Blockchain gained prominence as the technological basis for Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency issued independent of central banks which can be used for making payments without the need for intermediaries. It has since led to platforms that allow us to create smart contracts that automate tasks, additional cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets, and applications covering anything from fund-raising for startups to ensuring trust and transparency in large engineering projects. The technology is still quite new and while innovative applications continue to be developed and tested in markets, technological fixes may be needed as and when problems are exposed. Its anonymity in the context of cryptocurrency transactions also leaves scope for fraud, which has tax agencies and regulators attempting to regulate financial applications. Even so, it constitutes a fundamental technological disruptor which has the potential to change the way business is conducted and payments are made. This course provides you with an introduction to the technological concepts underlying blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and applications of blockchain to the digital economy including common blockchain platforms and cryptocurrency markets.
Introduction to blockchain, distributed system structures, smart contract systems, concepts of digital money and digital economy, programming with Python, blockchain basics, blockchains for cryptocurrencies, blockchain platforms, other blockchain applications and cryptocurrency markets.