Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit builds on the Level 2 unit FINA2204 Derivative Products and Markets to study the kinds of derivatives used in practice, the principles of pricing them, and their applications in the modern financial world. The unit develops the theoretical frameworks, financial, probabilistic and statistical, essential to understanding modern practices in derivative pricing and applications such as portfolio insurance, dynamic hedging and risk management. The Black-Scholes-Merton framework and risk-neutral valuation are explored. The unit also looks at the role derivatives have played in financial crises.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Finance major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate how to value a variety of derivative contracts and strategies; (2) identify potential arbitrage opportunities and utilise these to price derivatives; (3) understand the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing framework, its assumptions, derivation and implications; (4) explore volatility structures (such as smiles and smirks) and their relation to theoretical pricing models; (5) use industry relevant tools (such as spreadsheets and financial information systems) to access, process and calculate derivative prices; (6) explain the risks embedded in financial derivatives and how they have contributed to past financial crises; and (7) demonstrate the ability to give oral presentations that are clear and coherent.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial presentations; (2) assignments; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit rules
Prerequisites
FINA2204 Derivative Products and Markets
and FINA2205 Quantitative Methods for Finance
Contact hours
lectures/tutorials/seminars/workshops: up to 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.