Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Infrastructure Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a technical deep dive into the infrastructure powering decentralized finance (DeFi), designed for learners with foundational blockchain knowledge. Over four weeks, you'll explore core components including blockchain architecture, smart contracts, Ethereum, token standards, oracles, and major DeFi protocols. With approximately 2-3 hours of study per module, you'll gain clarity on how DeFi systems operate, their technical underpinnings, and real-world applications. This course does not include hands-on coding but emphasizes conceptual and architectural understanding. Lifetime access ensures flexibility for self-paced learning.
Module 1: Blockchain and Smart Contracts
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Public vs. private blockchains
- Immutability and consensus mechanisms
- Introduction to smart contracts
- Smart contract deployment logic
Module 2: Ethereum and DeFi Architecture
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
- Gas and transaction fees
- Crypto wallets and MetaMask integration
- Analyzing Ethereum transactions
Module 3: Token Standards and Oracles
Estimated time: 3 hours
- ERC-20 token standard and use cases
- ERC-721 tokens and non-fungible applications
- Role of oracles in DeFi
- Chainlink and decentralized price feeds
Module 4: DeFi Protocols and Infrastructure Risks
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Liquidity pools and automated market makers
- Layer-2 scaling solutions
- Governance and security risks in DeFi
- Case studies: Aave, Uniswap, and Compound
Module 5: Final Project
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Analyze a real-world DeFi platform
- Evaluate its technical architecture and risks
- Submit a structured report with recommendations
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of blockchain technology
- Familiarity with cryptocurrency concepts
- Strong curiosity about financial technology innovations
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain the technical layers of DeFi infrastructure
- Differentiate between traditional finance and DeFi systems
- Identify key components like smart contracts, oracles, and token standards
- Analyze risks and scalability challenges in DeFi protocols
- Understand the role of Ethereum and major DeFi platforms in the ecosystem