Students
AFIN8018 – Investments
2023 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Gary Tian
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MFin or ((Admission to MCom in Finance or MBkgFin) and (30cp at 6000 level or above))
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces concepts of investment analysis and their practical application. With an international approach, the unit covers fundamentals in asset classes and financial trading, portfolio theory and practices, equilibrium in capital markets including modern asset pricing models and behavioural finance, fixed-income securities, and security analysis and selection. |
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: Explore common investment vehicles.
- ULO2: Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of modern portfolio theory and asset pricing models.
- ULO3: Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- ULO4: Analyze macroeconomic and industry situations as well as behavioural biases that impact on investment decisions.
General Assessment Information
- Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quizzes | 20% | No | Every week (Details refer to iLearn) |
| Final Examination | 50% | No | University Examination Period |
| Report | 30% | No | Week 10 |
Online Quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Every week (Details refer to iLearn)
Weighting: 20%
There will be eleven online quizzes each containing questions from the weekly material.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore common investment vehicles.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of modern portfolio theory and asset pricing models.
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Analyze macroeconomic and industry situations as well as behavioural biases that impact on investment decisions.
Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
A two hour exam will be held during the University Examination Period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore common investment vehicles.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of modern portfolio theory and asset pricing models.
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Analyze macroeconomic and industry situations as well as behavioural biases that impact on investment decisions.
Report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 22 hours
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 30%
A written report based on quantitative and qualitative analysis conducted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore common investment vehicles.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of modern portfolio theory and asset pricing models.
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Analyze macroeconomic and industry situations as well as behavioural biases that impact on investment decisions.
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
Details refer to iLearn.
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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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
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.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
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:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
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 2023.01 of the Handbook