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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title	Mathematics of Finance:An Introduction
Module Code	MS216
School	School of Mathematical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Prof John Carroll	Office Number	X139
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

MS216 aims to provide students with a grounding in elements of financial mathematics and its related applications, particularly the calculation of present and accumulated values for various streams of cash flows. Applications will include the use of a variety of annuity functions in loan calculations and investment project appraisal problems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Show how interest rates or discount rates may be expressed in terms of different time periods.
2. Calculate the present value and the accumulated value of a stream of equal or unequal payments using specified rates of interest, and the net present value at a real rate of interest, assuming a constant rate of inflation.
3. Define and use the more important compound interest functions including annuities certain.
4. Define an equation of value.
5. Describe how a loan may be repaid by regular instalments of interest and capital.
6. Apply discounted cashflow techniques to solve investment project appraisal problems.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	2	Lecture material on course content.
Tutorial	1	Tackle 4 tutorial sheets over the Semester.
Total Workload: 3

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

Interest Rates
Nominal and effective rates of interest and discount; constant force of interest; simple equations of value; yield. CT1: (i) to (iii)

Basic Compound Interest Functions
Level, deferred and increasing annuities; present and future values; equations of value and yield. CT1: (v) to (vii)

Loans & Annuities Payable pthly
Loan schedules; annuities payable phtly; present values and accumulations; APR. CT1: (vi) & (viii)

Discounted Cash Flow
Net cash flows; comparison of investment projects; net present values; yields; discounted payback period; real and money interest rates. CT1: (iv) & (ix)

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

ActEd Study Materials: 0, Subject CT1 Course Notes, Actuarial Education Company,
JJ McCutcheon and W E Scott: 1999, An Introduction to the Mathematics of Finance, Butterworth-Heinemann, 0 7506 0092

Other Resources

31, Webpage, John Carroll, 0, MS216 Lecture Notes & Slides, DCU, www.dcu.ie/~carrollj/ms216.html, 32, Webpage, John Carroll, 0, Tutorial Sheets & Past Papers (with answers), www.dcu.ie/~carrollj/ms216.html,

Programme or List of Programmes

ACM	BSc Actuarial Mathematics
AF	BA in Accounting & Finance
BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
CAFM	Common Entry into Mathematical Sciences
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
FM	BSc in Financial & Actuarial Mathematics
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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