Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency Investment

Module overview

This course will explore the architecture of Blockchain technology that is rapidly changing the landscape of the financial industry and beyond. Countless applications are being explored in payments, insurance, lending, fund raising, settlement of securities transactions and contract execution. 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.

There will be dedicated discussions of a design of optimal investment strategy in cryptocurrency market. Investment under uncertainty has a got a new dimension with the advent of cryptocurrency. Unravelling the investment strategy of cryptocurrency is like a gospel, as the world economy is preparing steadily for the establishment of a new crypto-market and legalising the same within the monetary system. However, there are veritable challenges in investment in cryptocurrencies – a majority of these challenges are just like a black box, with no easy solution to be found at present.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Blockchain technology and its application in financial services industry.
Investment opportunities and risks associated with the rapid growth of cryptocurrency markets.
Cryptocurrencies and their technical and financial characteristics.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Explain how investors can construct a cryptocurrency portfolio and develop a successful trading strategy in the cryptocurrency markets.
Analyse the potential usage of blockchain technology for financial services industry, weighing its pros and cons.
Advise investors on a suitable strategy for Blockchain adoption and cryptocurrency investments.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Manage individual tasks, personal resources and time effectively.
Interpret and analyse quantitative data related to business issues, using appropriate financial and/or statistical skills and models to solve problems.
Write effectively for business purposes.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Taking into account the excellence of the Southampton Business School in Digital Finance research, this module will incorporate research-led teaching, where leaners can benefit from cutting edge research results in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Investments. Learners will get access to Bloomberg terminal and all main global financial databases, and will be able to apply their knowledge to practice and acquire essential skills to support their careers in finance related industries. All classes will have interactive element and the effective dialogue between learners and teaching staff will be established. Plenty of opportunities for reflection and feedback will be provided.

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	70
Teaching	30
Total study time	100

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

In-class formative opportunities

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: Individual feedback on exercises will be provided for students in class.
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Individual report	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Individual report	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Individual report	100%