Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module ECON3241: SECURITY INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

Department: Economics and Finance

ECON3241: SECURITY INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2021/22 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Financial Economics (ECON2101) OR Corporate Finance (ECON2191)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module seeks to build on the skills gained in the level 2 modules.
  • In particular, the aim of this module is to provide a rigorous grounding in the theory and empirical applications of investment and portfolio management, focusing on both the theoretical concepts and empirical applications.

Content

  • Current themes in investment analysis: Mean-Variance Analysis of Individual Securities and Portfolios, Asset Pricing Models, Portfolio Performance Evaluation Process, Hedge Funds, Topics in Portfolio Management, Passive and Active Equity Portfolio Management, Technical Analysis, Fundamental Analysis: Market, Industry and Company Analysis, Valuation and Management of Bonds, Sustainable Investment.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the conclusion of the module students should:
  • have knowledge and understanding of the tools of Portfolio Management and Investment Analysis and their application
  • be able to appreciate the importance of the risk return relationship for Portfolio Management
  • have had the opportunity to apply problem solving and analytical skills to asset allocation
Subject-specific Skills:
  • At the end of this module, students should be able to apply the tools they have acquired in order to set investment criteria, create and manage portfolios consisting of different assets, the most efficient manner for given aims and environment restrictions.
  • At the end of this module students should be familiar with a range of the most important Bloomberg Functions.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication - through summative assessment.
  • Planning and Organising - e.g. by observing the strict assignment deadlines and by preparing for the examination.
  • Problem solving and analysis - eg by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills, as well as the ability to manipulate concepts in Investment Analysis, in undertaking seminar and assessed work.
  • Numeracy - eg by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to a range of examination questions.
  • Teamwork skills are developed as part of group project.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminar classes, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of a written assignment. Summative assessment is by means of a written examination and an assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 1 Per Week 1 Hour 20
Seminars 8 4 in Each of the First Two Terms 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 172
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 3500 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

One 1500 word assignment.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University