Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Cynthia Cai
|
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Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
AFIN8014
|
Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
The development of Cryptocurrencies, using the fundamentals of cryptography and blockchain, is predicted to have significant impact on banks, financial institutions, governments, economies and business in general. The decentralization of payment networks and the establishment of an ecosystem of various stakeholders results in various benefits and challenges that will influence their adoption and diffusion in the marketplace. This unit examines cryptocurrencies and blockchain and their emergence and role in financial markets. This unit discuss the technical underpinnings of blockchain and key concepts such as decentralization and consensus algorithms. Students will learn how these new financial instruments and technologies are disrupting traditional ways of doing business. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Assessment criteria (including information about late submissions and extensions) for all assessment tasks will be provided on the unit iLearn site.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Assignment 1 | 20% | No | Week 6 |
Assignment 2 | 20% | No | Week 11 |
Final Examination | 60% | No | University Examination Period |
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%
The assignment will cover quantitative and/or qualitative analysis and students will be required to produce a report regarding their find(s). The report should not exceed 1,500 words.
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 20%
Students will conduct a quantitative analysis / financial modelling project and present their solutions and outcomes.
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 60%
A two hour exam will be held during University Examination Period.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Required Text |
No prescribed textbook is required. The unit will utilise various library resources, including research papers, book chapters, case studies, etc. All materials will be provided via iLearn or during the lecture. |
Recommended Readings |
We will supplement the lecture materials with readings from journals and other textbooks. A list of relevant material will be provided via iLearn. |
Technology Used and Required |
Necessary technology: Computer with MS Excel and Word, scientific or business calculator and internet access. |
Teaching Weeks | Topics |
1 |
Introduction |
2 |
Issues of Current Payment System |
3 |
Payment Innovations upon Centralized Architectures (I) |
4 |
Payment Innovations upon Centralized Architectures (II) |
5 |
Bitcoin: A Blockchain Mechanism (I) |
6 |
Bitcoin: A Blockchain Mechanism (II) |
7 |
Bitcoin: A Blockchain Mechanism (III) |
8 |
Cryptocurrencies: The System Disruption |
9 |
Cryptocurrencies: Value and Investment (Pre-recorded lecture) |
10 |
Cryptocurrencies: A Regulation Challenge |
11 |
Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain: Social Impact |
12 |
The Future: A New Payment Ecosystem |
13 |
Revision |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook