Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Blockchain Fundamentals

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

INTE2677

City Campus

Postgraduate

175H Computing Technologies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Terry Yang

Course Coordinator Phone: -

Course Coordinator Email: xuechao.yang@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: -

Course Coordinator Availability: Contact via email


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: 

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer.

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience.


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.

In this course, you'll examine transparent and secure solutions within a decentralized environment, fostering the development of critical-thinking skills essential for problem-solving and the proposition of secure resolutions tailored to decentralized networks.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course is an option course so it is not required to contribute to the development of program learning outcomes (PLOs) though it may assist your achievement of several PLOs.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the fundamental concepts and aspects of blockchain including cryptography, consensus and incentive mechanism.
  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.
  3. Analyse the key issues in current blockchain platforms including security, anonymity, scalability and decentralisation.
  4. Trouble shoot open-source and industry-oriented blockchain applications, including decentralised management of data.
  5. Communicate the secure and effective solutions for blockchain applications including successful and unsuccessful applications of blockchain.
  6. Apply the knowledge to design new blockchain based solution for different scenarios.


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. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 

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

You will make use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. The learning resources accessible through myRMIT Studies Course include: course related material, e-books, journals and databases.

 

Use the RMIT Bookshop textbook list search page to find recommended textbook(s).

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 

These services can provide extra support to organise your studies, assignment planning or learning skills advice you may wish to contact the Study and Learning Centre. http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre.


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment tasks

Assessment Task 1: Industry Focused Assignment to demonstrate the fundamental concepts and aspects of blockchain.
Weighting: 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs:  1 & 2

Assessment Task 2: Industry Focused Assignment demonstrating the ability to identify and mitigate different issues in existing blockchain platforms.
Weighting: 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs: 2, 3 & 4

Assessment Task 3:  Industry Focused Assignment on designing blockchain-based systems for different scenarios.
Weighting: 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs: 3, 5, & 6

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.