Introduction to Blockchain Technology and Applications

Offered By: University College London via FutureLearn

Course Description

Overview

Delve into blockchain technology’s beginnings and its ever-growing applications

Blockchain technology is essential to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, but its applications go far beyond that. In this four-week Blockchain course, University College London (UCL) Centre for Blockchain Technologies introduces the mechanics of blockchain and explores what they can achieve.

By the end you’ll understand how blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) can be used to solve diverse business problems, going far beyond financial concerns.

Build solid blockchain theory and use foundations

The course starts with blockchain’s beginnings, exploring its start in Bitcoin, its evolution in Ethereum, and beyond. Once you understand how blockchain and DLT work, you’ll see how they foster decentralisation across business operations.

Deepen your blockchain understanding with real-world examples

The theory that you’ll learn on this course is accompanied by practical case study examples and testimonials from real-world companies who are using blockchain and DLT.

You’ll see how the technologies are improving supply chains, data reconciliation, and overall transparency; changing the way businesses make decisions; and disrupting conventional socioeconomic systems.

Learn from the leaders in blockchain technology education

This blockchain course was specifically created by the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, the world’s oldest and largest academic blockchain institution.

The Centre brings its years of experience in pioneering executive education for blockchain and DLT to this course and will support you as you learn from leading experts.

The flexibility of online study makes the blockchain course ideally suited to busy working professionals, allowing you to upskill and take your career to the next level without missing a beat.

This course is designed for anyone interested in blockchain technology and its application to business problems. Those considering a career in the field or executives exploring business use of blockchain will benefit from this comprehensive introduction.

Syllabus

What is blockchain?

Let's get started
What problems does blockchain solve?
Who's involved?
Betsy and its bright blockchain future!
End of week wrap-up

Decentralised finance (DeFi) and the role of cryptocurrency in payments

Problems with payments and decentralisation
Decentralisation versus centralisation
Blockchain payments and cryptography
Consensus, DeFi and meet Ripple
End of week wrap-up

Applications of blockchain outside of finance

Anna's business evolves
Smart contracts
Case study: Blockchain and supply chain
The UCL CBT framework
End of week wrap-up

Benefits of blockchain and cryptocurrencies

What can we trust?
Proving provenance
Further applications of blockchain
End of the course reflection

Taught by

Nikhil Vadgama