THE BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES

CSE5BCC

2021

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.

SchoolEngineering and Mathematical Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorJabed Chowdhury

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters

Available as ElectiveNo

Learning ActivitiesN/A

Capstone subjectNo

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

Quota Management StrategyN/A

Quota-conditions or rulesN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Minimum credit point requirementN/A

Assumed knowledgeN/A

Learning resources

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementPrescribed

AuthorNarayanan, A., Bonneau, J., Felten, E., Miller, A. & Goldfeder, S.

Year2016

Edition/VolumeN/A

PublisherPrinceton University Press

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/A

Career Ready

Career-focusedNo

Work-based learningNo

Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A

Entire subject or partial subjectN/A

Total hours/days requiredN/A

Location of WBL activity (region)N/A

WBL addtional requirementsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

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.
02. Evaluate the use of blockchains in different cryptocurrencies to create a set of recommendations for appropriate usage by business and industry.
03. Evaluate security measures in distributed ledgers to minimise risk.
04. Analyse transactions and operations on blockchains and smart contracts required to plan more robust financial systems.
05. Assess the commercial and legal environments needed for cryptocurrency start-ups to ensure business success.

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2021, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJabed Chowdhury

Class requirements

Computer LaboratoryWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.00 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.

Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.00 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.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle% ILO*
Two-hour exam (2,000 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4
Assignment 1 - Using Blockchains, written individual assignment (1,000-words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO2, SILO3
Assignment 2 - Blockchain Start-up 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.N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO5
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.N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4