Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is designed to equip students for adavanced level study in the area of finance. Students will gain exposure to advanced finance theory which forms the basis of our understanding of financial decision making and markets. The material covered prepares students to subsequently undertake high quality empirical research.

Aims

On completion of this unit students will gain a deeper understanding of advanced finance theory and complex financial models. In doing so, students will understand the basis for the major models used for pricing financial risk and assets.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Research)

The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

The candidate can demonstrate broad and deep advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge (KNO)
1.1 Discuss advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge

The candidate can demonstrate the advanced analytical research skills necessary to evaluate and conduct research in their areas of specialisation (ARS)
2.1 Display understanding of research design through appropriate methodological critique of published research
2.2 Display competence in research design through the development and critique of a rigorous design for their own research
2.3 Display competence in the appropriate and rigorous analysis of data

The candidate can communicate theoretical, disciplinary and research information effectively at an advanced academic level (COM)
3.1 Provide an effective presentation and defence of their research in oral contexts
3.2 Provide an effective presentation and defence of research in written contexts
3.3 Disseminate research outcomes through presentations of their academic work within academic and other relevant communities **

The candidate can demonstrate independence in research planning and execution (IND)
4.1 Identify independently issues as they arise in the conduct of research and enact solutions in a timely manner **

The candidate can understand the ethical context of research (ETH)
5.1 Reflect on the ethical dimensions of their research and obtain ethical clearance prior to conducting research

The candidate can work effectively in a team environment (TW)
6.1 Operate effectively and with flexibility to achieve common goals in research settings, using a range of skills, including leadership, negotiation, reflection, proactivity and support for team members

** AOL goal applies at PhD level only.

Unit Objectives
Upon completion of this unit students will:

1. Have an in-depth understanding of the theory of finance
2. Have an ability to analyse and solve complex financial problems

The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

The major topics covered in the unit are:

Basic utility theory

Risk aversion

Asset Pricing Theory

Intertemporal investment decisions

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Seminars are designed to be an interactive forum, where students develop strong communication and reasoning skills.

Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation

Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary

Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Mid-Semester Examination
Description: The students will be required to answer theory based questions.
Length/Duration: 1.5 hours
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2 and AOL goals: KNO (1.1), COM (3.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Final Exam (Take Home)
Description: This exam is of take home format and will involve a major analysis of issues relevant to the unit. This component of the assessment is summative. The exam will be 3000 words in length and require students to answer theory based questions and analyse asset pricing problems.
Length/Duration: 3000 words.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2 and AOL goals: KNO (1.1), COM (3.1)
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no prescribed text for this unit. All lecture notes and readings provided during the semester will be available online through the unit's Blackboard site: < http://blackboard.qut.edu.au >

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Feb-2013