Fahad Saleh
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
This course provides an introduction to blockchain and cryptofinance. We begin by discussing how a blockchain operates without a centralized intermediary, focusing especially on the Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake blockchain protocols. The course then transitions to introducing smart contracts and clarifying how smart contracts are applied to form decentralized applications that provide financial services. Specific smart contract applications that we discuss include fungible tokens, non-fungible tokens, decentralized exchanges and lending platforms.
Blockchain & Cryptoassets
Wake Forest University
This course provides an introduction to blockchain and cryptoassets. We begin by discussing Bitcoin, clarifying the innovation that it provided but also highlighting why it performs poorly as a payment system. We then discuss Ethereum and smart contracts. We clarify both new opportunities and new difficulties that arise when a blockchain allows for processing of smart contracts. We conclude by discussing Decentralized Finance.