Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies Fundamentals

Descripción

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.