What is blockchain?

1. Let’s get started
   In this first part of the course, you’ll meet Thiago Earp from the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies. He’ll explain why learning about blockchain is essential, and what to expect over the next four weeks.
2. What problems does blockchain solve?
   Let’s explore what types of problems blockchain solves. We will cover a brief history of the development of blockchain, discuss who the anonymous founder of the technology could be, and what properties a blockchain system carries.
3. Who’s involved?
   Next we’ll find out who’s involved in the blockchain ecosystem. We’ll also look at where different stakeholders fit into the constituent parts of a blockchain, and find out which problems and sectors you are interested in.
4. Betsy and its bright blockchain future!
   Introducing Betsy, a fictional company that we will be following in later weeks as we go deeper into the properties of blockchain systems that we have explored this week.
5. End of week wrap-up
   In the final steps this week, you will be able to check your learning through a quiz, and we’ll summarise what you’ve learnt so far. You’ll also get a brief introduction to what you’ve got to look forward to next week.

Decentralised finance (DeFi) and the role of cryptocurrency in payments

1. Problems with payments and decentralisation
   Firstly this week we’ll hear from Anna about some problems that Betsy is experiencing with payments and decentralisation of their business processes. We’ll also hear from Thiago about what we’ve got coming up this week.
2. Decentralisation versus centralisation
   Let’s explore the concept of decentralisation and how it’s related to blockchains and business operations. We’ll also talk about disintermediation and how blockchains can improve information and communications between users.
3. Blockchain payments and cryptography
   Let’s hear from some experts who will help Anna understand how Betsy can solve its payment problems with blockchain. You’ll also learn more about how cryptography is used in blockchains.
4. Consensus, DeFi and meet Ripple
   In these steps, you’ll learn more about consensus mechanisms that are used in blockchains. You’ll also hear from Ripple, a blockchain payments company, and learn about decentralised finance (DeFi) applications.
5. End of week wrap-up
   In the final few steps this week, you will be able to check your learning through a quiz, and we’ll summarise what you’ve learnt so far. You’ll also get a brief introduction to what you’ve got to look forward to next week.

Applications of blockchain outside of finance

1. Anna’s business evolves
   In the first few steps this week, we’ll hear from Anna about how Betsy’s growing business is beginning to cause issues in their supply chain. We’ll also hear from Thiago about what we’ve got coming our way this week.
2. Smart contracts
   Let’s look more closely at smart contracts and how they can reduce the cost of formalising relationships in business.
3. Case study: Blockchain and supply chain
   Let’s look at a practical deployment of blockchain in a precision medicine supply chain solution, courtesy of DXC Technology. We’ll also try and find some other examples of blockchain supply chain solutions—there are many!
4. The UCL CBT framework
   Now let’s look at the UCL Blockchain Framework, designed by researchers at the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies. We’ll also begin to think about legal and regulatory issues that blockchain technology may face.
5. End of week wrap-up
   In the final part of this week, you’ll get the opportunity to test your learning with a quiz. You’ll also hear from Thiago, recapping what we’ve covered this week and what you’ve got to look forward to next week.

Benefits of blockchain and cryptocurrencies

1. What can we trust?
   Let’s explore how blockchain can help to improve transparency and trust. We’ll also hear from Anna about how Betsy is exploring new business models that can be helped by blockchain, and we’ll take a look at tokenisation.
2. Proving provenance
   How can tokenisation be applied to Betsy? Let’s find out as Anna gets advice from another blockchain expert from UCL. We’ll also take a look at blockchain governance, and test your learning so far with a quiz.
3. Further applications of blockchain
   Next we’ll explore more use cases for blockchain technology, and hear from our industry leaders on how they see blockchain evolving in the near future.
4. End of the course reflection
   Finally, we’ll look at some practical ways you can continue to build your blockchain knowledge, before reflecting on everything you’ve learned so far. Well done for completing the course!