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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title Derivatives
Module Code EF504
School DCUBS

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProf Brian O'KellyOffice NumberQ135
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

To familarise students with the types and characteristics of the major classes of investment securities in use in domestic and international financial markets and the theory and practice of valuing those securities. This course is taught from the perspective of the investment manager

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the role and use of derivatives in financial markets
2. Distinguish between the various interest rates in use in the markets – spot, forward, swap – and know how derive each from the others
3. Derive the payoff schedules for futures and put and call options
4. Use the geometric Brownian motion model of securities price behaviour to derive the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model
5. Calculate the prices of various securities using (i) binomial trees, and (ii) Monte Carlo simulation
6. Assess the usefulness and limitations of the geometric Brownian motion model



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture48The lecturer will present the essential ideas and core concepts, pointing students towards resources where they can get further information.
Independent Study48Preparation for lectures and assigned readings.
Assignment Completion29Individual / group project on a topic approved by the Lecturer.
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

1.
Introduction, mechanics of futures markets, hedging strategies using futures

2.
Interest rates, determination of forward prices, interest rate futures

3.
Swaps: interest rate, currency

4.
Mechanics of options markets, properties of stock options

5.
Trading strategies involving options

6.
Binomial tree pricing

7.
Wiener processes and Itô’s lemma

8.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model

9.
Options on stock indices and currencies; futures options; the Greek letters

10.
Basic numerical procedures

11.
Estimating volatility and correlation; volatility smiles

12.
Exotic options

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment25% Examination Weight75%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
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

  • 0: Hull, J. C. Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives, 9th edition. Pearson, 2015,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
MITBMSc in Investment, Treasury & Banking
PBSSAPG Exchange(Business School)
PBSSAOPG Study Abroad(Business School)
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