Course Title: Blockchain Technology Fundamentals
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Blockchain Technology Fundamentals
Credit Points: 12.00
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
Enforced Pre-requisites:
INTE2625 - Introduction to Cyber Security (Course ID 054986)
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
The blockchain network, originated from a cryptocurrency, serves as a decentralised and tamperproof transaction data ledger. Blockchain is becoming more pervasive in society. You might have heard of it, you might know or even own bitcoin, but you might also be wondering, what is blockchain? Through hands-on workshops, you will learn the foundation of blockchain networks.
In this course you will learn how blockchain enables you to create immutable ledgers. You will analyse the concept, principles and technologies related to blockchain applications, including Peer-to-Peer networks, cryptography, proof-of-work of Bitcoin and consensus mechanism.
You will examine transparent and secure solutions in a decentralisation environment.
You will develop critical-thinking skills to enable you to solve problems and recommend secure solutions for decentralised networks.
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)
PLO1: Knowledge - Apply a broad and coherent set of knowledge and skills for developing user-centric computing solutions for contemporary societal challenges.
PLO3: Cognitive and Technical Skill - Critically analyse and evaluate user requirements and design systems employing software development tools, techniques, and emerging technologies.
PLO4: Communication - Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, employing a range of communication methods in interactions to both computing and non-computing personnel.
PLO5: 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:
- CLO 1: Explain the fundamental concepts and aspects of blockchain including cryptography, consensus and incentive mechanism.
- CLO 2: Compare and contrast the structure of a variety of types of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and analyse the architecture of structured P2P networks and immutable ledgers.
- CLO 3: Analyse the key issues in current blockchain platforms including security, anonymity, scalability and decentralisation.
- CLO 4: Trouble shoot open-source and industry-oriented blockchain applications, including decentralised management of data.
- CLO 5: Communicate the secure and effective solutions for blockchain applications including successful and unsuccessful applications of blockchain.
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
Note: This course has no hurdle requirements.
Assessment Task 1: Written Assignment 1
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1 & 2
Assessment Task 2: Written Assignment 2
Weighting: 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 2, 3 & 4
Assessment Task 3: Industry Focused Project
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 3 & 5