MIS20060 Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and Web3

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module is focused on cryptocurrencies and the emerging web3 culture. We start with Bitcoin, the most famous (and infamous) cryptocurrency and the reasons for its rise, as well as the unique challenges it has faced along the way. We then turn to Bitcoin’s main competitor, Ethereum. Ethereum broadens the meaning of what constitutes a cryptocurrency to include self-reinforcing business logic through smart contracts. Through Ethereum, we will be introduced to exotic-sounding phenomena such as Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) and Decentralised Finance (DeFi). Finally, we look at the emergence of web3 and how culture is expressed through Non-Fungible Token (NFT) blockchain art.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completing this module, you will be able to:

(1) Assess the merits of cryptocurrencies generally and discover what constitutes a legitimate rather than illegitimate cryptocurrency project.
(2) Contextualise cryptocurrencies historically and understand the deeper reasons for the turn toward decentralised modes of economic and social organisation.
(3) Be able to independently research and analyse emerging cryptocurrency trends.

Indicative Module Content:

Since the area is constantly evolving the content changes a bit each year.
However, the most consistent topics are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Decentralised Finance (DeFI), Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs), and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

86
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module follows a traditional lecture format for the majority of lectures. There are two video demonstration lectures, where I will show how to practically engage with cryptocurrencies and the ecosystem surrounding them.

Over the course of the module students develop skills in researching and writing. This makes it a qualitative (social, historical, cultural), rather than a quantitative or technical class.

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Research Report. Week 12 n/a Graded No

60
Assignment: Blog Post. Week 5 n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback delivered with release of grades.

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