FM441 Half Unit
Derivatives
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Rohit Rahi
Availability
This course is available on the Global MSc in Management, MSc in Accounting and Finance, MSc in Applicable Mathematics, MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, MSc in Financial Mathematics, MSc in Quantitative Methods for Risk Management, MSc in Risk and Finance, MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics), MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (LSE and Fudan) and MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Global MSc in Management ('Accounting and Finance' and 'Finance' concentrations only).
Pre-requisites
This is an advanced course. Students will be expected to have a good grasp of basic probability theory and multivariate calculus.
Course content
The course provides a thorough grounding in the theory of derivatives pricing and hedging. Both discrete-time and continuous-time models will be covered, including a comprehensive treatment of the Black-Scholes model. A special feature of the course is its emphasis on the modern theory of no-arbitrage pricing using martingale methods. These methods will be applied to the pricing of equity options, forwards, futures and interest rate derivatives. The uses of derivatives in hedging and risk-management will be discussed as well.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the LT.
Formative coursework
Weekly problem sets in classes (10).
Indicative reading
Teaching notes will be distributed. No one book covers the entire course, but the following is an excellent reference: John C Hull, Options, Futures and Other Derivatives.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Finance
Total students 2019/20: 67
Average class size 2019/20: 13
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Problem solving
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
- Specialist skills
