IBM Blockchain Foundation for Developers (Coursera)

Offered by IBM,
IBM Blockchain Foundation for Developers (Coursera)

If you're a software developer and new to blockchain, this is the course for you. Several experienced IBM blockchain developer advocates will lead you through a series of videos that describe high-level concepts, components, and strategies on building blockchain business networks. You'll also get hands-on experience modeling and building blockchain networks as well as create your first blockchain application.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

The first part of this course covers basic concepts of blockchain, and no programming skills are required. However, to complete three of the four labs, you must understand basic software object-oriented programming and how to use the command line. It's also helpful, but not required, that you can write code in JavaScript.
When you complete the course, you should understand what a blockchain business network is, how to build and model a simple blockchain solution, and the role of the developer in creating blockchain applications.
If you successfully complete the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion and an Acclaim badge. You'll need to pass several end-of-section quizzes and a final exam that include multiple choice, true and false, and fill in the blank questions.
This course does not cover Bitcoin or cryptocurrency in detail.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Welcome to this course
In this module, you'll get an overview of the entire course including prerequisite software and hardware. You will also get introduced to IBM Blockchain.
Graded: Section quiz

WEEK 2
Leverage blockchain benefits
This module describes the ways in which blockchain can help you build more secure and efficient business networks.
Graded: Section quiz

WEEK 3
Transform your business with blockchain
In this module, you'll get an overview of IBM and the Hyperledger Project, and get an introduction to Hyperledger Composer, a tool that helps you quickly model and build blockchain business networks. You'll also use Hyperledger Composer to model a simple business network that transfers a car among buyers, sellers, and other network participants.
Graded: Section quiz

WEEK 4
Blockchain composed
Take a deeper dive into Hyperledger Composer, understand its underlying structures, and use it to model a simple car auction network.
Graded: Section quiz

WEEK 5
Blockchain fabric development and architecture
In this module, you'll learn more about the components of a blockchain solution and about the roles of people who model, build, and maintain that blockchain solution. You'll also learn to use command-line tools to build a simple application in JavaScript that queries and updates a prepopulated blockchain network ledger. You'll also learn more about the architecture of a blockchain network and about key considerations for developers, administrators, and network consensus. You'll also get hands-on experience working with a sample Hyperledger Fabric network that includes two organizations, two peer nodes, and an ordering service.
Graded: Section quiz

WEEK 6
Wrap up
Graded: Final quiz

Note: This course is currently not available.

Related Courses

Blockchain Opportunity Analysis (Coursera) Coursera
INSEAD

Blockchain Opportunity Analysis (Coursera)

In this fourth and final course of the specialization, you will synthesize your learning into a project deliverable called a Blockchain Opportunity Analysis. The goals of this course are twofold: One, it’s for you to identify a specific need or problem in your chosen industry that can potentially be solved using blockchain technology. Two, it’s for you to investigate possible solutions to this problem, including how these solutions might be executed.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Business Implementation and Security (Coursera) Coursera
SkillUp EdTech

Business Implementation and Security (Coursera)

The Business Implementation and Security course is a part of the Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP) Exam Prep Specialization. This course introduces you to fundamental cryptographic principles and the transformative potential of blockchain across various industries. You will gain insight into the three leading frameworks in blockchain technology, including Ethereum, Corda, and Hyperledger Fabric. Additionally, you will gain insight into cryptographic protocols, business continuity, and disaster recovery.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
How Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets can master the Blockchain Technology (Coursera) Coursera
University of Cape Town

How Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets can master the Blockchain Technology (Coursera)

In this course, you will gain a thorough understanding of the blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, including an introduction to the necessary foundations in cryptography. The course will discuss blockchain as a distributed ledger and introduce distributed consensus as a mechanism to maintain the integrity of the blockchain. The other revolutionary technologies that are changing the world as we speak are artificial intelligence and machine learning. You will learn about the three major types of AI algorithms: supervised and unsupervised machine learning, as well as reinforcement learning.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Blockchains, Tokens, and The Decentralized Future (Coursera) Coursera
Illinois Tech

