Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Blockchain is a foundational technology enabling a more efficient, secure and transparent economy. Blockchain is a particular type of a shared database, which is a subset of distributed ledger technologies (DLT). The technology allows for decentralised creation and distribution of digital assets, like cryptocurrencies and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), execution of smart contracts and operation of Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAO) - the backbone of Decentralised Finance (DeFi) and much more. Blockchain-based innovations open enormous opportunities for new business models, entrepreneurship and employment. However, if compromised, the technology can bring opposite results than intended. The origin and the essence of blockchain is inseparable from Bitcoin (2008) and other open public blockchains, like Ethereum. Open public blockchains that are not owned and controlled by any single commercial entity, or a government offer unique properties of decentralisation, high security, and immutability. These qualities are usually compromised to achieve industrial scalability by commercially motivated entities providing ‘blockchain' (i.e. DLT) applications for business. This interdisciplinary, non-technical and introductory level unit offers comprehensive knowledge of blockchain and critical evaluation of distributed ledger technologies in business. The unit combines sound theory with practice and the latest updates from practitioners working with the technology.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) understand what blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (B&DLT) are and how they work ; (2) understand the fundamental differences between blockchain, DLT and legacy systems ; (3) identify most adequate use cases for applying B&DLT ; (4) critically reflect on the social and ethical implications of B&DLT ; and (5) apply decentralised approach to work by collaborating in teams on conceptually applying the technology to solving business issues.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) team-based assignment; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Dirk Baur, Dr Lai Hoang
- Unit rules
- Incompatibility
- FINA5510 Digital Finance I
- Contact hours
- Standard Semester: lectures/tutorials/seminars/workshops: up to 3 hours per week
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.