Course Overview
Course Description
This course provides a foundational, step-by-step introduction to the world of Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Guided by the book How to DeFi: Beginner, participants will explore the core building blocks of the DeFi ecosystem — often referred to as “Money Legos” — progressing from the fundamental “why” of DeFi to practical, hands-on usage of the most widely adopted protocols. Designed specifically for beginners with no prior DeFi experience, the program emphasizes safe, real-world application while building confidence in open finance tools.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the key limitations of traditional finance and articulate how DeFi addresses them through decentralization, transparency, and accessibility.
- Set up and securely manage a non-custodial wallet and interact confidently with the Ethereum ecosystem.
- Understand and practically use the three core DeFi primitives: stablecoins, lending/borrowing protocols, and decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
- Explore advanced DeFi applications such as derivatives, automated asset management, no-loss lotteries, and real-time payment streaming.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate major risks in DeFi, including smart contract vulnerabilities, impermanent loss, and governance participation.
- Analyze real-world DeFi use cases and discuss the future trajectory of open finance and its potential integration with traditional financial systems.
Requirements
- A solid foundation in computer networks, distributed systems, and introductory economics.
- Recommended familiarity with blockchain principles (e.g., NFTs) and 3D game engines (e.g., Unity or Unreal Engine).
- Access to a computer with reliable internet connectivity for virtual labs and discussions.
- Commitment to engaging in hands-on activities, debates, and collaborative projects throughout the program.
Features
- Six modular sessions (one per week), each comprising one hour of pre-recorded lectures, live instructor-moderated discussions, and interactive elements.
- Curated primary readings from authoritative sources, such as Matthew Ball's The Metaverse Primer and Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash.
- Practical labs and discussions, including diagramming architectures, analyzing demo scenes in game engines, and debating governance models.
- Case studies comparing proto-metaverses (e.g., Fortnite, Second Life) with contemporary visions (e.g., Meta's Horizon Worlds).
- Individual or team-based capstone projects to apply concepts to innovative solutions.
- Dedicated discussion forums for debating topics like open versus closed ecosystems and ethical implications.
Target audiences
- Engineers and developers specializing in distributed systems or immersive technologies.
- Researchers exploring virtual economies, blockchain integration, or AI-driven simulations.
- Technical professionals in gaming, AR/VR, or enterprise software seeking Metaverse expertise.
- Policymakers and governance experts interested in digital ethics and interoperability standards.
- Entrepreneurs and innovators aiming to build or invest in Metaverse platforms.
- Academics and students with a technical background in networks or economics.
Curriculum
- 6 Sections
- 0 Lessons
- 8 Weeks
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Module 1: The Foundations (Why DeFi?)Understand the problems with traditional finance and why DeFi represents a paradigm shift. Primary Reading: Part One (Chapters 1 & 2) Key Concepts & Learning Objectives: Limitations of Traditional Finance: accessibility, centralization, lack of transparency. Definition and vision of Decentralized Finance as an open, permissionless movement. Core DeFi categories and the importance of Total Value Locked (TVL) as a health metric.0
- Module 2: Getting Started (The DeFi Stack)Master the essential tools required to interact with DeFi safely. Primary Reading: Part Two (Chapters 3 & 4) Key Concepts & Learning Objectives: Ethereum as the primary settlement layer for DeFi. Smart contracts, DApps, and the role of Gas fees. Custodial vs. non-custodial wallets. Practical Lab: Set up and secure your first non-custodial wallet (MetaMask or Argent).0
- Module 3: Core DeFi Primitives (“Money Legos”)Hands-on mastery of the three foundational DeFi applications. Primary Reading: Part Three (Chapters 5, 6 & 7) Key Concepts & Learning Objectives: Stablecoins: centralized (USDT) vs. decentralized (DAI); minting DAI on MakerDAO. Lending & Borrowing: over-collateralization, supplying assets, and borrowing on Compound/Aave. Decentralized Exchanges: AMMs, liquidity pools, impermanent loss; swapping and providing liquidity on Uniswap. Practical Labs: Mint your first DAI. Supply assets and earn interest. Borrow against collateral. Perform swaps and add/remove liquidity on Uniswap.0
- Module 4: Advanced DeFi ApplicationsExplore the next generation of protocols built on top of the core primitives. Primary Reading: Part Three (Chapters 8, 9, 10 & 11) Key Concepts & Learning Objectives: Derivatives & synthetic assets (Synthetix, Opyn). Automated asset management strategies (TokenSets). No-loss lotteries (PoolTogether). Real-time payment streaming (Sablier).0
- Module 5: Risk, Governance, & The EcosystemLearn how to stay safe and participate in the governance of DeFi protocols. Primary Reading: Part Three (Chapters 12, 13 & 14) Key Concepts & Learning Objectives: Smart contract insurance (Nexus Mutual, Armor). Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and token-based governance. Portfolio tracking dashboards. Practical Lab: Connect your wallet to Zapper or DeBank and analyze your DeFi positions.0
- Module 6: The Big PictureReal-world impact, current challenges, and the future of open finance. Primary Reading: Part Four (Chapters 15 & 16) Key Concepts & Learning Objectives: Case studies: using DeFi during high inflation, remittances, financial inclusion. User experience challenges and ongoing improvements. The convergence of DeFi with traditional finance and regulatory outlook. Final Assignment: Build and document your personal DeFi strategy (yield farming, hedging, or savings plan) using protocols learned in the course.0
Instructor
