Understanding Blockchain From the Ground Up
Most people jump into blockchain without understanding the foundation. We start with what actually matters—how distributed systems work, why cryptography creates trust, and how these pieces fit together. Real knowledge, not buzzwords.
Explore the Program
Three Core Concepts That Make Everything Clear
Blockchain isn't magic. Once you grasp these building blocks, the entire ecosystem starts making sense—and you'll spot the real applications from the hype.
Distributed Consensus
How do hundreds of computers agree on what's true without a central authority? We break down Byzantine fault tolerance, proof mechanisms, and why this solves problems traditional databases can't touch.
Cryptographic Signatures
Digital signatures do more than verify identity—they create mathematical proof of ownership and authenticity. Understanding this unlocks how wallets, transactions, and smart contracts actually function.
Immutable Data Structures
What makes a blockchain "tamper-proof" isn't complexity—it's elegant mathematics. Hash functions and merkle trees create verifiable history that's practically impossible to rewrite.
How We Build Your Understanding
Our approach focuses on comprehension before implementation. Each phase builds logically on the previous one, so you're never lost or overwhelmed.
Fundamentals
Start with data structures, hashing algorithms, and peer-to-peer networks. No blockchain yet—just the computer science that makes it possible.
Mechanisms
How do consensus protocols actually reach agreement? We examine proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, and newer approaches with real examples.
Applications
Smart contracts, decentralized apps, token economics. Now that you understand the foundation, these concepts become intuitive rather than confusing.
Analysis
Evaluate real projects, spot security risks, understand trade-offs. You'll develop the critical thinking skills to navigate this space confidently.
Hands-On Projects That Clarify Theory
Reading about blockchain is one thing. Building simplified versions yourself creates understanding that sticks. Our projects strip away unnecessary complexity so you focus on core principles.
Build a Basic Chain
Create your own blockchain from scratch in Python. You'll see exactly how blocks link together, why genesis blocks matter, and what "immutability" really means in practice.
Implement Consensus
Code a simple proof-of-work algorithm and watch how mining difficulty adjusts. Understanding this hands-on reveals why energy consumption became such a contentious issue.
Deploy a Smart Contract
Write and test a basic contract on a test network. You'll grasp why gas fees exist, how execution happens across nodes, and where security vulnerabilities hide.
Learn From People Who Built Real Systems
Our instructors have designed production blockchain applications and understand both the technical details and the practical challenges you'll face.
Bjorn Lindqvist
Distributed Systems Engineer
Spent six years building consensus protocols for enterprise blockchain platforms. Bjorn explains complex algorithms in plain language and focuses on why design decisions matter.
Siobhan Macleod
Smart Contract Architect
Former security auditor who's reviewed hundreds of contracts. Siobhan teaches you to spot vulnerabilities before they become expensive mistakes.
Start Learning in September 2025
Our next cohort begins September 15, 2025. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings for twelve weeks, with additional lab time available. You'll work through material at a steady pace that allows proper comprehension.
Get Course DetailsWhere This Knowledge Actually Gets Used
Understanding blockchain fundamentals opens doors across multiple sectors. These aren't theoretical use cases—they're active implementations solving real problems.
