Students
AFIN8012 – Fixed Income and Credit Analysis
2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Terry Pan
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
AFIN6012 or ACST6003 or Admission to MFin
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to the financial world of fixed income securities and their markets, explains the risks of these securities, and presents the tools used in their valuation. The unit focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of fixed income investment. The topics covered include analysis of fixed income securities and markets, term structure of interest rates, valuation principles of various types of fixed income securities, and portfolio management strategies using fixed income securities. |
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: Analyse the different types of fixed income securities and their characteristics.
- ULO2: Examine the methods of valuing different types of fixed income securities.
- ULO3: Evaluate the roles of fixed income securities in portfolio construction and their market operations.
- ULO4: Apply strategies and interest rate immunization in fixed income securities management.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal and Observed Learning: Test | 20% | No | Week 8 |
| Professional Practice: Applied fixed income and credit analysis | 30% | No | Week 12 |
| Formal and Observed Learning: Exam | 50% | No | University Examination Period |
Formal and Observed Learning: Test
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of key topics from the unit.
You will participate in a formal test. Feedback on your performance will help you assess your progress through the unit content.
Deliverable: Test Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse the different types of fixed income securities and their characteristics.
- Examine the methods of valuing different types of fixed income securities.
Professional Practice: Applied fixed income and credit analysis
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to gain expertise in applications in fixed income and credit analysis.
You will critically analyse the factors influencing a firm’s choice of financing instruments, the timing and scale of bond issues, and the role of key intermediaries such as investment banks.
Skills in focus: - Collaboration and communication - Critical thinking and problem solving - Discipline knowledge
Deliverable: Written report [max 2,500 words] Group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Examine the methods of valuing different types of fixed income securities.
- Evaluate the roles of fixed income securities in portfolio construction and their market operations.
- Apply strategies and interest rate immunization in fixed income securities management.
Formal and Observed Learning: Exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate the expertise you have gained in this unit.
You will participate in a 2-hour exam held during the University Examination period. Important information about the exam will be made available on the unit iLearn page. You should also review the MQ Exams website for general tips: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/exams
Deliverable: Formal exam Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse the different types of fixed income securities and their characteristics.
- Examine the methods of valuing different types of fixed income securities.
- Evaluate the roles of fixed income securities in portfolio construction and their market operations.
- Apply strategies and interest rate immunization in fixed income securities management.
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
Required Text
Fabozzi F.J. (2022) Bond Markets, Analysis and Strategies (10th Edition), Pearson Education.
(Please note: the 8th and 9th editions can also be used as most of the content has not changed.)
Some other research papers will also be provided on iLearn.
A lot of our offerings from this unit are suitable for students who want to attend CFA test level 1 and 2, so you may find additional readings from CFA text book as additional knowledge.
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 connect.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/
Academic Success
Academic Success 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 the Service Connect Portal, 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 2025.05 of the Handbook