Blockchains, Tokens, and The Decentralized Future (Coursera)

Dive into the transformative world of blockchain with our course, designed to navigate the complexities of digital currencies, smart contracts, and decentralized applications. Whether you're intrigued by Bitcoin, Ethereum, or the broader implications of blockchain for industries and governance, this course offers deep insights and practical knowledge to leverage blockchain technology for innovation and problem-solving. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, it's your gateway to mastering the blockchain ecosystem and its burgeoning impact on the digital age.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Smart Contracts (Coursera) Coursera
University at Buffalo,The State University of New York

Smart Contracts (Coursera)

This second course of the Blockchain specialization will help you design, code, deploy and execute a smart contract – the computational element of the blockchain technology. Smart contracts allow for implementing user-defined operations of arbitrary complexity that are not possible through plain cryptocurrency protocols. They allow users to implement conditions, rules and policies of the domain applications. Smart contracts are a powerful feature that, when properly designed and coded, can result in autonomous, efficient and transparent systems.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Supply Chain Finance & Blockchain Technology (Coursera) Coursera
New York Institute of Finance

Introduction to Supply Chain Finance & Blockchain Technology (Coursera)

What is Supply Chain Finance? How does Blockchain apply? In this course, you’ll learn about an emerging set of solutions within trade finance implemented by financial institutions, leading corporate buyers and their trading partners all over the world known as Supply Chain Finance. You’ll learn about the key enablers in Supply Chain Finance and recognize the key challenges in the current market that are responsible for the growing interest in Supply Chain Finance.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Enterprise and Infrastructure Security (Coursera) Coursera
New York University

Enterprise and Infrastructure Security (Coursera)

This course introduces a series of advanced and current topics in cyber security, many of which are especially relevant in modern enterprise and infrastructure settings. The basics of enterprise compliance frameworks are provided with introduction to NIST and PCI. Hybrid cloud architectures are shown to provide an opportunity to fix many of the security weaknesses in modern perimeter local area networks.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Blockchain and Cryptography Overview (Coursera) Coursera
SkillUp EdTech

Blockchain and Cryptography Overview (Coursera)

The Blockchain and Cryptography Overview course is a part of the Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP) Exam Prep Specialization and introduces you to fundamental cryptographic principles. You will gain insight into concepts such as hash functions in blockchain, core components and advantages of blockchain, and assumptions and challenges in blockchain security. You will also learn about core blockchain concepts, highlight security measures against prevalent threats, and comprehend consensus security challenges while exploring well-known algorithms like Proof of Work and Proof of Stake.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Cutting-Edge Blockchain Security Mechanisms (Coursera) Coursera
SkillUp EdTech

Cutting-Edge Blockchain Security Mechanisms (Coursera)

The Cutting-Edge Blockchain Security Mechanics course is a part of the Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP) Exam Prep Specialization and introduces you to fundamental cryptographic principles. You will gain insight into concepts such as an overview of security challenges, inherently vulnerable particularities, programming vulnerabilities, and attacks and measures in cryptographic systems and smart contracts.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Análise de oportunidade de Blockchain (Coursera) Coursera
INSEAD

Análise de oportunidade de Blockchain (Coursera)

Neste quarto e último curso da especialização, você sintetizará seu aprendizado em uma entrega do projeto chamada Análise de Oportunidade Blockchain. Os objetivos deste curso são duplos: primeiro, é para você identificar uma necessidade ou problema específico no setor escolhido que pode ser potencialmente resolvido usando a tecnologia blockchain. Segundo, cabe a você investigar possíveis soluções para esse problema, incluindo como essas soluções podem ser executadas.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Advanced Blockchain Architectures (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Advanced Blockchain Architectures (Coursera)

The Advanced Blockchain Architectures course is ideal for individuals with a basic understanding of digital technology as well as developers or security professionals wishing to expand their blockchain knowledge. It provides an in-depth exploration of Blockchain architecture, emphasizing technical components and complex features like cryptography and node management.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks