are unbanked), opacity (we need to trust regulators to monitor banks and the regulators have mixed records), centralized control (financial system is oligopolistic imposing higher fees than we would have in a competitive market) and lack of interoperability (it is difficult to move funds from one financial institution to another today). The course closes by exploring many of the myths about the crypto space....

Top reviews

NA

Jan 13, 2022

I have fore-read about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, yet, this course was an excellent way to structure and review my knowledge. I am sure to join the next course of this specialization!

TN

Apr 12, 2022

Great introduction into DeFi, the professor walks us through key definitions, a bit of history, potential applications and common misunderstandings about this space. Good launching pad to dive deeper

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251 - 275 of 310 Reviews for Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Infrastructure

By hongliang y

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May 6, 2023

Great.

By Vvv P

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Jan 7, 2023

good

By Nirav N

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Dec 30, 2022

Good

By Joshua H M

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Jun 2, 2022

Best

By Michael H

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Jan 25, 2022

I expected a bit more technical depth to the course. But didn't realize that it was originally targeted to those with minimal pre-existing knowledge. I also watch the videos at 1.50X speed because the instructor goes a little slow for my taste. again, probably to cater to those new to the material.

By Oliver S

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Nov 10, 2022

A very good overview into the DeFi space. For some items, I wish there had been more detailed explanations. It is hard (at least for me) to envision concepts I have never heard about and how they are actually applied. I am sure that is yet to come in the subsequent courses.

By Christopher K

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Feb 11, 2022

This is a great intro class to DeFi. If you are in finanace, this is a must take class. The pofessor knows what he is talking about, the pace is perfect for me, and the content is rich.

By Stefan J v R

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May 14, 2022

The course covers the very basics of Blockchain tech and DeFi in an easy to understand manner. It will allow you to better understand commentary on cryptomarkets in the popular media.

By Juan C T

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Mar 30, 2024

Very good! But teacher needs to improve on his on-camera performance. SOmetimes it gets boring to listen/watch. Might need some help adding animations, pictures, videos, etc.

By Xiaoxuan S

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Feb 18, 2023

Good for beginners to understand some basic ideas and terminologies in cryptocurrency area, but there are some computer science mistakes in the videos, though they're minor.

By Nick S

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May 29, 2022

I personally would prefer a little bit more challenging tests and more of practical work.

However, I really enjoyed the course and are planning to continue.

By gonzalo c

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Mar 15, 2022

very high level, very short course

maybe could have more support material to go deeper into some topics but i guess we will do that on part 2 , 3 and 4

By Aria N

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Nov 25, 2022

It is a very basic course about DeFi. If you are familiar leave it. But, if you are not familiar with the DeFi space, this course fits you the best.

By Fadi J

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Dec 12, 2021

The course is useful but too much jargon is thrown around in the various models, making it very hard to keep up or truly understand their meaning.

By Raj S

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Feb 23, 2023

A very informative and nicely detailed course on DeFi Infrastructure with a well balanced depth and breadth of content.

By Abhinav L

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Oct 24, 2024

A new and challenging subject; but should be simplified and clarified more for business/finance/consumers.

By belén m d p

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Mar 10, 2022

Very intersting introduction module to understand the basis and potential of DeFi.

By Erfan T

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Jul 12, 2022

I think in some parts it needs more explanations but totally a wonderful course.

By Eduardo P

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Nov 22, 2021

Explains basic concepts of Decentralized Finance and Block chains technologies

By Chin k y

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Jun 16, 2022

Give me a shape what is defi amd how does this change our current environment

By Jim D

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Mar 29, 2022

Good introductory start, but a little slow, but maybe that is good more many.

By Victor K

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Apr 9, 2022

The Professor explains concerpts in a way that makes it easy to understand.

By michael s

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Jul 30, 2022

Very good but seemed less balanced in its look at the Crypto. DeFi world

By Nicholas R K

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Jun 3, 2022

It is for beginners and offered not much new information