Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026
Module COMP53515: Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technologies
Department: Computer Science
COMP53515: Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technologies
| Type | Tied | Level | 5 | Credits | 15 | Availability | Available in 2025/2026 | Module Cap |
|---|
| Tied to | G5T609 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | G5T709 |
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To introduce students to an advanced topic in Computer Science with applications in modern technology.
- To introduce students to the theoretical basis, security and history of cryptocurrencies.
- To introduce students to the practical working of blockchain in real world use cases.
Content
- Recap of Cryptography
- Secure hash functions and digital signatures
- Simple blockchains
- Decentralisation of blockchains
- Bitcoin transactions and block details
- Bitcoin mining
- Anonymity in cryptocurrencies
- Ethereum and smart contracts
- Consensus Algorithms
- Recent developments in blockchains and cryptocurrencies
- Real world applications of blockchain
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
- an understanding of the cryptographic protocols underlying blockchain security.
- knowledge of the key features and differences between a number of cryptocurrencies.
- knowledge of the structure and use of smart contracts in a blockchain.
- an understanding of some recent developments in cryptocurrencies and blockchains.
Subject-specific Skills:
- By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to create and maintain a simple blockchain.
- an ability to interact with and transact in a cryptocurrency such as bitcoin programmatically.
- an ability to develop and deploy a smart contract on a blockchain such as Ethereum.
Key Skills:
- By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to apply logical reasoning to practical scenarios.
- an ability to analyse complex protocols.
- an ability to read and understand technical papers.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures enable the students to learn new material relevant to blockchains and cryptocurrencies as well as their applications.
- Computer classes enable the students to put into practice learning from lectures and strengthen their understanding through application.
- Formative and summative assessments assess the application of methods and techniques.
- The assignment element of the coursework component consists of a coding exercise with accompanying report.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 8 | 1 per week | 2 hours | 16 | |
| Lectures | 4 | 1 every other week (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8) | 1 hour | 4 | |
| Computer Classes | 4 | 1 every other week (weeks 1, 3, 5, 7) | 2 hours | 8 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 122 | ||||
| Total | 150 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Assignment | 100% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Practical Tasks as relevant; project development tasks.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University