Blockchain and Web3 Course

Course Description

Welcome to the exciting world of Blockchain and Web3! This comprehensive course, developed by the Technical Education team at the Web3 Foundation, is designed to introduce you to the fundamental concepts of Blockchain technology and Web3. Whether you're a curious beginner or looking to expand your knowledge in this cutting-edge field, this course offers a perfect blend of theory and hands-on experience to set you on the path to becoming a blockchain expert.

What students will learn from the course

  • The history and evolution of blockchain technology and digital money
  • Fundamental concepts of cryptography and hashing in blockchain context
  • Practical skills in using crypto wallets and blockchain explorers
  • Understanding of blockchain security, limitations, and consensus mechanisms
  • Differentiation between various blockchain types (Layer 0, 1, and 2) and their applications
  • Insight into cryptocurrencies, DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs
  • Future prospects and potential of blockchain technology and Web3

Pre-requisites

Great news! This course is open to learners from all backgrounds, and there are no specific prerequisites. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to learn about this revolutionary technology.

What the course will cover

  • Introduction to blockchain technology and its history
  • Key terminology related to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Web3
  • Cryptography and hashing in blockchain context
  • Digital wallets and blockchain explorers
  • Block production, finality, and consensus mechanisms
  • Blockchain nodes and networking
  • Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) concepts
  • Blockchain layers and applications (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot)
  • Current landscape of Web3 and future of blockchain technology

Who this course is for

  • Beginners curious about blockchain and Web3
  • Students looking to expand their knowledge in computer science
  • Professionals seeking to understand the impact of blockchain on various industries
  • Entrepreneurs interested in blockchain-based business opportunities
  • Anyone who wants to gain a strong foundation in this transformative technology

How learners can use these skills in the real world

  • Developing blockchain-based applications or smart contracts
  • Investing in cryptocurrencies or NFTs with a deeper understanding
  • Participating in decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms
  • Contributing to blockchain projects or joining blockchain startups
  • Advising businesses on blockchain integration and strategy
  • Pursuing further education or research in blockchain technology
  • Engaging in blockchain governance and policy discussions

Syllabus

1. Blockchain Basics
  • Introduction to Blockchain
  • Blockchain terminology and properties
  • Centralization vs Decentralization
  • History and properties of Money
  • Chaumian E-Cash and the issue of Double Spending
2. Introduction to Bitcoin and Ethereum
  • Money backed by computation
  • Hashcash and Proof of Work
  • Bitcoin Blockchain and how it solves double spend
  • Introduction to Ethereum and Smart Contracts
  • Differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum
3. Blockchain and Cryptography
  • Cryptography in Blockchain
  • Public/Private keypairs and wallet functionality
4. Hashing and Block Mining
  • Properties of Cryptographic Hashing
  • Bitcoin block mining process
  • Forking, Hashpower, and energy implications of PoW
  • Introduction to Proof of Stake
5. Blockchain Nodes and Networking
  • Distributed systems
  • Running a Blockchain node
  • Node communication and network interfacing
  • Types of nodes: Full, Archive, and Light clients
  • In-depth look at Consensus
6. Web3 and the Future of Blockchain
  • L0, L1, and L2 Blockchains
  • Anonymity and confidential transactions
  • Blockchain security, scams, and attacks
  • Blockchain governance and regulations
  • Applications: Cryptocurrencies, DeFi, DAOs, NFTs
  • Future prospects: Interoperability, Scalability, Metaverse, Decentralized computing

Embark on this fascinating journey into the world of blockchain and Web3, and position yourself at the forefront of this revolutionary technology!