Students
AFIN8005 – Research Methods in Banking and Finance
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Yin Liao
Contact via yin.liao@mq.edu.au
Room 527, 4 Eastern Road, Macquarie University
TBA
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MFin or GradCertResMQBS or GradDipResMQBS)
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 describes and analyses the methodology of contemporary research in banking and finance. It covers quantitative and qualitative methods to assist students to conduct further research in the future. |
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: Recognise research methods used in the banking and finance areas.
- ULO2: Articulate research questions in response to a business problem or opportunity.
- ULO3: Apply relevant methods to address finance issues or problems.
- ULO4: Work productively in a group to design a research study.
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalties
If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
- Example 1 (out of 100):
If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
- Example 2 (out of 30):
If you score 27/30 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
Extensions
Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration. Need help? Review the Special Consideration page for further details.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills development: Statistical software data analysis | 15% | No | 16/04/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
| Professional practice: Finance research development | 40% | No | Week 12 | Individual and Group | No | Open AI |
| Formal examination | 45% | No | Exam Period | Individual | No | Observed |
Skills development: Statistical software data analysis
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 16/04/2026
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to gain expertise in data analysis using statistical software.
You will apply frameworks and concepts discussed in the unit to a data analysis project.
Skills in focus:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Digital skills
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable(s): Written submission Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Recognise research methods used in the banking and finance areas.
- Apply relevant methods to address finance issues or problems.
Professional practice: Finance research development
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to develop your professional research skills.
You will collaborate with peers to produce a research proposal and presentation and an individual literature review.
Skills in focus:
- Collaboration and communication
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable(s): Group research proposal [max 2,000 words], Group presentation [max 20 minutes], and Individual literature review [max 1,000 words] Individual and group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Recognise research methods used in the banking and finance areas.
- Articulate research questions in response to a business problem or opportunity.
- Apply relevant methods to address finance issues or problems.
- Work productively in a group to design a research study.
Formal examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 45%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
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:
Deliverable(s): Formal exam
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Recognise research methods used in the banking and finance areas.
- Articulate research questions in response to a business problem or opportunity.
- Apply relevant methods to address finance issues or 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
- Academic Success 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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Weekly 3-hour lecture with weekly reading materials provided by UC through ilearn system.
Unit Schedule
Week 1 Introduction
Week 2 Literature review
Week 3 Research Data and Regression
Week 4 R: Basics
Week 5 R: Regression Analysis
Week 6 R: Portfolio Optimization
Week 7 R: Data Visualization
Week 8 Casual Analysis
Week 9 Textual Analysis
Week 10 Survey Design and Analysis
Week 11 New Topics in Finance
Week 12 Presentation
Week 13 Revision
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 2026.05 of the Handbook