MATHS 1009 - Introduction to Financial Mathematics I

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

Together with Applications of Quantitative Methods in Finance I, this course provides an introduction to the basic mathematical concepts and techniques used in finance and business and includes topics from calculus, linear algebra and probability, emphasising their inter-relationships and applications to the financial area; introduces students to the use of computers in mathematics; develops problem solving skills with a particular emphasis on financial and business applications. Topics covered are: polynomial, exponential, logarithmic functions, interest rates and annuities, linear equations, matrices and determinants. Linear programming.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MATHS 1009
    Course Introduction to Financial Mathematics I
    Coordinating Unit Mathematical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible ECON 1005, MATHS 1011, MATHS 1012, MATHS 1013
    Assumed Knowledge SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Studies
    Restrictions Not available to BMaSc, BMaCompSc, BCompSc students
    Assessment ongoing assessment 30%, exam 70%
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Adrian Koerber

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts in linear algebra, relating to linear equations, matrices, and optimization.
    2. Demonstrate understanding of concepts relating to functions and annuities.
    3. Employ methods related to these concepts in a variety of financial applications.
    4. Apply logical thinking to problem solving in context.
    5. Use appropriate technology to aid problem solving.
    6. Demonstrate skills in writing mathematics.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. all
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3,4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2,3,4,5
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. all
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    1. Introduction to Financial Mathematics I: Student Summary Notes.
    2. Harshbarger, R.J. & Reynolds, J.J., Mathematical Applications for the Management, Life and Social Sciences 11th ed. (Cengage Learning)
    Online Learning
    This course uses MyUni exclusively for providing electronic resources, such as lecture notes, assignment papers, and sample solutions. Students should make appropriate use of these resources. Link to MyUni login page: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/webapps/login/
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course relies on lectures to guide students through the material, tutorial classes to provide students with class/small group/individual assistance, and a sequence of written and online assignments to provide formative assessment opportunities for students to practice techniques and develop their understanding of the course.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.


    Activity Quantity Workload hours
    Lectures 48 72
    Tutorials 11 22
    Computer Labs 4 4
    Assignments 11 52
    Mid Semester Test 1 6
    Total 156
    Learning Activities Summary
    The two topics of algebra and functions & annuities detailed below are taught in parallel, with two lectures a week on each. The tutorials are a combination of the two topics, pertaining to the previous week's lectures.


    Lecture Outline

    Algebra

    • Linear Equations and Matrices (9 lectures)
      • Algebra of matrices and vectors.
      • Systems of linear equations, elementary row operations, Gauss-Jordan elimination.
      • Inverse of a matrix and applications to solution of systems of equations.
    • Leontief Economic Models (6 lectures)
      • Leontief open and closed economic model. Determinants.
    • Optimization (8 lectures)
      • Linear inequalities, linear programming problems, geometric and algebraic solution.
      • Simplex algorithm.
    Functions & Annuities
    • Functions (11 lectures)
      • Linear and quadratic functions with applications. Domain, graph and composition of functions.
      • Simple rational functions, modulus, piecewise defined functions.
      • Exponential and logarithmic functions.
      • Limits and continuity.
    • Financial Mathematics (12 lectures)
      • Arithmetic and geometric sequences.
      • Simple and compound interest.
      • Present and future values.
      • Continuous compounding.
      • Annuities, loans and amortization.
    Tutorial Outline

    Tutorial 1: Matrices, matrix operations and applications. Linear functions, composition of functions.

    Tutorial 2: Systems of linear equations in matrix form. Polynomial and piecewise-defined functions.

    Tutorial 3: Gauss-Jordan elimination. Rational and exponential functions.

    Tutorial 4: General solution of a linear system. Exponentials, logarithms and applications.

    Tutorial 5: Inverse matrices. Leontief models. Compound interest.

    Tutorial 6: Determinants. Rational functions, continuity.

    Tutorial 7: Closed Leontief models.Comparison of interest rates.

    Tutorial 8: Linear optimization. Geometric sequences.

    Tutorial 9: Linear optimization. Present and future value.

    Tutorial 10: Simplex algorithm. Annuities.

    Tutorial 11: Simplex algorithm. Amortization schedules.

    Tutorial 12: Formulation of linear programming problems. Loans and amortization.
    (Note: This tutorial is not an actual class, but is a set of typical problems with solutions provided.)

    Note: Precise tutorial content may vary due to the vagaries of public holidays.

    Computer Labs

    Week 3: Introduction to Matlab.

    Week 5: Row operations.

    Week 9: Home loans.

    Week 11: Optimization.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcomes
    Assignments Formative 15% all
    Mid Semester Test Summative and Formative 15% 1,2,3,4
    Exam Summative 70% 1,2,3,4,6
    Assessment Related Requirements
    An aggregate score of 50% is required to pass the course. Furthermore students must achieve at least 45% on the final examination to pass the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment itemDistributedDue dateWeighting
    Assignment 1 week 1 week 3 1.4%
    Assignment 2 week 2 week 4 1.4%
    Assignment 3 week 3 week 5 1.4%
    Assignment 4 week 4 week 6 1.4%
    Assignment 5 week 5 week 7 1.4%
    Assignment 6 week 6 week 8 1.4%
    Assignment 7 week 7 week 9 1.4%
    Assignment 8 week 8 week 10 1.4%
    Assignment 9 week 9 week 11 1.4%
    Assignment 10 week 10 week 12 1.4%
    Assignment 11 week 11 week 13 1.4%
    Mid Semester Test week 7 15%
    Submission
    1. All written assignments are to be submitted at the designated time and place with a signed cover sheet attached.
    2. Late assignments will not be accepted without a medical certificate.
    3. Written assignments will have a one week turn-around time for feedback to students.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

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    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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