ICM318-Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Applications

Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: a.j.urquhart@icmacentre.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Blockchain technology is rapidly changing the financial industry and beyond. Countless applications are being explored in payments, insurance, lending, fund raising, settlement of securities transactions and contract execution. In this course we will explore what a blockchain is and how you can create one with simple Python codes. Cryptocurrencies, one of the most popular uses of blockchain, are explored in detail. The module will present technical concepts at a high level suitable for students whose main interest is finance and the financial applications of blockchain.

Aims:

The module focuses on:

(1) blockchain applications in industry and financial services

(2) the concept of an open distributed ledger, its advantages and disadvantages

(3) public and private, permissioned and permission-less ledgers

(4) an introduction to the cryptographic concept of a hash function and its use in forming a blockchain

(5) the concept of mining and decentralised cryptocurrencies

(6) bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

(7) Ethereum and the concept of smart contracts and their applications in finance

(8) Python examples

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will:

• Understand how blockchain is changing the financial industry and the countless opportunities if offers


• Understand the concept of an open distributed ledger and its advantages and disadvantages over a centralised database;


• Understand at a high level the cryptographic concept of a hash function and how it is used form a blockchain;


• Understand the concept o f a cryptocurrency and the process of mining to form a blockchain;


• Be familiar with technology underlying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies;


• Understand the concept of a smart contract and be familiar with the application of such contracts to asset trading, cross border payments and insurance contracts;


• Become familiar with how blockchains can be coded in Python.


• Be aware of regulatory environment for blockchains and crypto-assets
  

Additional outcomes:

The module will use a number of in-class case studies showing the actual use of blockchain and the advantages it has offered. These case studies will develop a high level appreciation of the state of the art of the application of blockchain technology. The module will use the industry standard Python programming language and will build on the programming skills developed in Part 1.

Outline content:

1. What is Blockchain and how it is changing the financial sector.


2. The concept of an open distributed ledger and its advantages over a centralised database. Governance issues related to decentralised ledger. Permissioned vs permission-less ledgers.


3. Decentralization


4. Mechanics of Bitcoin


5. Usage and mining of Bitcoin


6. Community, Politics and Regulation


7. Create a blockchain with Python (1)
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8. Create a blockchain with Python (2)


9. Smart contracts and Ethereum


10. Current developments on the regulatory environment.

Global context:

The module covers industry standard techniques. The concepts are applied in investment banks, central banks, hedge funds and asset management firms worldwide.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The core theory and concepts will be presented during lectures. Problem sets will be solved in workshops.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One written final exam (closed book) of length 2 hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will be asked to complete a group project (40%) to be submitted in week 1 of the summer term.

Formative assessment methods:

Seminar questions are assigned for each class. The seminar leader will facilitate discussion and offer feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please

refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information:

http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% weighted average mark

Reassessment arrangements:

By written examination only, to be taken in August/September, as part of the overall examination arrangements for the MSc programme

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2020