Module: Financial Modelling with Excel

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Financial Modelling with Excel
Module Code	MS119 (ITS) / MTH1020 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Mathematical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Mary Hall
Module Teachers	Michael Marsh
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

Module MS119 aims to provide students with a grounding in financial modelling techniques through the use of Excel. The module will introduce students to Excel programming and data analysis. Principles of spreadsheet design and model documentation will be covered. Students will develop basic financial models using cashflow projections and will use discounted cashflow techniques to solve investment problems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Present and summarise financial data using standard Excel graphs and formulas.
2. Develop Excel models for simple financial problems incorporating best practice in the use of parameterisation, presentation, sense checks and documentation.
3. Calculate accumulated values, present values and net present values for cashflow projections.
4. Define an equation of value.
5. Develop a loan schedule for simple loan scenarios.
6. Solve simple financial equations using Excel's Goal Seek function.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Presentation of course material.
Laboratory	12	Practical computer labs in Excel - mixture of presentations and students working from supplied lab sheets.
Tutorial	10	Working from supplied tutorial sheets.
Independent Study	91	Revising course work, solving tutorial and lab sheets.
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Excel
Basic excel functions - sum, average, count; Data visualisation - graphs, charts; Data manipulation - hlookup, vlookup, if function.

Excel Modelling
Spreadsheet design, parameterisation, named ranges; documentation and audit trails; sense checks.

Time Value of Money
Present and future values; accumulating and discounting payment streams.

Cashflow Projections
Net cashflows, comparison of investment projects, net present values; loan schedules

Equations of Value
Investment appraisal; Solving equations of value using Excel goal seek function.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	2 Excel based computer lab exams	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None