Postgraduate Course: Blockchain and Cryptofinance (CMSE11437)
Course Outline
| School | Business School |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course aims to provide a synthetic overview of cryptocurrencies and blockchain topics related to banking and finance, including their mechanism, applications, risks and related regulations. |
| Course description |
Blockchains and cryptocurrencies represent a novel application of cryptography and information technology to age-old problems such as financial record-keeping, the medium of exchange and decentralised authorities. They may lead to profound changes in the area of banking and corporate governance. Many major players in the financial industry, including regulators and central banks, have started to invest in this new technology. Most blockchain courses in other universities focus on the technique side, i.e., it is usually in the school of computer science or informatics. However, the financial models of cryptocurrencies and ICOs are also critical and might have far-reaching implications on corporate governance structure and the social economy.
This course aims to provide a synthetic overview of cryptocurrencies and blockchain topics related to banking and finance. On the technical side, this course will enable students to understand the essential technical concepts related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies; on the financial side, it aims to equip the student with the capability to identify the underlying business and financial implications of various blockchain projects, and to understand the potential impact on current framework of financial services, corporate governance structure and regulation.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | For MSc Finance, Technology and Policy students, or by permission of course organiser. Please contact the course secretary. |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2019/20, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Block 3 (Sem 2) |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 10,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 6,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
82 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
50 %,
Practical Exam
50 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written Exam 50%, Coursework 50%
Examination (Individual)
Final exam 50% weighting [LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4]
Coursework (Group)
Case study 50% weighting [LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4] A business case will be assigned during the lectures. Students should write reports by themselves and submit their work by the end of the semester.
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| Feedback |
The exam and the assignment will be marked using the University of Edinburgh common marking scheme. Summative marks and feedback on their work will be provided within 15 working days of the submission date, in line with the University of Edinburgh Taught Assessment Regulations. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Apply the principles of banking and finance to evaluate the business logics of blockchain projects.
- Analyse the financial and regulatory consequences of crypto-issuers¿ strategic behaviour.
- Understand the origin, current status and possible orientations of digital cash and identify potential business opportunities.
- Develop relevant strategies to use blockchain to solve issues in corporate governance.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Research & Enquiry:
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Understand how banking and finance principles affect the design and operation of cryptocurrencies
- Understand the mechanism of cryptocurrencies and ICOs
- Understand the potential impact that blockchain can impose on various aspects of corporate governance
-Understand the regulatory frameworks and how they interact with the blockchain industry
Personal & Intellectual Autonomy:
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Applying relevant framework to evaluate business models of various blockchain projects
- Recognise advantages and potential risks of different blockchain fundraising technology
Communication skills
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Use state-of-the-art tools to develop fintech strategies involving blockchains
- Be capable of cooperating with regulators and fintech practitioners with respect to the use of blockchain
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Tong Wang
Tel: (0131 6)51 5551
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Yvonne Stewart
Tel: (0131 6)51 5333
Email: |
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