Course specification for CIS8504

»ÆƬ¿´Æ¬ÉñÆ÷

USQ Logo
The current and official versions of the course specifications are available on the web at .
Please consult the web for updates that may occur during the year.

CIS8504 Blockchain Fundamentals

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 – and integrates into – 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:

  1. explain the technical and security underpinnings of blockchains;
  2. evaluate the architectural challenges of blockchains;
  3. identify and critically evaluate existing use cases;
  4. explore the blockchain eco-system;
  5. explain the mechanics of decentralize apps and smart contracts;
  6. critically evaluate security and regulatory frameworks;
  7. 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/)

There are no texts or materials required for this course.

Reference materials

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
    Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4)

  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.

  5. 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.

  6. Examination information:
    There is no examination for this course.

  7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
    There is no examination for this course.

  8. 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

  1. 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’s 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.

Date printed 19 June 2020