| Unit name | Quantitative Methods for Finance |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ACFIM0032 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Pedio |
| 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 Accounting and Finance - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
By its nature, finance is a quantitative discipline, and in this unit, students will learn some of the techniques required to analyse financial data, understand the academic finance literature, and solve financial problems. The econometric models presented in this unit also underpin much of the work conducted by quantitative researchers and analysts in the financial markets, and thus they represent valuable industry knowledge. The emphasis throughout the unit is on applications rather than model derivations, and students will learn how to select and implement their own models using a software package.
How does this unit fit within your programme of study?
This unit covers a range of econometric techniques that are essential knowledge to be able to empirically estimate the approaches to valuing assets and measuring fund performance that are covered concurrently in the TB1 unit Asset Pricing. Quantitative Methods for Finance and Investment is also an important precursor for many of the optional units in TB2 including Investment Management and Financial Modelling. Students will undertake practical applications of the statistical techniques in computer lab sessions using an econometrics package such as Stata or R. Via case studies, they will also learn how to critically evaluate the empirical work in published academic research. As such, the unit will provide them with the skills they need to be able to understand the research literature, choose the most appropriate methods for a given type of problem, and conduct valid econometric analysis when undertaking the investigative part of their dissertations.
An overview of content
This unit introduces the econometric techniques most commonly used in finance, including multiple regression methods and time-series analysis. Students will learn how to interpret fitted empirical models from statistical and financial perspectives. They will also develop the skills to execute their own econometric models to analyse specific datasets using a software package, preparing them to get the most out of a range of optional units in TB2 and their dissertation.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will gain confidence in both analysing financial data using quantitative models and criticising the specifications estimated by academic researchers. They will also develop applied problem-solving skills, being able to select and implement the most appropriate tools to explore their data validly and address a particular problem. They will develop industry skills in handling and analysing real world data and will develop their analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
How you will learn
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities including lectures, tutorials, drop-in sessions, discussion boards and other online learning opportunities.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
There will be two forms of formative assessment:
In addition, a sample exam paper will be provided on Blackboard and a revision lecture will be organised at the end of the teaching block to prepare students for the final examination.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
This unit will have two forms of summative assessment:
When assessment does not go to plan
When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, failed components will be reassessed within the following format:
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. ACFIM0032).
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.
