Overview

In this unit, students will explore the theoretical foundation and practical application of blockchain and cybersecurity technology in the financial sector. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of how blockchain transforms financial services and enables secure, transparent, and efficient transactions. Students will also learn the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting financial data and infrastructure from cyber threats. This unit equips students with the advanced critical skills, insights and knowledge necessary to navigate and innovate in the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape. It will help them excel in a financial career focused on technology.

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Date Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Critically analyse the theoretical foundations of Blockchain technology and its practical applications within the financial sector.
  • Acquire advanced knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices, including strategies for protecting financial data and infrastructure from cyber threats.
  • Evaluate the transformative impact of Blockchain technology on traditional financial services, including its potential to disrupt existing business models and create new opportunities.
  • Apply advanced critical skills to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks in financial services, using contemporary tools and techniques.
  • Communicate in a proficient and professional manner as a member or leader of a group.

Teaching methods

All applicable locations

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)

On Campus

Class

2 12 weeks 24

Online

 Lecture (asynchronous)

1 12 weeks 12

Unspecified Activities 

Independent Learning

9.5 12 weeks 114
Total     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULOs
Assignment Individual 30-40% 1,2,3,4
Assignment and Presentation 1 Group 20-30% 1,2,3,4,5
Assignment Individual 30-50% 1,2,34

Content

  • Introduction to Blockchain technology.
  • Blockchain in the financial sector.
  • Cybersecurity fundamentals. 
  • Protecting financial data and infrastructure.
  • Blockchain security.
  • Transformative Impact of Blockchain technology.
  • Cybersecurity risk management.
  • Contemporary cybersecurity tools and techniques.

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.