FIT5214 - Blockchain - 2019

Blockchain is regarded as the next revolution of Internet. Applications are not just limited to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, but also extended to different interdisciplinary sectors. This unit is for students to develop basic knowledge of blockchain technology and how they can be used in real-world scenarios such as payment systems or supply-chain management. Learning activities will focus on understanding different blockchain systems, a broad landscape of supervised and unsupervised learning methods with a focus on the state-of-the-art knowledge for blockchain technologies including consensus, privacy-preserving protocols and smart contract which are rapidly used in different industries.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Evaluate the basic structure of a blockchain system, what is involved in designing such systems and strategy to maintain them.
2. Assess what consensus protocol is, what makes consensus work, and the limitation of each consensus protocol.
3. Investigate methods to preserve privacy for user and data in a blockchain system.
4. Demonstrate how blockchain systems can be applied into different disciplines such as healthcare, supply-chain.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

• Two hours/week lectures
• Two hours/week laboratories

A minimum of 8 hours per week of personal study for completing lab/tutorial activities, assignments, private study and revision

See also Unit timetable information