Module FINN1047: Quantitative Methods 1

Department: Finance

FINN1047: Quantitative Methods 1

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide the fundamental quantitative techniques needed for a degree in finance and cognate areas.
• Provide a rigorous introduction to the foundation mathematical techniques needed for various modules throughout the degree program.

Content

• Basic mathematical operations, introduction to set theory, basic algebra and mathematical logic.
• Functions and operators.
• Differential calculus and optimization.
• Integral calculus.
• Matrices, matrix algebra and matrix differential calculus.
• Advanced concepts in mathematics.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students should:
• be able to undertake standard mathematical techniques and have the foundational skills to understand new methods introduced in further core and optional modules.
• be able to identify which mathematical technique is required for solving particular problems.
• understand the use of symbolic mathematical objects and operations.
• be able to apply specific mathematical operations in a variety of contexts.
• should have acquired the range of analytical mathematical skills that could be applied at later points in the program of study and be able to adapt standard approaches across a range of contexts.  

• An array of mathematical and statistical skills widely used in finance and business.
• Engage in applied problem solving across a range of contexts in finance and related disciplines.

• Written communication - through formative and summative assessment.
• Planning and organisation and time management - through the preparing for workshops, by revising relevant material and preparing for the summative assessment and examination.
• Problem solving and analysis - by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills.
• Initiative - by searching relevant literature and information in preparation for assessed work.
• Numeracy - by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to solve a range of problems.
• Computer literacy - through the use of appropriate mathematics software.

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

• Workshops will deliver essential material in an efficient way to a large audience and will identify key reading and exercises.
• The workshop combines a lecture style in the first half hour, then students are broken down into smaller subgroups to study problem sets provided by the instructor within a flipped format.
• The final half hour provides a plenary to review and reflect.
• Extensive use of homework problems is used to embed knowledge and skills.
• Continuous formative assessment is undertaken within the scheduled workshops.
• Summative assessment is by means of an assignment that requires students to apply their knowledge across a range of contexts. 

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A range of exercises will be completed throughout the module in seminars. One practice multiple choice test.

■ 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