THE BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES
CSE5BCC
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject introduces students to the principles and processes involved in blockchain technologies. The blockchain offers a way to secure transactions online between two parties, when there is no trusted intermediary available. A common use is in financial transactions without a bank as an intermediary, such as bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies. This subject covers the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including how the blockchain works, and how it is applied to modern digital transactions, including cryptocurrencies and smart contracts.
School: School Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Omaru Maruatona
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Must be admitted into SMCYC or SMCYL or SMCYB or must obtain subject coordinator's approval.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies | Prescribed | Narayanan, A., Bonneau, J., Felten, E., Miller, A. & Goldfeder, S. (2016) | Princeton University Press |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critically compare the use of blockchains and distributed ledgers as alternatives to traditional approaches to financial transactions in trust-free transactions.
- Activities:
- Lectures/modules, worked examples, case studies, discussions, role play.
02. Evaluate the use of blockchains in different cryptocurrencies to create a set of recommendations for appropriate usage by business and industry.
- Activities:
- Lectures/modules, worked examples, case studies, discussions, practical work.
03. Evaluate security measures in distributed ledgers to minimise risk.
- Activities:
- Lectures/modules, case studies, discussions, practical work.
04. Analyse transactions and operations on blockchains and smart contracts required to plan more robust financial systems.
- Activities:
- Lectures/modules, worked examples, case studies, discussions, practical work.
05. Assess the commercial and legal environments needed for cryptocurrency startups to ensure business success.
- Activities:
- Lectures/modules, worked examples, case studies, discussions, role play.
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Omaru Maruatona
Class requirements
Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 31 - 43
Six 4.0 hours lecture/workshop every two weeks on any day including weekend during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Computer LaboratoryWeek: 31 - 43
Six 4.0 hours computer laboratory every two weeks on any day including weekend during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One closed book practical test (1.5 hours) | To be given in last practical (or for off campus students at end of 2 day compulsory residential workshop). | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Assignment 1 - Using Blockchains, written individual assignment (1,500-words) | 20 | 02, 03 | |
| Assignment 2 - Blockchain Startup Challenge, written group assignment (1,500-words per student) | Students are required to work in a small group to complete the assignment. Groups will be assigned by the lecturer and use ZOOM to allow online student participation. Detailed guidance on student roles will be provided. | 20 | 05 |
| Assign 3 - Word report outlining own learning of Blockchains reported on in Assign 2 & 3 (1500-word) | Presented as a newspaper article genre in non-technical English for lay readership. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Omaru Maruatona
Class requirements
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 31 - 43
Twelve 2.0 hours unscheduled online class per study period on weekdays from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"Consists of online readings, resources and self-check tests, for self-directed study. All materials will be available asynchronously on the LMS."
PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
Ten 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"Synchronous online practical tutorial supported by practical notes and reading material on the LMS."
PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
Two 7.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"A compulsory practical workshop of 2 days at the end of the semester will be offered for all off campus students."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One closed book practical test (1.5 hours) | To be given in last practical (or for off campus students at end of 2 day compulsory residential workshop). | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Assignment 1 - Using Blockchains, written individual assignment (1,500-words) | 20 | 02, 03 | |
| Assignment 2 - Blockchain Startup Challenge, written group assignment (1,500-words per student) | Students are required to work in a small group to complete the assignment. Groups will be assigned by the lecturer and use ZOOM to allow online student participation. Detailed guidance on student roles will be provided. | 20 | 05 |
| Assign 3 - Word report outlining own learning of Blockchains reported on in Assign 2 & 3 (1500-word) | Presented as a newspaper article genre in non-technical English for lay readership. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |