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.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Based Exam | Semester 1 Assessment | 75.00% |
| Coursework | 25.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Project | T1 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.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
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
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.