FIN30100 Investment and Portfolio Management

Academic Year 2022/2023

This course focuses on the theoretical and empirical underpinning of modern portfolio theory and investment analysis. We begin with an overview of financial markets and the available asset classes. The course shall then outline the main theories of risk and return and explore the implications of these theories for investors’ decisions. To address the question of how investors might decide on the weightings of different assets in their portfolios, the course will examine portfolio theory and diversification. We also investigate the efficient market hypothesis and delve into the different types of investment companies. Finally, we examine the valuation of equity, bond and derivative instruments.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completing this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the characteristics of financial markets and individual securities.
2. Describe the theoretical and practical benefits of combining securities into portfolios and to critically evaluate portfolio performance.
3. Understand the importance of the Capital Asset Pricing Theory and Arbitrage Pricing Theory.
4. Evaluate equities, bonds and derivatives.

Indicative Module Content:

Any recent edition of the International/Global Edition of the textbook “Essentials of investments” by Bodie, Kane and Marcus.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Specified Learning Activities

24

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Total

108

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The approach to teaching and learning taken here is to deliver a mix of in-class and project learning so that students attain understanding of the fundamentals but are also exposed to “real world” environments to stimulate active learning. The objective is to foster in students the ability to interpret, explain, apply, critically evaluate, and present the main models and theories of Investment and Portfolio Management and the ability to use these models and theories in an informed manner in real world settings.

Students will have the opportunity to apply these models and theories using real world data through the Group Project, which involves a practical introduction to managing a portfolio. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students without a background in Finance or who do not have any University-level mathematics or statistics may find the module challenging.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ECON30170 - Financial Economics


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: 2 hour written paper 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Continuous Assessment: Group Project Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Required Reading 
Bodie, Z., Kane, A., and Marcus A. J. (BKM) “Essentials of investments”, McGraw-Hill.

Edition 11 is available electronically through the UCD library.
Name Role
Mr Stephen Keenan Tutor