Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations

Online Course

edX
Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations

What is the course about?

Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations
The course Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations is an online class provided by University of Hong Kong through edX. The skill level of the course is Introductory. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Understand the design rationale of blockchain technology, its emerging platforms and applications and uncover the limitations and the opportunities enabled by blockchain applications, particularly as it relates to finance.

Course description

Blockchain is a core technology in FinTech. The original design of blockchain focused on the cryptocurrency “Bitcoin”. Due to its specific characteristics, many companies and users now find blockchain very useful for applications in many areas, not limited to cybercurrencies, including finance, logistics, insurance, medicine and even music. However, the design of blockchain involves cryptographic technology, which cannot be easily understood by those who are not professionals in the area of IT and security. In order to better understand what kinds of applications best fit blockchain and other forms of distributed ledger technology and the potentials of these emerging technologies, it is important to understand the design rationale, the basic technology, the underlying cryptographic fundamentals, and its limitations. This 6-week online course will walk you through the following: The design rationale behind blockchain and the issues for such decentralized ledger (transaction) systems. The underlying technology (e.g. how the fundamental algorithms – the cryptographic primitives – work together) behind and how it makes blockchain works and safe. The differences of the various existing blockchain platforms and what these platforms can provide (e.g. pros and cons of the major platforms). What kinds of applications (both traditional and emerging) best fit the blockchain technology and how blockchain technology can benefit these applications. Blockchain does have its limitations. We will uncover the problems and the limitations of blockchain technology to enable developers and researchers to think about how to enhance the existing blockchain technology and practitioners to better address the issues when using blockchains in their applications. This course will also briefly discuss the downside of blockchain with respect to the protection of criminal activities (e.g. why ransomware always ask for bitcoins as ransom, and the money laundering problem). The course aims at targeting a wide audience: This course will provide learners a good understanding of the technological, applicability, limitations and “illegal” usage of the blockchain technology.

Prerequisites & Facts

Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations

Course Topic

Computer Science, Economics and Finance

University, College, Institution

University of Hong Kong

Course Skill Level

Introductory

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

Degree & Cost

Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations

To obtain a verified certificate from edX / University of Hong Kong you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate (149.00 USD) or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.
University of Hong Kong
Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations
provided by edX

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School: University of Hong Kong
Topic: Computer Science, Economics and Finance