FINN1047: Quantitative Methods 1

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• To provide the fundamental quantitative techniques needed for a degree in finance and cognate areas.
• Provide a rigorous introduction to the foundation mathematical techniques needed for various modules throughout the degree program.

• Basic mathematical operations, introduction to set theory, basic algebra and mathematical logic.
• Functions and operators.
• Differential calculus and optimization.
• Integral calculus.
• Matrices, matrix algebra and matrix differential calculus.
• Advanced concepts in mathematics.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of the module students should:
• be able to undertake standard mathematical techniques and have the foundational skills to understand new methods introduced in further core and optional modules.
• be able to identify which mathematical technique is required for solving particular problems.
• understand the use of symbolic mathematical objects and operations.
• be able to apply specific mathematical operations in a variety of contexts.
• should have acquired the range of analytical mathematical skills that could be applied at later points in the program of study and be able to adapt standard approaches across a range of contexts.

Subject-specific Skills:

• An array of mathematical and statistical skills widely used in finance and business.
• Engage in applied problem solving across a range of contexts in finance and related disciplines.

Key Skills:

• Written communication - through formative and summative assessment.
• Planning and organisation and time management - through the preparing for workshops, by revising relevant material and preparing for the summative assessment and examination.
• Problem solving and analysis - by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills.
• Initiative - by searching relevant literature and information in preparation for assessed work.
• Numeracy - by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to solve a range of problems.
• Computer literacy - through the use of appropriate mathematics software.

• Workshops will deliver essential material in an efficient way to a large audience and will identify key reading and exercises.
• The workshop combines a lecture style in the first half hour, then students are broken down into smaller subgroups to study problem sets provided by the instructor within a flipped format.
• The final half hour provides a plenary to review and reflect.
• Extensive use of homework problems is used to embed knowledge and skills.
• Continuous formative assessment is undertaken within the scheduled workshops.
• Summative assessment is by means of an assignment that requires students to apply their knowledge across a range of contexts.

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