THE BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES
CSE5BCC
2020
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.
SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJabed Chowdhury
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Must be admitted into SMCYC or SMCYL or SMCYB or must obtain subject coordinator's approval.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
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, 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, worked examples, case studies, discussions, practical work.
03. Evaluate security measures in distributed ledgers to minimise risk.
- Activities:
- Lectures, case studies, discussions, practical work.
04. Analyse transactions and operations on blockchains and smart contracts required to plan more robust financial systems.
- Activities:
- Lectures, worked examples, case studies, discussions, practical work.
05. Assess the commercial and legal environments needed for cryptocurrency startups to ensure business success.
- Activities:
- Lectures, worked examples, case studies, discussions, role play.
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2020, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJabed Chowdhury
Class requirements
Lecture/Workshop
Week:
10
-
22
One 2.0 hours lecture/workshop per week
on any day including weekend
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Computer Laboratory
Week:
10
-
22
One 2.0 hours computer laboratory per week
on any day including weekend
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-hour exam (2,000 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Assignment 1 - Using Blockchains, written individual assignment (1,000-words) | 20 | 02, 03 | |
| Assignment 2 - Blockchain Startup Challenge, written group assignment (1,000-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 (1,500-word) | Presented as a newspaper article genre in non-technical English for lay readership. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |