CORPFIN 3006 - Blockchain Crypto and Big Data

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

This is an introductory course on Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Big Data in Financial Services. The topics will include: Blockchain fundamentals; the impact of Blockchain on financial services, introduction to cryptocurrencies, the future of money, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), big data, customer data and privacy, financial services business models and the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Test and assignments will be given to enable the student to gain practical experience in using these techniques

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CORPFIN 3006
    Course Blockchain Crypto and Big Data
    Coordinating Unit International Centre for Financial Services
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assessment Case study, group assignment and final exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Charlie Hargroves

    Course Coordinator: Dr Charlie Hargroves
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1 Understand the core functionality and utility of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency technologies.
    2 Identify specific applications of such technology that have value to the financial services industry.
    3 Explain the positive and negative implications of such technologies for the financial services industry.
    4 Understand how Big Data and Artificial Intelligence can complement Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies.
    5 Communicate the need for financial services companies to explore the opportunities presented by Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, complimented by Big Data and applications of Artificial Intelligence.
    6 Advise on the specific application of such technologies to the financial services industry now and in the future.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    2, 4, 5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1, 2, 3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1-6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    3, 5, 6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    3, 5, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The following textbook is recomended for this course: 'Blockchain Revolution' by Don and Alex Tapscott (Updated Edition). All other resources will be provided.
    Online Learning
    The course will be delivered on campus and there is no online enrollment.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will be primarily delivered through three activities:
    • Interactive Seminars
    • Assignments (Individual and Group)
    • Test
    The Seminars, including lectures, will introduce and motivate the basic concepts of each topic. Significant discussions and two-way communication are also expected during seminars to enrich the learning experience. The assignments will reinforce concepts by their application to problem solving specifically for the financial services industry. All material covered in the lectures and assignments are assessable.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This means that for a three-unit course you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours of private study outside of your regular classes. This time commitment will include reading relevant materials, preparing for seminars, and other assessment tasks.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week   Topic
    Week 1 Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (Functionality and Utility)
    Week 2 The Use of Digital Smart Contracts in the Financial Services Industry
    Week 3 Blockchain Use-Cases relevant to the Financial Services Industry - Part 1
    Week 4 Blockchain Use-Cases relevant to the Financial Services Industry - Part 2
    Week 5 Implications of Blockchain for Financial Services - Part 1 (Private Study)
    Week 6 Implications of Blockchain for Financial Services - Part 2
    Week 7 Introduction to the Use of Big Data and AI to compliment Blockchains
    Week 8 Specific Application of Blockchain to the Financial Services Industry - Part 1
    Week 9 Specific Application of Blockchain to the Financial Services Industry - Part 2
    Week 10 Group Assignment Working Session
    Week 11 Course Review and Preparation for Final Assessment Item
    Week 12 Final Assessment Item
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessments
    - Participation 5%
    - Individual Assignment 25%
    - Group Assignment 30%
    - 2 hour OPEN book Final Test 40%
    Assessment Detail
    Participation (5%):
    It is assumed that all students will participate fully in all sessions and 5% will be awarded for full attendance and active participation.

    Individual Written Report (25%):
    A written submission of no longer than 1,500 words, with a 25% weighting, will be undertaken by students and submitted via MyUni by the end of Week 7. The assessment will enable students to receive early feedback on their progress in the course.

    Group Assignment (30%):
    This is a group assignment in teams of 5 students with a 35% weighting. Students will be required to write a report on a specific application of Blockchain to the financial services industry as instructed in class. The assignment is designed to enable students to write a report from a “consultant’s” perspective.

    Test (40%):
    All students must complete a 2 hour open book test via MyUni that includes multiple choice and short answer questions drawn from all material presented in the course.
    Students must complete ALL assessment components for this course.
    Submission
    Presentation of Assignments
    • Submission of the individual and group assignment will be made via Turn-it-In in MyUni.
    • Please attach an ‘Assignment Cover Sheet’, which is signed and dated by you before submission.
    • The test will be undertaken via MyUni.
    Lecturers can refuse to accept assignments, which do not have a signed acknowledgement of the University’s policy on plagiarism.

    Late Assignment Submission
    Students are expected to submit their work by the due date to maintain a fair and equitable system. Extensions will generally only be given for medical or other serious reasons. All requests for extensions must be emailed to the lecturer in charge of the course before the due date. Each request will be assessed on its merits. A late assignment (without prior arrangement) will be penalised by a 5% mark reduction for each day that it is late.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.