| Semester 1, 2020 Online | |
| Short Description: | Blockchain Fundamentals |
| Units : | 1 |
| Faculty or Section : | Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts |
| School or Department : | School of Management and Enterprise |
| Student contribution band : | Band 2 |
| ASCED code : | 020399 - Information Systems not elsewh |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
Staffing
Examiner:
Requisites
Enrolment is not permitted in CIS8504 if CIS8702 has been previously completed.
Rationale
Blockchain is the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies and holds the promise of ushering in new models for economies and marketplaces, governance, identity and more. Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) essentially connect together to form a new type of market infrastructure that sits on top of 鈥� and integrates into 鈥� existing systems and processes. Blockchains have the potential to disrupt a number of other areas in addition to the financial industry. Supermarkets, energy resources, healthcare, voting and many other sectors could also incorporate blockchain in their future, and new jobs that exploit these skills and opportunities are likely to become more pervasive. As Blockchain technology can be used to prevent data breaches, identity thefts, cyber-attacks and foul play in transactions, the field of cybersecurity is another industry which will be significantly impacted by this technology with the scope for more in the future.
Synopsis
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and insights into the key aspects of blockchain technology and use cases that will serve to provide a solid platform and foundation for developing effective and innovative strategies for their organizations. Integrating both technical and broad perspectives, Blockchain Fundamentals builds a comprehensive survey of the blockchain space that empowers students, entrepreneurs, and developers of all backgrounds.
The course aggregates modules that (1) focus on an understanding of the core technological and security aspects, (2) evaluate a range of use cases in the blockchain ecosystem, (3) explore decentralized apps and smart contracts, and (4) consolidate these into developing an innovative use case to solve a real world problem.
Objectives
On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
- explain the technical and security underpinnings of blockchains;
- evaluate the architectural challenges of blockchains;
- identify and critically evaluate existing use cases;
- explore the blockchain eco-system;
- explain the mechanics of decentralize apps and smart contracts;
- critically evaluate security and regulatory frameworks;
- design and document a blockchain solution to an existing practical problem.
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Blockchain Technology | 10.00 |
| 2. | Blockchain Use Cases | 10.00 |
| 3. | Decentralized apps and Smart Contracts | 20.00 |
| 4. | Current and future trends in Blockchain | 20.00 |
| 5. | Impact on security and regulations | 20.00 |
| 6. | Blockchain eco-system | 10.00 |
| 7. | Strategic development and implementation of Blockchain solutions | 10.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from (unless otherwise stated). (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/textbooks/?year=2020&sem=01&subject1=CIS8504)
Please for alternative purchase options from USQ Bookshop. (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/info/contact/)
Reference materials
Student workload expectations
| Activity | Hours |
|---|---|
| Directed Study | 24.00 |
| Private Study | 141.00 |
Assessment details
| Description | Marks out of | Wtg (%) | Due Date | Objectives Assessed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quiz | 30 | 15 | 25 Mar 2020 | 1,2 | |
| Essay | 100 | 35 | 27 Apr 2020 | 1,2,4 | |
| Report | 100 | 50 | 26 May 2020 | 3,5,6,7 |
Important assessment information
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Attendance requirements:
It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them, to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. -
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks for that item. -
Penalties for late submission of required work:
Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4) -
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must obtain at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course (i.e. the Primary Hurdle). Supplementary assessment may be offered where a student has undertaken all of the required summative assessment items but failed to achieve a passing Final Grade by 5% or less of the total weighted Marks. -
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative items for the course. -
Examination information:
There is no examination for this course. -
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
There is no examination for this course. -
University Student Policies:
Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at .
Assessment notes
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Referencing in assignments must comply with the Harvard referencing system. This system should be used by students to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The Harvard style to be used is defined by the USQ library's referencing guide. This guide can be found at .
Evaluation and benchmarking
In meeting the University鈥檚 aims to establish quality learning and teaching for all programs, this course monitors and ensures quality assurance and improvements in at least two ways. This course:
Conforms to the USQ Policy on Evaluation of Teaching, Courses and Programs to ensure ongoing monitoring and systematic improvement and is benchmarked against the internal USQ accreditation/reaccreditation processes which include (i) stringent standards in the independent accreditation of its academic programs, (ii) close integration between business and academic planning, and (iii) regular and rigorous review.