Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Jeff Oughton
Contact via Email
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Credit points |
Credit points
2
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MAppFin or MAppFin(Adv) or GradDipAppFin) and (AFCP801 or ECFS865)
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide a greater understanding of the role and interaction of economic factors with the financial sector. We utilise topical developments and issues as subject matter.
This unit explores the structure and growth of the economy, the determination of interest rates, exchange rates and equity prices, the role of finance, the changing importance of banks, institutional investors and security markets, and the economics of regulation with focus on the Global Financial Crisis and to a lesser extent the Asian Crisis. We also look at topical issues in economics and financial markets, for example the implications of the surge in Government debt, the implications for markets of an ageing population.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
To pass this unit the student needs to (1) Achieve an aggregate mark of 50 or more, and; (2) Pass the Final Exam.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Pre-unit Assignment | 10% | No | At First Class |
Assignment | 30% | No | Refer to iLearn |
Final Exam | 60% | Yes | Refer to Timetable |
Due: At First Class
Weighting: 10%
Summary of Assessment Task
Individual / Group: Individual.
Due Date: At first class.
Submission Method: In Class.
Duration: Refer to Assignment Cover Sheet.
Extension Requests:
Other Information:
Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 30%
Summary of Assessment Task
Individual / Group: Individual.
Due Date: Refer to the unit's iLearn site.
Submission Method: Online via Turnitin on iLearn.
Duration: Refer to Assignment Cover Sheet.
Extension Requests:
Other Information: The unit assignment is available on iLearn. Students choose a topical issue of interest to research and analyse the economic and financial implications of the topic using the concepts covered in class and the related unit material.
Due: Refer to Timetable
Weighting: 60%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Summary of Assessment Task
Individual / Group: Individual.
Due Date: Refer to Timetable.
Submission Method: As per MAFC Program Rules at https://mafcstudents.mq.edu.au/.
Duration: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time.
Examination Conditions:
Extension Requests:
Face-to-Face Teaching: Generally 20 hours over 4 days.
Timetable: Detailed timetable for classes are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/about/about-the-university/faculties-and-departments/business/study-with-us/macquarie-applied-finance-centre/timetables.
Consultation Times:
Students who wish to contact any of the teaching staff may do so through:
Text: Nil.
Additional Readings:
Lecture Notes: Available via iLearn.
Pre-unit Materials: Information papers on statistics, regression, accounting and other material may be found at http://mafcstudents.mq.edu.au/new-to-mafc/pre-course-materials/. All students should work through this material prior to commencing the degree. The material will remain a useful reference as students progress through the program.
Calculators:
Assumed Knowledge:
Assumed Access:
Unit iLearn Site:
Important:
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF THE ECONOMY
The objective of this lecture is to introduce economic concepts important to the understanding of developments in financial markets and more broadly the financial system. The focus is on current relevance and the ability to analyse current economic and financial market issues.
Outline:
Application of Concepts:
Readings:
TOPIC 2: MACROECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL POLICIES
The objective of this lecture is to examine the use of some of the instruments of economic policy and how they affect closely related financial market prices and more generally, the stability of the financial system.
Outline:
Application of Concepts:
Readings:
For in class monetary policy discussion - see latest RBA announcements - https://www.rba.gov.au/monetary-policy/int-rate-decisions/2019/
Readings for pre-course assignment:
TOPIC 3: FINANCE IN THE ECONOMY
The objective of this lecture is to examine the role of finance in the economy, why countries differ in the financial structure that has developed and why this structure has economic impacts.
Copies of the PowerPoint slides used in the lecture will be available in iLearn.
Outline:
Application of Concepts:
Readings:
In Class Discussion:
TOPIC 4: ECONOMICS OF SECURITIES MARKETS
The objective of this lecture is to build some of the drivers of primary and secondary markets for securities and their derivatives, including exploring some valuation issues from an economics perspective.
Copies of the PowerPoint slides used in the lecture will be available on iLearn.
Outline:
Application of Concepts:
Readings:
TOPIC 5. ECONOMICS OF FINANCIAL REGULATION
The objective of this lecture is to explore the rationale for regulation and supervision of the financial sector – notably both markets and banking and financial services providers - and how regulatory power can be best used to achieve desired outcomes.
Apart from the lecture notes, in class discussion will focus on the causes of the US subprime crisis, European sovereign crisis and subsequent Global Financial Crisis and the lessons learned for financial regulators, supervisors, bankers, portfolio managers and other stakeholders.
Copies of the PowerPoint slides used in the lecture will be available on iLearn.
Outline:
Application of Concepts:
Readings:
Post course readings:
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Students should also consult the MAFC Program Rules found at https://mafcstudents.mq.edu.au/.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
For all student enquiries, please contact studentsupport@mafc.mq.edu.au
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
This Unit Guide may be subject to change. Students will be advised, via an "Announcement" on iLearn, if the Unit Guide is changed.
The latest version is available at https://unitguides.mq.edu.au/.
Students should read the Unit Guide carefully at the start of term. It contains important information about the unit. If anything is unclear, please consult one of the unit lecturers.