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Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies Fundamentals

Macquarie University via Coursera

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Overview

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Blockchain and cryptocurrency are reshaping finance, business, and digital ownership — but for most people, they remain difficult to understand. This course gives you a clear, structured introduction to both, with no technical background required. You'll start with the core ideas behind blockchain: how decentralised networks function, how blocks and nodes work, and why trustless systems matter. From there, you'll explore the mechanics of Bitcoin mining, SHA-256 hashing, and how Proof of Work and Proof of Stake validate transactions without a central authority. The course then takes you inside Ethereum — the platform behind most of today's blockchain innovation. You'll learn how smart contracts work, how gas fees are calculated, and how recent upgrades like the Pectra protocol have changed the way transactions are priced and processed. In the final modules, you'll explore the growing ecosystem of decentralised applications (DApps), token standards like ERC-20 and NFTs, blockchain-based games, and DeFi protocols including decentralised exchanges and liquid staking. The course closes with a practical look at how businesses are applying blockchain to improve transparency, security, and efficiency. Who this is for: Business professionals, students, and curious learners who want to understand blockchain and cryptocurrency from the ground up. No technical or financial background is required.

Syllabus

Blockchain, Decentralised Systems, and Consensus Mechanisms

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.

Mining and Validating: Proof of Work and Proof of Stake

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.

Ethereum, The World Computer

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.

Introduction to Dapps and DeFi

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).

Overview of Blockchain Applications

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.