Associate Professor of Technology and Operations, Michael R. and Mary Kay Hallman Fellow
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained
What You'll Learn
- Explain how blockchain works.
- Articulate the key technical aspects, such as decentralization and consensus algorithms.
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of cryptocurrency as an asset and a payment mechanism.
- Evaluate tradeoffs of blockchain as a business solution.
4 Modules
8 Hours
2 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained
The sudden rise in the value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and its subsequent decline, focused the world’s attention on cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. Blockchain technology powers Bitcoin and has been hyped as the next new, transformative technology.
In this course, we first discuss the technical underpinnings of blockchain and review key concepts such as decentralization and consensus algorithms.
We then examine blockchain as an asset and review the dynamics of the cryptocurrency markets.
Finally, we examine blockchain as a business solution, with a focus on understanding business cases in which blockchain does and does not make sense.
Skills You'll Gain
- Bitcoin
- Blockchain
- Cryptocurrency
- Crypto Mining
- Decentralized Blockchains
- Digital Currency
- Distributed Ledgers
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained, a course designed to give learners a deep understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. You will explore the technical foundations of blockchain, including decentralization and consensus algorithms, examine cryptocurrencies as assets, and evaluate blockchain applications in business. By completing this course, you will gain practical insights into where blockchain is effective and where it is not.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction
- Video: Fintech Innovations: Series Map and Learning Goals
- Video: Fintech Innovations: Series Introduction
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Reading: Help Us Learn More About You!
- Reading: Learning from a Case
- Discussion Prompt: Introductions
Module 2: Introduction to Blockchain and Crypto
- Reading: Case Reading: Big Winnings
- Video: Course Introduction
- Video: Introduction to Blockchain
- Video: Classifying Blockchain Technologies
- Video: Identities on the Blockchain
- Video: Blockchain Data
- Reading: Case Reading: Beginning with Blockchain
- Video: Blockchain Network and Data Processing
- Video: Blockchain Consensus: What is it and Why do We Need It?
- Video: Blockchain Consensus: Generic Consensus Models
- Video: Putting the Concepts Together: Reading an Actual Blockchain
- Discussion Prompt: Case Activity: What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Crypto?
- Graded: Case Discussion Participation
- Graded: End of Module Quiz
Module 3: Blockchain as an Asset
- Reading: Case Reading: Mining for Bitcoin
- Video: Introduction to Bitcoin
- Video: Proof-of-work (Mining): Concept
- Video: Proof-of-work (Mining): Implementation
- Video: Proof-of-Work (Mining): Business Models
- Video: Examples of Alternative Consensus Protocols: Proof-of-Stake
- Reading: Case Reading: Scoping Out Ethereum
- Video: Introduction to Ethereum
- Video: Smart contract: The Concept
- Video: Smart contract: The Application
- Discussion Prompt: Case Activity: Pros and Cons
- Graded: Case Discussion Participation
- Graded: End of Module Quiz
Module 4: Blockchain as a Business
- Reading: Case Reading: Studying the Cryptocurrency Market
- Video: Blockchain as an Asset: Overview of the Cryptocurrency Market
- Video: Buying and Selling Cryptocurrencies: Overview; Wallet & Key Storage
- Video: Buying and Selling Cryptocurrencies: Using Crypto Exchanges
- Reading: Case Reading: Risky Business
- Video: Key Crypto Risk Factors: Exchange Risks
- Video: Key Crypto Risk Factors: Supply, Cybersecurity, and Centralization
- Video: Crypto Risk Factors: Utility and Sentiment
- Discussion Prompt: Case Activity: What do you want to do with your money?
- Reading: Course Feedback
- Reading: Keep Learning with Michigan Online
- Graded: Case Discussion Participation
- Graded: End of Module Quiz
Grading Policy
Course materials and assignments are self-paced. To earn a certificate, you must achieve an overall grade of 80%. Case Discussion and participation are worth 10% of your final grade. The quizzes in each module are worth 90% of your final grade.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
