Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module ECOS1101: QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Economics and Finance) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

ECOS1101: QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to N200
Tied to NN43
Tied to N420

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce students to the essential analytical and statistical techniques necessary in a finance degree and to provide a foundation for further study in econometrics.

Content

  • The use of mathematics, both algebraic and geometric, in describing business situations, such as demand, supply and market equilibrium.
  • The use of mathematics in analysing issues of finance such as interest accrual, debt repayment, annuities, the value of bonds and present values.
  • The use of differential calculus, particularly in problems concerning optimisation, such as profit maximisation.
  • Elementary probability, presentation and analysis of data.
  • descriptive and elementary inferential statistics.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To prepare students for successful study of second year core modules in finance.
  • By the end of the module students should have acquired an array of mathematical and statistical skills widely used in finance.
  • They should be able to identify which mathematical techniques is required for solving particular problems and be well prepared in those mathematical areas necessary for suitable progression to such stage of final honours as Finance, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Data Analysis for Finance.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • Lectures will deliver essential material in an efficient way to a large audience and will identify key reading and exercises.
      • Seminars will enable smaller group work to practice problem-solving and will enable students to match techniques to problems.
      • Formative assessment is by means of exercises throughout the year.
      • Summative assessment is by means of a written examination and a written assignment.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 38 Weekly 2 hours 76
      Seminars 20 Weekly 1 hour 20
      Preparation and Reading 104
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      One examination 1 hour 30 minutes 100%
      Component: Written assignment Component Weighting: 40%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      One written assignment 1500 words 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Exercises will be completed throughout the year - two sets to be handed in and marked. Other exercises will be set and will be self marked, with solutions made available to students.


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University