COMP 2028 Cryptography, Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain

Credit Points 10

Coordinator Rhys Tague Opens in new window

Description 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.

School Computer, Data & Math Sciences

Discipline Computer Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) COMP 2027

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this Subject, students will be able to:

Analyse the different types of cryptography and their use in blockchain
Examine how blockchain is used in cryptocurrencies and other emerging applications
Apply programming skills to build a blockchain
Analyse different types of cryptocurrencies and how they function within the online transaction ecosystem
Visualise cases and flow of cryptocurrency for transaction identification and tracing
Analyse the threats and legal aspects related to cryptocurrency management and operations
Communicate the technologies to a non-expert audience in a range of formats

Subject 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

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.