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AFCP6018 – Quantitative and Economic Analysis

2023 – Term 3, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Geoff Brianton
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertFin or GradDipAppFin or MAppFin or MAppFin(Adv)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides the important building blocks in microeconomic and quantitative analysis required for advanced study in applied finance. Microeconomic analysis develops tools in demand and supply and critically applies these to the consumer and the firm. It concludes with an analysis of market structure. The second part of the unit develops quantitative skills that are used in finance, including descriptive statistics, probability, statistical inference, correlation and regression analysis. Spreadsheets are extensively used in statistical modelling.

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: Apply mathematical skills to finance based problems.
  • ULO2: Explain and analyse the key concepts, models and theories used in microeconomics as required for applied finance.
  • ULO3: Apply the key concepts, models and theories used in microeconomics to solve a range of finance based problems.
  • ULO4: Analyse data using the key concepts, models and theories used in probability and statistics.
  • ULO5: Demonstrate proficiency in using spreadsheet based statistical modelling to solve a range of finance based problems.

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)  Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.  

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Final Exam 30% No Refer to assesment guide
Online Participation 15% No Refer to assessment guide
Assessed Coursework 55% No Refer to assesment guide

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12.00 hours
Due: Refer to assesment guide
Weighting: 30%

Online Exam via iLearn on all Topics


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply mathematical skills to finance based problems.
  • Explain and analyse the key concepts, models and theories used in microeconomics as required for applied finance.
  • Apply the key concepts, models and theories used in microeconomics to solve a range of finance based problems.
  • Analyse data using the key concepts, models and theories used in probability and statistics.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using spreadsheet based statistical modelling to solve a range of finance based problems.

Online Participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30.00 hours
Due: Refer to assessment guide
Weighting: 15%

Participation in online discussion forums. Online discussions and tasks will be conducted during the term. You are required to participate actively in these forums, and your contributions will be assessed.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply mathematical skills to finance based problems.
  • Explain and analyse the key concepts, models and theories used in microeconomics as required for applied finance.
  • Apply the key concepts, models and theories used in microeconomics to solve a range of finance based problems.
  • Analyse data using the key concepts, models and theories used in probability and statistics.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using spreadsheet based statistical modelling to solve a range of finance based problems.

Assessed Coursework

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40.00 hours
Due: Refer to assesment guide
Weighting: 55%

You will be required to participate in a variety of assessment tasks for Economic Analysis and Quantitative Analysis. These will include written activities, online quizzes and project based learning.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply mathematical skills to finance based problems.
  • Explain and analyse the key concepts, models and theories used in microeconomics as required for applied finance.
  • Apply the key concepts, models and theories used in microeconomics to solve a range of finance based problems.
  • Analyse data using the key concepts, models and theories used in probability and statistics.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using spreadsheet based statistical modelling to solve a range of finance based problems.

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

Delivery and Resources

Required Text:

The required textbooks for this unit are:

Additional Readings:

  • Additional readings are included iniLearn.
  • Students should assume these readings are examinable unless otherwise advised.

Assumed Knowledge: Mathematical content

  • This unit has a high level of numerical content. Consequently, this unit is mathematical and arithmetical. The applied nature of this unit means that the focus is on application of knowledge rather than complex mathematical derivations. To help prepare students for the numerical content in this unit, students will find a Fundamental Maths Quiz in iLearn. This will allow students to test their existing mathematics knowledge. Details on the quiz can be found iniLearn.

Assumed Access: Access to a computer with word processing and spreadsheet capability is assumed, as is general student computer literacy. In particular, students need access to a version of Microsoft Excel which includes regression analysis.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

This is an online unit that will make use of the University's iLearn system.

Unit's iLearn Site:

  • Found by logging on to iLearn ilearn.mq.edu.au, then clicking on AFCP6018 Quantitative and Economic Analysis.
  • This is where you will find forums, downloadable resources, and links to important pages.
  • The forum allows you to communicate with other students and lecturer(s) and may provide supplementary material.
  • You are requested to post your questions on the forums at least 24 hours prior to the assessment submission date or the examination date. Questions posted after that time may not be answered. Please ensure that you do not leave your questions to the last few days.

Important Notice:

  • It is important that you familiarise yourself with the unit’s iLearn site.
  • All students should check iLearn regularly and look for updates and distribution of materials related to the unit or assessments and participate in forum discussions.

Unit Schedule

Refer to assessment guide

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:

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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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 2023.01R of the Handbook