FINN40715: Derivative Markets

• None.

• Advanced Financial Theory (FINN40515)

• None

• To develop students' ability to master the knowledge and understanding at an advanced level of the nature and uses of financial derivatives;
• To provide students with the ability to critically review this specialised complex area of knowledge with a view to undertaking the study of risk management.

• Introduction to Derivative Markets;
• Forwards and Futures Markets and Pricing;
• Bonds and Swaps Pricing;
• Option Markets and Properties;
• Binomial Tree Option Pricing Model;
• Stochastic Calculus;
• Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing Model;
• Exotic Options.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• have an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the main derivative financial instruments, their uses and their differences;
• have a critical understanding of the roles of arbitrage, speculation and hedging derivative financial markets, including the complexity and interactions inherent in these roles;
• have explored, understood and appreciated the complexity and contradictions of the current relevant academic literature and its implications for professional practice, and be able to identify ethics and sustainability issues as well as open questions for their own research.

Subject-specific Skills:

• be able to use highly specialised and advanced technical and academic skills to analyse the pricing of different derivative instruments such as forwards, futures, swaps, and other financial options, and to be able to apprehend issues related to fixed income theory, stochastic calculus, the Black-Scholes option pricing model, stock index arbitrage and trading strategies;
• be able to learn and work independently in the area of derivative markets, exercising critical judgement and discrimination in the resolution of complex problematic situations;
• be able to apply problem solving and analytical skills to issues in derivative markets.

Key Skills:

• Written Communication;
• Planning, Organising and Time Management;
• Problem Solving and Analysis;
• Using Initiative;
• Numeracy;
• Computer Literacy.

• A combination of lectures, seminars and guided reading will contribute to achieving the aims and learning outcomes of this module.
• The multiple-choice test allows for an assessment of the entire range of topics covered in the module.
• The assignment is focused on assessing critical thinking as well as the analytical and problem-solving skills of students.

Formative assessment is in the form of weekly multiple-choice tests and online assignments. Additional formative assessment and feedback may take a number of forms such as oral feedback on work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during a seminar or posted on Learn Ultra.

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