| Unit name | Internet Economics and Financial Technology (Teaching Unit) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SEMTM0012 |
| Credit points | 0 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Cartlidge |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
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. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
EITHER COMSM0158 Advanced Topics in Computer Science MINOR (Examination assessment, 20 credits) OR SEMTM0013 Internet Economics and Financial Technology (20 credits). Please note: This unit is the Teaching only unit for the Internet Economics and Financial Technology option.
|
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
Great wealth has been amassed by people who recognised the economic and algorithmic benefits arising from the internet revolution. In this unit, we uncover how the internet impacts the economics of enterprise and finance and we learn to understand key financial technologies using economic principles. Some microeconomic theory will be introduced in the context of internet enterprise, trading technologies, and financial technology, however the unit assumes no background knowledge in economics.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This is an optional unit that can be taken during TB1 in Year 4. This positioning allows students to make use of fundamental skills and knowledge developed during the first 3 years of their study. This unit is also delivered around the time that students are selecting their final year project topics, so can have an influence on the nature of projects undertaken.
An overview of content
This unit provides students with a broad overview of the algorithmics and economics of the internet and their role underpinning modern financial technology. The unit begins by introducing the economic principles necessary to understand and analyse how and why financial technologies succeed, before exploring a range of topics in financial technology including auctions, financial markets, and automated trading.
The MINOR option will enable students to demonstrate ILOs 1,2,3 via a written exam. The MAJOR option includes an in-class test (ILOs 1,2,3) and a major coursework assessment, which requires students to demonstrate deeper analysis and synthesis of ideas (ILO 4).
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
During this unit, students will cultivate a rich understanding of the economic principles underpinning successful financial technology applications. This will not only give students a fundamental understanding of the current state of the art but will enable them to assess new applications and innovations from both an economic and technical perspective. These skills are critical for helping students stand out from the crowd when starting a professional career in industry.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, ALL students (both MAJOR and MINOR) will be able to:
When the unit is taken as the MAJOR 20 credit variant, students will also be able to:
This unit has blended delivery. Each week there are asynchronous materials for you to consume in your own time. These materials are complemented by weekly in-class activities designed to encourage engagement, interaction, and problem solving. Activity sessions also include formative exercises to monitor and enhance learning. If taken with coursework, the unit also provides weekly coursework support sessions.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Weekly classes include formative problem worksheets to group activities to apply your learning and prepare for the exam and/or coursework assessment. Feedback is given via class discussions.
Teaching will take place over Weeks 1-8, with coursework support in weeks 9-11. For students taking the MINOR option of this unit, revision sessions will take place in Week 12.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
For students taking this unit as a MINOR variant, there will be a contribution of 10 credit points (equivalent to 1 hour of exam time) of questions to the “Advanced Topics in Computer Science” exam that will be sat during the winter examination period. This closed-book exam will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3.
For students taking this unit as a MAJOR variant, there will be two elements of assessment:
- A mid-term in-class test that will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3 (worth 30% of the unit) - An end-of-term coursework (taking place during weeks 9-11) that will assess in addition to learning outcomes 1,2,3 also assess learning outcome 4 (worth 70% of the unit)
The use of two elements of assessment for the MAJOR variant mitigates the risk of students failing the unit, should they perform poorly in either single element of assessment.
When assessment does not go to plan
Students will retake relevant assessments in a like-for-like fashion in accordance with the University rules and regulations.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SEMTM0012).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
