Unit information: Internet Economics and Financial Technology (Teaching Unit) in 2020/21

Unit name	Internet Economics and Financial Technology (Teaching Unit)
Unit code	COMSM0046
Credit points	0
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Cartlidge
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	A general knowledge of Computer Science is required. No prior knowledge of economics is assumed. To take the coursework assessment, a basic knowledge of Python is recommended.
Co-requisites	EITHER Assessment Units COMSM0047 Internet Economics and Financial Technology (Exam assessment, 10 credits) OR COMSM0048 Internet Economics and Financial Technology (Coursework assessment, 15 credits). Please note: COMSM0046 is the Teaching Unit for the Internet Economics and Financial Technology option. Single Honours Computer Science students can choose to be assessed by either examination (10 credits, COMSM0047) or coursework (15 credits, COMSM0048) by selecting the appropriate co-requisite assessment unit. Any other students that are permitted to take the Internet Economics and Financial Technology option are assessed by examination (10 credits) and should be enrolled on the co-requisite exam assessment unit (COMSM0047).
School/department	School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit provides students with an overview of the algorithmics and economics of the internet and their role underpinning modern financial technology.

The exam/coursework covers all intended learning outcomes, however the coursework assessment requires students to demonstrate deeper analysis and synthesis of ideas for the additional 5CP.

Formative Assessment: Mock exam-style questions during the teaching block for student feedback and progress monitoring (weighting 0%).

Intended Learning Outcomes

General ILOs

At the end of the course a successful student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate how the internet impacts the economics of enterprise and finance.
2. Explain the key design features of a number of internet and financial technology algorithms.

When assessed by Examination, in addition to the general ILOs above, a successful student will be able to:

1. Discuss key financial technologies using economic principles.

When assessed by Coursework, in addition to the general ILOs above, a successful student will be able to:

1. Implement, deploy, and/or assess key financial technologies using economic principles.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.

Teaching will take place over Weeks 1-7, with coursework support in Weeks 8-10 and for students assessed by examination, consolidation and revision sessions in Weeks 11 and 12.

Assessment Information

Examination details:

January timed assessment (100%, 10 credits).

OR

Coursework details:

Coursework (100%) to be completed over Weeks 8-10.

Reading and References

There is no set textbook for the whole unit, but a reading list of material for each topic is maintained. Recommended reading includes:

• Varian, H. R., Farrell, J. and Shapiro C., The Economics of Information Technology: An Introduction (Cambridge University Press, 2004) ISBN: 978-0521605212
• Shrier, D. and Pentland, A., Frontiers of Financial Technology: Expeditions in future commerce, from Blockchain and digital banking to prediction markets and beyond (Createspace Independent Publishing, 2016) ISBN: 978-1537248899