| Unit name | Advanced Financial Technology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SEMTM0026 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Yang |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science and Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
As modern financial markets become increasingly data-driven, the ability to analyse market data, manage investment portfolio, and control risk has become indispensable. This unit bridges the fields of finance, data science, and technology, equipping you with the essential skills required for a successful career in today’s financial landscape.
Through hands-on analysis of real-world financial data, you will tackle practical tasks commonly encountered in financial careers, applying both traditional methodologies and cutting-edge techniques. Key topics include time series modelling, portfolio management, and risk analysis, preparing you for jobs in quantitative finance, fintech, and investment management.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit enhances your understanding of principles for data analysis in finance. It aligns with the program's objective to cultivate skills for evaluating and developing financial technologies, equipping you to implement data-driven solutions effectively within the fintech sector.
An overview of content
This unit aims to provide you with the theory and technologies typically used by the financial industry for investing, trading and portfolio management, for example, time series analysis, portfolio optimization, risk management etc.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
By the end of this unit, you will have developed technical proficiency, coding expertise, and a solid understanding of financial analytics, investment analysis, and risk management frameworks. They will be better prepared to pursue careers in quantitative finance, asset management, and the fintech sector.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. Analyse, model and forecast financial time series data using appropriate techniques.
2. Apply appropriate techniques to construct and manage investment portfolios.
3. Interpret and communicate the results and implications of time series modelling and portfolio management using appropriate financial terminology and visualisation methods.
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including in-person lectures, computer lab practice and activities, and formative self-directed exercises. You will be expected to actively participate in the lectures and labs and to engage with videos, readings, self-directed exercises, and problem-solving activities.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
As part of continuous assessment, you will complete one formative task in the first half of the unit. This task will involve time series modelling of financial dataset. Timely submissions will receive formative feedback highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. You will have the opportunity to act and reflect on feedback in the final assessment for the unit.
In addition, you will receive formative feedback throughout the unit via various lab activities, where they engage in both individual and group exercises and receive input from teaching staff to support learning and understanding. You will have the opportunity to act on feedback in the summative assessments for the unit.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
Mid-term In-Class Test (30%)
During the teaching block, you will take a mid-term in-class test, which assesses key theoretical concepts and techniques covered on the unit. (ILO 1, 2)
Final Summative Report (70%)
You will complete an individual report and data analysis based on a real-world financial dataset. This report requires them to demonstrate the process of constructing, analysing, and managing an investment portfolio using the skills and techniques acquired throughout the unit. The submission should demonstrate an integrated understanding of portfolio construction, financial forecasting, and risk assessment. You are expected to reflect on and incorporate improvements informed by earlier formative feedback. (ILO 1, 2, 3)
When assessment does not go to plan:
You will retake relevant assessments in a like-for-like fashion in accordance with the University 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. SEMTM0026).
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.
