Discover how cryptocurrencies work, the impact they have on the world, and how to develop your financial literacy.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
1 hourDigital upgrade
Free
Cryptocurrency: Beyond Bitcoin Teach-Out
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Delve into the importance of cryptocurrencies in today’s financial system
Since Bitcoin was created in 2009, the landscape of global finance has rapidly evolved. Unfortunately, the discussion is increasingly complex, jargon-heavy, and at times controversial, making it difficult for newcomers to join the conversation.
This course will introduce you to the mechanisms of cryptocurrency, systems of blockchain, and the process of mining. It will also take you through the characteristics of currency and the history of cryptocurrencies.
Investigate the impacts of cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin is a revolutionary technology that some say has the potential to reshape global finance, but it isn’t without its critics.
On this course, you’ll assess the societal and ecological impacts that cryptocurrencies and their technologies have, looking at ways to mitigate any negative impacts. You’ll also consider whether cryptocurrencies carry some of their purported risks - investment fraud, market disruption, and criminal activity.
Explore the future of blockchain technologies
Cryptocurrencies are constantly evolving, as is how we use blockchain technology. Blockchain technology has the potential to redefine many industries; one example can be seen with the recent rise of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
You’ll look to the future and discover how changes to financial systems and technologies could affect you, especially in regards to education and developing your financial literacy.
Learn with top professionals from the University of Michigan and the wider industry
This course is led by the experts from The University of Michigan and professionals working in the industry, including lawyers, financial experts, and human rights advocates. They will guide you through the topic, helping you to understand cryptocurrencies and how you can improve your digital financial literacy.
What topics will you cover?
- History and characteristics of currency
- Cryptocurrency, blockchain, & mining
- Ecological impacts of cryptocurrency
- Potential for fraud, disruption of markets, criminality
- Importance for human rights and humanitarian efforts
- Developing basic digital financial literacy
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explore the basics of cryptocurrency, blockchain, and mining
- Identify some of the societal and ecological impacts of cryptocurrencies
- Reflect on the role that blockchain technologies may play in the future of global finance
- Develop a plan to improve digital financial literacy
Who is the course for?
This course has been designed for anyone with an interest in cryptocurrencies, blockchain technologies, and their societal impacts.
Who developed the course?
Established
1817Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USAWorld ranking
Top 30Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020
What's included?
University of Michigan are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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Get a taste of this course
Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join: