Course Title: Blockchain Technology Fundamentals
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Blockchain Technology Fundamentals
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
INTE2627 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
175H Computing Technologies |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Professor Ibrahim Khalil
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2879
Course Coordinator Email: ibrahim.khalil@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 14.11.025
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Recommended Prior Study
It is recommended to have satisfactorily completed the following course/s before you commence this course:
- INTE2625 - Introduction to Cyber Security (Course ID 054986)
Alternatively, if you have the equivalent skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.
Please contact your course coordinator for further details.
Assumed knowledge
You should have some understanding of information technology, in particular a basic understanding of the components of a computer system. You should be able to explain the difference between hardware and software.
You should have a fundamental understanding of networking, including network security and operating systems security. You should be able to explain vulnerability analysis in context to a computer system and potential ways of hacking this system.
You require basic understanding of high school Mathematics. A basic understanding of coding and coding concepts would be advantageous.
Course Description
Blockchain Technology Fundamentals is a comprehensive course designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and principles of blockchain technology. In today's digital age, blockchain is transforming the way businesses operate and changing traditional methods of handling data.
Throughout the course, students will be taught the basic concepts of blockchain, including its structure, and applications, and data immutability. They will also gain a deep understanding of decentralized systems, hash, Merkle Tree, cryptography, and consensus algorithms that form the backbone of blockchain technology. Additionally, students will be introduced to the different types of blockchains, such as public, private, and permissioned, and how they are used in various industries. They will also learn about the roles of smart contracts in automating business processes.
In this course, students will have the unique chance to delve into practical, real-world examples and analyze the significant role of blockchain in modern applications. Additionally, advanced topics of blockchain technology, including data retrieval (e.g. query) on the blockchain, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), quantum-resistant blockchain, Artificial Intelligence in blockchain, and emerging trends, will be covered.
By the end of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize industries. They will be equipped with the knowledge to evaluate blockchain solutions and make informed decisions.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
The course is an option course, however, will contribute to following program learning outcomes for:
BP094 Bachelor of Computer Science
BP096 Bachelor of Software Engineering
BP162 Bachelor of Information Technology
BP340 Bachelor of Data Science
BP347 Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional)
BP348 Bachelor of Data Science (Professional)
BP349 Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional)
PLO 1: Knowledge - Apply a broad and coherent set of knowledge and skills for developing user-centric computing solutions for contemporary societal challenges.
PLO 3: Cognitive and Technical Skill - Critically analyse and evaluate user requirements and design systems employing software development tools, techniques, and emerging technologies.
PLO 4: Communication - Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, employing a range of communication methods in interactions to both computing and non-computing personnel.
PLO 5: Collaboration and Teamwork - Demonstrate effective teamwork and collaboration by using tools and practices to manage and meet project deliverables.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of blockchain technology such as its structure, applications, and data immutability.
- Compare and contrast different types of blockchains, including public, private, and permissioned, and analyze their use in various industries.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of decentralized systems, hash functions, Merkle Trees, cryptography, and consensus algorithms, and their role in blockchain technology.
- Analyze and evaluate advanced aspects of the technology such as data retrieval (e.g. query) on the blockchain, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), quantum-resistant blockchain etc.
- Communicate effectively about blockchain solutions, including successful and unsuccessful applications, and make informed decisions about their implementation.
Overview of Learning Activities
This course uses highly structured learning activities to guide your learning and prepare you to complete the assessment tasks. These activities consist of a combination of individual, peer-supported and facilitator-guided activities, and where possible project-led, with opportunities for regular feedback.
Authentic and industry-relevant learning is critical to this course as you will be expected to critically evaluate current thinking and practice within Blockchain applications. You will apply your thinking by producing relevant real-world assessment tasks and engage with scenarios and case studies.
You will be expected to participate in class and group activities, as well as provide and receive peer feedback on drafts of work as social learning is an important component of this course.
Overview of Learning Resources
The learning and teaching approaches used in this program may include webinars, problem-based learning and case studies.
The activities and tasks are designed to facilitate the application of theory and encourage peer learning in a collaborative, open manner using online tools and interactive discussion forums. Assessment is integrated throughout the program to ensure that you graduate with a set of applicable skills and knowledge of blockchain fundamentals and applications.
There are services available to support your learning via the RMIT University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services.
RMIT Online provides support and equal opportunities for students with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition and primary carers of individuals with a disability. If you need assistance, please speak to your Program Manager or contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
At RMIT you can apply for credit so your previous learning or experience counts toward your RMIT Online program. For further information on how to apply for credit, please click here.
Please view the Assessment and Assessment Flexibility Policy for further information regarding applying for an extension, special consideration, equitable assessment arrangements and supplementary assessment.
Overview of Assessment
The assessment for this course comprises three industry-focused timed assignments - (i) two assignments require the application of fundamental blockchain techniques, and (ii) one assignment involves the design and analysis of a blockchain-based system.
Note: This course has no hurdle requirements.
Assessment Task 1: Industry-focused Blockchain Assignment 1 (written assignment)
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1 - 3.
Assessment Task 2: Industry-focused Blockchain Assignment 2 (written assignment)
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1 - 4.
Assessment Task 3: Designing and Analyzing Blockchain based Systems (written assignment)
Weighting 30%
This assessment supports CLOs:1 – 5.
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.