Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Blockchain Applications

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Ibrahim Khalil

Course Coordinator Phone: -

Course Coordinator Email: Ibrahim.khalil@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: -

Course Coordinator Availability: Contact via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study 

It is recommended to have satisfactorily completed the following course/s before you commence this course: 

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer.

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience.


Course Description

Blockchain is a distributed ledger where we don't want to trust any designated, centralised authority to maintain the ledger, and every participant keeps a copy of the ledger while checking everyone else's changes to it. Blockchain is an emerging technology where valuable objects or information can be stored and shared in a secure manner.

This course covers topics and technologies related to blockchain applications. Initially, the course will discuss basic cryptographic and distributed systems concepts, as well as building blocks such as hash functions, digital signature, Merkle tree, consensus algorithms and incentive mechanisms that are essential to the understanding of blockchain applications. The course will also explore different models of blockchain paradigms, the concepts of private and public blockchains. Later, the course will focus on the practical applications of the blockchain technology. You will gain hands on experience on various features of popular blockchain platforms throughout the lectorials and workshop sessions.

The paradigm of Smart Contracts will be thoroughly explored and deployed in various applications. Advanced modular concepts will also be used to facilitate development, deployment, and execution of distributed ledgers. You will also analyse various practical applications and identify the suitability of blockchain in those applications. Through step-by-step analysis of practical applications, you will learn to design and apply in real world scenarios.  Different application scenarios from popular domains that leverage the blockchain technologies such as various supply-chain systems will be explained. The theoretical knowledge, practice-oriented workshops and industry focused assignments will help you to build your skills to develop standard Blockchain applications.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course is an option course so it is not required to contribute to the development of program learning outcomes (PLOs) though it may assist your achievement of several PLOs.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify the fundamental concepts and aspects of blockchain including cryptographic tools, consensus, and incentive mechanisms.
  2. Define the nature and characteristics of popular blockchain applications
  3. Describe the key issues including security, anonymity, scalability, and decentralisation in potential blockchain applications
  4. Examine open-source and industry-oriented Blockchain application development process.
  5. Design and develop highly scalable distributed blockchain applications.
  6. Propose recommendations on blockchain computing solutions for an enterprise.


Overview of Learning Activities

This course is delivered through a combination of online and on campus learning activities. Recorded lectures, other resources and some discussion groups are delivered online. Lectorials and workshops are held on campus at scheduled times. The learning activities included in this course are:

  • key concepts will be explained in the lecture recording, lectorials or workshop, where course material will be presented, and the subject matter will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples.
  • tutorials and group discussions (including online forums) focused on practical work and problem solving will provide practice in the application of principles and procedures, allow exploration of concepts with teaching staff and other students
  • assignment work requires an integrated understanding of the subject matter with the application of theory to practice
  • private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at analysing suitable blockchain applications.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will make use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. The learning resources accessible through myRMIT Studies Course include: course related material, e-books, journals and databases.Use the RMIT Bookshop textbook list search page to find recommended textbook(s).

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 

 These services can provide extra support to organise your studies, assignment planning or learning skills advice you may wish to contact the Study and Learning Centre. http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre.


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Task 1: Industry Focused Assignment on identifying design requirements of a blockchain based system
Weighting: 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1,2

Assessment Task 2: Industry Focused Assignment on demonstrating the applications of a blockchain based system
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3,4

Assessment 3: Industry Focused Project
Weighting: 50%
This assessment supports CLOs 3, 4, 5, 6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.