FUNDAMENTALS OF BLOCKCHAIN - 2023/4

Module Overview

The module has the aim of introducing students to core concepts in the blockchain technology. Students will become familiar with applications of cryptography to financial transactions and the technicalities behind cryptocurrencies and their
workings. Using case studies and simulations, students will be exposed to the use of software wallets and engage in blockchain and cryptocurrency related transactions.

Module provider

Economics

Module Leader

SHAKHNOV Kirill (Economics)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

• What is the blockchain and how does it work?


• The role of cryptography in crypto transactions


• Crypto wallets and their workings


• An introduction to smart contracts


• Crypto Mining


• Cryptocurrencies


• Additional topics: Decentralized Finance (De-Fi); Regulation; Crypto Derivatives

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Individual final project for the group assessment. 

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: Familiarity and understanding of the theoretical notions behind the blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies as well as being able to showcase the ability to apply these in real life scenarios. Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

A mid-term test 

A group project 

An individual assignment 

Formative assessment & feedback

Students receive verbal feedback during the in-person lectures, workshops and tutorial sessions. Students are provided with a set of exercises relating to the lecture material which they solve independently or in teams in preparation for the tutorials. In these seminar tutorials, they receive feedback on their answers, and guidance on how these answers could be improved. In addition to this, students receive guideline solutions online. Office hours provide students with further feedback and consultation opportunities. Students are encouraged to actively participate and contribute to the lectures and workshops. In particular, students will be encouraged to answer questions and contribute to the solution of real-world problems

Module aims

• To introduce students to core concepts in blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
• To develop an appreciation of the workings of the blockchain technology and decentralized finance (De-Fi).
• To understand what cryptography is and how is applied to cryptocurrency transactions.
• To be able to critically evaluate benefits and shortcomings of the blockchain technology and its application to finance.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: Explore the theoretical concepts and familiarize with the workings of the blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Be able to apply the theoretical the concepts learnt in the lectures to real world problems and scenarios. Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to conduct independent research in the field of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. The learning and teaching methods include:

- Lectures 
- Tutorials

These methods promote both the acquisition of the required theoretical background as well as the applicability of key notions to real world scenarios. In particular, lectures introduce the theory behind the blockchain and its workings while the workshops and the tutorials will be more practical in nature, discussing in more detail the applicability of the topics discussed in the lectures to real world problems.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ECO3062

Other information

This module incorporates some of the University's five pillars of learning as follows:

Resourcefulness and resilience: Students in this module will develop their understanding and skills through assessment and feedback in tutorials.

Tutorial feedback sessions are designed to provide students with the opportunity to ask question and deepen their understanding of finance and blockchain topics.

Global capabilities and Employability: Real life examples will be utilized in this module which will build students global capabilities by providing different perspectives on finance.

Digital capabilities: Students' digital capabilities will be levered due to the 'coding intensive' nature of the module topics.

Sustainability: Teaching material and key readings will cover topics in sustainability and green economy. In addition, this module teaches adaptation to changing contexts in terms of technology, institutions, and markets.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.