Module: Financial Modelling with Excel

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Financial Modelling with Excel
Module Code	MTH1020 (ITS: MS119)
Faculty	Mathematical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11197	Part of Term	Semester 1
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	Michael Marsh

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	2 Excel based computer lab exams	50%	n/a
Formal Examination	End of semester final examination - 2 hours	50%	End-of-Semester

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

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None