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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Blockchains and Cryptoassets (981N1)

Blockchains and Cryptoassets

Module 981N1

Module details for 2022/23.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

The module will introduce the new and increasingly important area of FinTech, and will cover many aspects of blockchain development: basic cryptography, blockchain construction, applications of distributed ledger technology and smart contracts in financial markets; crowdfunding; and cryptocurrency markets [bitcoin and ether in particular].

Module learning outcomes

Compare and contrast the roles that public and private blockchains play in the development of financial services and markets. Critically evaluate and compare the cryptographic tools employed in public blockchains, such as Diffie-Hellman key exchange and elliptic curve cryptography

Evaluate the efficacy of blockchain protocols, including second layer solutions and development proposals for interoperability and smart contract execution, as employed in Bitcoin, Ethereum, IOTA and Dot and other public blockchains

Understand the different types of crypto assets, including central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stable coins, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Decentralised Finance (De-Fi) tokens; evaluate their role in the crypto asset multiverse.

Critically survey the different on-chain and off-chain platforms and products for generating initial coin offerings (ICOs) initial centralised exchange offerings (IEOs) and initial decentralised exchange offerings (IDOs) including those for trading crypto derivatives. Know which new types of derivatives instruments exist in the crypto multiverse, understand their market credit and operational risks and use this knowledge to diversify investments in crypto asset investment portfolios.

TypeTimingWeighting
Computer Based ExamSemester 1 Assessment75.00%
Coursework25.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
ProjectT1 Week 7 (2 minutes)100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterSeminar1 hour11111111111
Autumn SemesterLecture2 hours11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Carol Alexander

Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/2765

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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

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