Students
AFCX6018 – Quantitative and Economic Analysis
2026 – Term 1, Online-flexible
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
George Lin
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertFin (OUA)
|
| 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: Demonstrate proficiency in using spreadsheet based statistical modelling to solve a range of finance based problems.
- ULO5: Analyse data using the key concepts, models and theories used in probability and statistics.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
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). For example, for an assessment worth 30%, you receive a mark of 20/30 but your submission is late for 20 hours. With the late submission penalty applied, you will get a mark of18.5/30 (20-5%*30%).
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 apply for Special Consideration.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills Development: Quantitative case analysis | 30% | No | 16/02/2026 | No | |
| Formal and Observed Learning: Final Examination | 40% | No | A date (TBD) during the exam week | No | |
| Skills Development: Economics in action | 30% | No | 23/03/2026 | No |
Skills Development: Quantitative case analysis
Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 16/02/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension: No
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate expertise on key quantitative concepts and apply them to financial data and write a report.
You will be requried to submit an excel spreadsheet but only the report will be marked which should contain the output from your analysis. You will analyse some common, current and topical scenarios which will be made available on the unit iLearn page.
Skills in focus: - Critical thinking - Problem Solving - Discipline Knowledge
Deliverable: Report Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply mathematical skills to finance based problems.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using spreadsheet based statistical modelling to solve a range of finance based problems.
- Analyse data using the key concepts, models and theories used in probability and statistics.
Formal and Observed Learning: Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: A date (TBD) during the exam week
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension: No
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:
- 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.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using spreadsheet based statistical modelling to solve a range of finance based problems.
- Analyse data using the key concepts, models and theories used in probability and statistics.
Skills Development: Economics in action
Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 23/03/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension: No
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate applications of concepts from microeconomics in finance and society.
You will analyse some common, current and topical scenarios which will be made available on the unit iLearn page.
Skills in focus: - Critical thinking - Problem Solving - Discipline Knowledge
Deliverable: Report [max 2000 words] Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 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.
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
Refer to iLern
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 2026.03 of the Handbook