ST226      Half Unit
Actuarial Investigations: Financial

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

Mr Georgios Zouros

Availability

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Actuarial Science. This course is available on the BSc in Data Science and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

This course has a limited number of places. It is capped, the maximum number of students will be 130. Priority will be given to students on BSc Mathematics, Statistics and Business and BSc Data Science. Whilst there are places available to students from outside these programmes, they are very limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Mathematical Methods (MA100) and Elementary Statistical Theory (ST102).

Students must have completed one of the following two combinations of courses: (a) ST102 and MA100, or (b) MA107 and ST109 and EC1C1. Equivalent combinations may be accepted at the lecturer’s discretion.”

Course content

  • Introduction to actuarial modelling
  • The application of compound interest techniques to financial transactions
  • Generalised cash-models to describe financial transactions such as zero-coupon bonds, fixed interest securities, cash on deposit, equities, interest only loans, repayment loans, annuities certain and others
  • Introduction to R programming for Actuarial Science
  • Introduction to life insurance

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 9 hours of seminars in the AT.

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars across the Autumn Term.

This course includes a reading week in Week 6.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to work in groups and give written answers to a number of problem sets throughout the term. 

Indicative reading

J. J. McCutcheon & W. J. Scott, An Introduction to the Mathematics of Finance, Heinemann; Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, Formulae and Tables for Actuarial Examinations; Core reading notes obtainable from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries;D. Dickson, M. Hardy & H. Waters,  Actuarial Mathematics for Life Contingent Risks, International Series on Actuarial Science, pp. I-Vi. Cambridge University Press. 2009

Assessment

Exam (90%, duration: 3 hours) in the January exam period.
Online assessment (10%) in the AT Week 11.

Key facts

Department: Statistics

Total students 2023/24: 101

Average class size 2023/24: 17

Capped 2023/24: Yes (130)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Commercial awareness
  • Specialist skills