Students
AFIN8010 – Sustainable Finance
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Clara Zhou
Contact via Email
Room 532, Level 5, E4A Building
9:30 am to 10:30 am Friday
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MActPrac or MFin or GradCertResMQBS or GradDipResMQBS) or ACST6003 or ACCG6003 or ECON6049 or ECON8091
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This advanced unit in Sustainable Finance equips students with a robust theoretical foundation and practical expertise in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into contemporary financial decision-making. The unit addresses the evolving demands of the global financial landscape by exploring ESG reporting frameworks, regulatory developments, and various sustainable finance strategies such as impact investing, green lending, and market- as well as government-led initiatives. Students will apply quantitative and qualitative analytical tools to evaluate the valuation impacts of ESG factors. The unit also highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence in risk management and sustainable financial practices. Through a blend of lectures, case studies, collaborative projects, and independent research, students will develop the critical thinking and practical skills needed to navigate and lead in today’s rapidly changing sustainable finance landscape.
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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 financial analysis techniques to integrate ESG factors into company valuations, financing, and investment decisions.
- ULO2: Evaluate the evolution of ESG reporting frameworks used by firms across different regions and industries.
- ULO3: Develop evidence-based recommendations for sustainable finance strategies by synthesising insights from case studies, empirical research, and market trends.
- ULO4: Work productively in groups and independently to communicate complex ESG analysis and valuation findings through well-structured reports and presentations.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional practice: Sustainable finance valuation | 20% | No | 15/05/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
| Professional practice: ESG factors and financial decision-making | 50% | No | 05/06/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
| Skills development: Sustainable finance analysis | 30% | No | 13/03/2026 | Group | No | Open AI |
Professional practice: Sustainable finance valuation
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 15/05/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to evaluate a sustainable finance project.
You will prepare a valuation of the sustainable finance project and prepare a report communicating your recommendations.
Skills in focus:
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
- Global, ethical, and environmental citizenship
Deliverable(s): Written submission [max 2,000 words] Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply financial analysis techniques to integrate ESG factors into company valuations, financing, and investment decisions.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for sustainable finance strategies by synthesising insights from case studies, empirical research, and market trends.
- Work productively in groups and independently to communicate complex ESG analysis and valuation findings through well-structured reports and presentations.
Professional practice: ESG factors and financial decision-making
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to develop your ability to integrate ESG factors in financial decision-making. You will analyse ESG factors and communicate how they can be integrated into financial decision-making. Skills in focus:
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
- Global, ethical, and environmental citizenship
- Work readiness
Deliverable(s): Written report [max 3,000 words] Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply financial analysis techniques to integrate ESG factors into company valuations, financing, and investment decisions.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for sustainable finance strategies by synthesising insights from case studies, empirical research, and market trends.
Skills development: Sustainable finance analysis
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 13/03/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to develop expertise in applications in sustainable finance.
You will collaborate with peers to apply frameworks and concepts in sustainable finance to a case study.
Skills in focus:
- Collaboration and communication
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
- Global, ethical and evironmental citizenship
Deliverable(s): Written submission [max 2,000 words] and presentation [max 10 minutes] Group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply financial analysis techniques to integrate ESG factors into company valuations, financing, and investment decisions.
- Evaluate the evolution of ESG reporting frameworks used by firms across different regions and industries.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for sustainable finance strategies by synthesising insights from case studies, empirical research, and market trends.
- Work productively in groups and independently to communicate complex ESG analysis and valuation findings through well-structured reports and presentations.
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
Please refer to iLearn for delivery details. No prescribed textbook is required.
Unit Schedule
| 1 | Introduction to Sustainable Finance |
| 2 | ESG Reporting Around the Globe |
| 3 | ESG and Valuation |
| 4 | ESG and Risk Management |
| 5 | Impact Investing and Blended Finance |
| 6 | Carbon Markets and Emissions Trading |
| 7 | Green Bonds and Sustainable Debt |
| 8 | Corporate Governance |
| 9 | Climate Risk and Financial Markets |
| 10 | Emerging Issues and the Future of Sustainable Finance |
This schedule is subject to changes. Please refer to iLearn for the most up-to-date schedule and detailed overview.
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