Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024

Module FINN1061: Introduction to Financial Economics

Department: Finance

FINN1061: Introduction to Financial Economics

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to N305
Tied to N306
Tied to N307
Tied to NN43
Tied to N302
Tied to N304
Tied to NN42
Tied to N204
Tied to N206

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce the basic principles of economics of microeconomics and macroeconmics in a financial context.

Content

  • Introduction to Financial Economics,
  • Supply and Demand,
  • Principles of microeconomics: consumers in the marketplace; firms in the marketplace; markets in action; market structure, firm performance and competition.
  • Basic principles of macroeconomics: economic growth; international trade; unemployment; inflation; fiscal and monetary policy; exchange rates.
  • The stock market and the economy.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of economics in a financial context.
  • Gain knowledge and understanding of the key theories in microeconomics and macroeconomics in a financial context.
  • Explain fundamental macro-economic models and interrelationships and how they are affected by change.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to apply economic frameworks to the analysis of financial decision making by firms and/or individuals and construct fundamental macro-economic models.
  • Be able to use appropriate techniques for financial economic analysis, use critical thinking skills to apply knowledge from an international perspective and, apply principles learnt to real life financial situations. 
Key Skills:
  • Problem Solving and Analysis - by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills, as well as the ability to demonstrate understanding and manipulate core concepts in financial economics.
  • Numeracy - by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to answer a range of questions.
  • Planning and Organisation and Time Management - by revising relevant material and preparing for the assessment.
  • Computer Literacy - by accessing, and downloading teaching material from Learn Ultra, undertaking bibliographical searches, and information retrieval for classes and assessment.

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 seminar classes and private study.
  • Formative assessment is by means of a practice test.
  • Summative assessment is by means of an online multiple-choice test in term and a written assignment..

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 1 per week 2 hrs 20
Seminars 4 Fortnightly 2 hrs 8
Preparation and Reading 172
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Online Test Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Online MCQ Test 60 minutes 100% same
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 1500 words max 100% same

Formative Assessment:

Practice 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