| Effective Term: | 2025/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability |
| Unit Title: | Cryptography, Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain |
| Unit ID: | ITWSU2028 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | (ITWSU2027) |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | Nil |
| ASCED: | 029999 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
Blockchain and cryptocurrency form the backbone of emerging technology systems to secure transactions. The design of blockchain involves cryptographic technology to secure data and ensure confidentiality, authenticity and integrity. Students are introduced to the concepts of blockchain, cryptography and cryptocurrency, and learn how these technologies are transforming online transactions, and solving some of the most important issues in trust, resilience, reputation and transparency. Students also learn about the risks and challenges involving cryptocurrencies, exchanges and wallets as well as money-laundering and criminal enterprises. Students develop practical experience in building blockchain systems and develop smart contract solutions. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: No |
| Supplementary Assessment:Yes |
| Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | | | | | | | Intermediate | | |  | | | | | Advanced | | | | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Examine how blockchain is used in cryptocurrencies and other emerging applications |
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| K2. | Communicate the technologies to a non-expert audience in a range of formats |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Analyse the different types of cryptography and their use in blockchain |
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| S2. | Analyse different types of cryptocurrencies and how they function within the online transaction ecosystem |
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| S3. | Visualise cases and flow of cryptocurrency for transaction identification and tracing |
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| S4. | Analyse the threats and legal aspects related to cryptocurrency management and operations |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Apply programming skills to build a blockchain |
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| Unit Content: |
· Essential aspects of blockchain including distributed ledger technology · Immutable records and consensus algorithm · Smart contracts · Asymmetric, Symmetric and Hybrid key algorithms · Hash Functions · Public and Private Keys · Encryption and Decryption · Centralised and decentralised cryptocurrencies · Sovereign cryptocurrency · Cryptocurrency mining · Cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets, and mixers/blenders · Traceback · How blockchain and crypto make transactions transparent, trusted and resilient allowing for wider adoption in the business community . How the structure of cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets and other also make them the most readily hacked along with used as major mechanisms for money-laundering and crime |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.
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| FED TASK and descriptor | Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit | | Level | FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal | Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams. | N/A - Not Applicable | FEDTASK 2
Leadership | Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative | N/A - Not Applicable | FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity | Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving. | N/A - Not Applicable | FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy | Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines | FEDTASK 5
Sustainable and Ethical Mindset | Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life. | N/A - Not Applicable |
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| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | | 1. | K1, S1, S2, A1 | Programming code | Practical | 40% | | 2. | K2, S3, S4 | Essay and Presentation | Applied Project | 20% | | 3. | K1, K2, S1, S2, S3, S4, A1 | Multiple choice exam | Final Exam | 40% |
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