Students
AFIN8002 – Finance Empirical
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Jing Shi
Jing Shi
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Permission by special approval
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
Co-badged with AFIN7002
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to the empirical methods of modern finance, and will highlight some of the key concepts involved in current empirical work in finance, such as a review of econometrics, intertemporal asset pricing models, CAPM, data issues, serial dependence, etc. After completing the unit, students should be able to reproduce the results reported in the studies which have been examined. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Understand modern multivariate statistical methods.
- ULO2: Gain expertise in testing empirical models.
- ULO3: Appreciate data acquisition and data issues.
- ULO4: Explore what the editors are looking for in terms of endogeneity sample selection and natural experiments.
- ULO5: Effectively communicate results to an academic audience.
General Assessment Information
Assessment criteria (including information about late submissions and extensions) for all assessment tasks will be provided by the Unit Convenor.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | 40% | No | Assignment 1: Sun 29th Aug; Assignment 2: Sun 26th Sept |
| Final Examination | 60% | No | Thurs 11 Nov, 2-5pm |
Assignment
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Assignment 1: Sun 29th Aug; Assignment 2: Sun 26th Sept
Weighting: 40%
Students will be required to reproduce results reported in the studies and report their findings to the class. Their report should not exceed 3,500 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand modern multivariate statistical methods.
- Gain expertise in testing empirical models.
- Appreciate data acquisition and data issues.
- Explore what the editors are looking for in terms of endogeneity sample selection and natural experiments.
- Effectively communicate results to an academic audience.
Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Thurs 11 Nov, 2-5pm
Weighting: 60%
A three hour online open book exam will be held during the University Examination Period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand modern multivariate statistical methods.
- Gain expertise in testing empirical models.
- Appreciate data acquisition and data issues.
- Explore what the editors are looking for in terms of endogeneity sample selection and natural experiments.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
| Textbooks | There are no required texts for this course. The following books are useful references:
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| Delivery Format and Other Details: | Will be communicated via the Unit Convenor |
Unit Schedule
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Module 1 |
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July |
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Review of Econometrics |
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Intertemperal Asset Pricing Models |
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CAPM |
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Module 2 |
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th August |
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Data Issues |
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Serial Dependence |
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Distribution of Returns |
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Excess Volatility |
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Inequality Constraints |
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Interest Rates |
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Module 3 |
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September |
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Endogeneity |
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Corporate Finance |
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Data Snooping and Spurious Regression |
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Market Microstructure |
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Review |
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Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
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
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
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
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
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.
Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook