Module: Actuarial Principles

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Actuarial Principles
Module Code	ACT1001 (ITS: MS403)
Faculty	Mathematical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module will provide students with an overview of the environment in which actuaries work and their responsibilities. Students will be introduced to the main concepts in actuarial science and the current issues facing the actuarial profession today. Particular focus will be given to climate risk and sustainability issues for the actuarial and wider financial services industry. Presentations on topical issues will also be delivered by guest lecturers from industry.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge of the environment in which Actuaries work – professionalism, regulation, governance, responsibilities.
2. Understanding of the main insurance and pension products and how they meet customer needs for financial protection.
3. Understanding of the main risks facing insurers and pension providers and the techniques for monitoring, evaluating and managing the risk.
4. Understanding of the principles of actuarial modelling and knowledge of main assumptions when designing, pricing and valuing products.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	48	No Description
Independent Study	140	No Description
Total Workload: 188

Section Breakdown
CRN	21216	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Mary Hall	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	Individual student presentation on a topical issue for the the actuarial profession.	30%	n/a
In Class Test	n/a	30%	n/a
Report(s)	Submission of a 1,200 word report on a topical issue for the actuarial profession.	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None