CORPFIN 7056 - Applied Blockchain and Smart Contracts (M)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

This course provides an introduction to `Blockchain and Smart Contracts? with particular application to Financial Services. The course will provide an understanding of the functionality and utility of Blockchains and explore a range of use cases, such as cryptocurrencies. The course will include a focus on smart contracts and how such technology can be enhanced using Big Data and AI. The course will focus on understanding the key implications and opportunities from such technologies for the financial services industry now and in the future.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CORPFIN 7056
    Course Applied Blockchain and Smart Contracts (M)
    Coordinating Unit International Centre for Financial Services
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible CORPFIN 3006
    Course Description This course provides an introduction to `Blockchain and Smart Contracts? with particular application to Financial Services. The course will provide an understanding of the functionality and utility of Blockchains and explore a range of use cases, such as cryptocurrencies. The course will include a focus on smart contracts and how such technology can be enhanced using Big Data and AI. The course will focus on understanding the key implications and opportunities from such technologies for the financial services industry now and in the future.
    Course Staff

    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

    No information currently available.

    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 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1,2,4,5

    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:

    1. Interactive Seminars

    2. Group Assignment

    3. Online Quizes

    The Seminars, including lectures, will introduce and explore the concepts of each topic. Significant discussions and small group 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

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary
    Topics
    - Module 1: Course Overview and Introduction to Blockchain
    - Module 2: Introduction to DApps, NFTs and Smart Contracts
    - Module 3: Introduction to the Use of AI to compliment Blockchains
    - Module 4: How can Blockchain be used to "Reinvent Financial Services"?
    - Module 5: Overcoming Issues for the Future of Blockchains
    - Module 6: Applied Blockchain in the Accounting, Finance and Legal Professions
    - Module 7: Applied Blockchain in the Supply Chain, Healthcare and Built Environment Sectors
    - Module 8: Introduction to Decentralised Finance (DeFi)
    - Module 9: Application of Blockchain to Supply Chains
  • 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%)
    - Quiz 1 (17.5%)
    - Quiz 2 (22.5%)
    - Quiz 3 (25%)
    - Group Assignment (30%)
    Assessment Detail
    Participation: It is assumed that all students will participate fully in all sessions and 5% will be awarded for full attendance and active participation.

    Individual Quizzes: A set of three open book quizes will be undertaken by students online that involve short answer questions.

    Group Assignment: Students will be required to write a report on a specific application of Blockchain to the financial services industry as instructed in class.

    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.