Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module ECOS2141: FINANCIAL MARKETS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

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

ECOS2141: FINANCIAL MARKETS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to NN43
Tied to N200
Tied to N420

Prerequisites

  • Foundations of Finance

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the economic principles governing the working of a financial system.
  • To inform students of the theoretical and practical aspects of financial markets.
  • To develop knowledge and understanding of key issues in the theory and practice of risk management while applying knowledge of finance and quantitative methods.
  • To offer the opportunity to develop key skills.

Content

  • Introduction to the financial systems.
  • Equity markets.
  • Bond markets.
  • Foreign exchange market.
  • Financial intermediation.
  • Financial institutions.
  • Regulation of the financial sector.
  • Introduction to derivative markets.
  • Forward markets.
  • Options markets and trading strategies.
  • Option pricing.
  • Value at risk.
  • Futures markets and hedging strategies
  • Swaps

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will gain:
  • knowledge of the way in which financial systems operate.
  • understanding of the functions of financial institutions and financial markets and appreciate the role of regulation.
  • knowledge and understanding of key issues in the theory and practice of risk management.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • the ability to use the principles of risk management to examine practical issues, problem solving and analysis in the areas of financial markets and risk management.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication - through the summative assignment.
  • Planning and Organising - observing the strict assignment deadlines; revising relevant material in preparation for examinations
  • Problem Solving - e.g. by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills, as well as the ability to utilise concepts relating to financial markets, in preparation for exams and assignment.
  • Initiative - e.g. by searching relevant literature and information in preparation of the summative assignment.
  • Numeracy - e.g. by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to answer a range of exam questions.
  • Computer Literacy - e.g. by word-processing the summative assignment. Downloading assignment information and notes for revision and past exam papers from DUO.

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

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of a group presentation and report
  • Summative assessment is by means of a written examination plus a written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 Per Week 1 Hour 22
Seminars 8 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2. 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

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

Formative Assessment:

Group presentation and report.


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