Program Overview

Unit Overview

The unit ITEC310 - Emerging Technologies of Blockchain and Internet of Things aims to develop practical skills required to design IoT enabled blockchain solutions. This unit provides an overview of blockchain and IoT technologies, covering the basics of these two technologies. Students will learn how blockchain can be integrated with IoT to securely unlock business and operational value of these two emerging technologies.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

Blockchain and IoT are two emerging technologies, and their convergence can provide a secure and robust mechanism for managing data generated by IoT devices. The unit aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to design and develop IoT enabled blockchain applications to drive social impact.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to:

• Identify applications and use cases of IoT and blockchain technologies in different sectors.
• Design an architectural model for an IoT enabled blockchain-based system to provide interoperability and security.
• Implement and test an IoT enabled blockchain application on the test network using an appropriate blockchain platform.

Unit Content

Topics will include:

• Evolution of blockchain
• Blockchain features
• Blockchain vs Distributed Ledger
• Components of distributed ledger
• Consensus mechanism
• Blockchain programming
• History of IoT
• IoT landscape
• Design principles
• IoT architecture
• IoT and blockchain benefits
• Integration challenges
• IoT and blockchain use cases

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The assessments include:

• Practical assessments (30%)
• Designing an architectural model for an IoT-enabled blockchain application (30%)
• Developing an IoT-enabled blockchain application (40%)

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

This unit is offered in two delivery modesAttendance and Onlineto support diverse learning needs and maximize access for isolated or marginalized groups. Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online engagement, and assessment preparation.

Representative Texts and References

• Hellwig, D., Karlic, G., & Huchzermeier, A. (2025). Build your own blockchain: A practical guide to distributed ledger technology (2nd ed.). Springer.
• Lipton, A., & Treccani, A. (2021). Blockchain and distributed ledgers: Mathematics, technology, and economics. World Scientific Publishing.
• Treiblmaier, H., & Clohessy, T. (Eds.). (2020). Blockchain and distributed ledger technology use cases: Applications and lessons learned. Springer.

Credit Points and Year

This unit is worth 10 credit points and is offered in the year 2026.