Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module FINN3021: Security Investment Analysis

Department: Finance

FINN3021: Security Investment Analysis

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to N305
Tied to N306
Tied to N307

Prerequisites

  • Financial Markets and Institutions (FINN2021) OR Corporate Finance (FINN2041).

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The module seeks to build on the skills gained in the level 2 modules.
  • In particular, the aim of this module is to provide a rigorous grounding in the theory and empirical applications of investment and portfolio management, focusing on both the theoretical concepts and empirical applications.

Content

  • The module content will relate to core themes of investment analysis: Investment Philosophies and Strategies, Technical Analysis, Fundamental Analysis, Passive Investment Management, Portfolio Performance Evaluation, Valuation and Management of Bonds and Hedge Funds. Links will also be made to key current issues such as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors in investing.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the conclusion of the module students should:
  • have knowledge and understanding of the tools of Portfolio Management and Investment Analysis and their application.
  • be able to appreciate the importance of the risk return relationship for Portfolio Management.
  • have had the opportunity to apply problem solving and analytical skills to asset allocation.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • At the end of this module, students should be able to apply the tools they have acquired in order to set investment criteria, create and manage portfolios consisting of different assets, the most efficient manner for given aims and environment restrictions.
  • At the end of this module students should be familiar with a range of the most important Bloomberg Functions.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication - through summative assessment.
  • Planning and Organising - by observing the strict assignment deadlines and by preparing for the examination.
  • Problem solving and analysis - by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills, as well as the ability to manipulate concepts in Investment Analysis, in undertaking seminar and assessed work.
  • Numeracy – by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to a range of examination questions.
  • Teamwork skills are developed as part of group work.

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

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

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 1 per week 1 hr 20
Workshops 8 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2 1 hr 8
Preparation and Reading 172
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment 3500 words max 100% same

Formative Assessment:

One 1500 word group assignment


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