Study information

Analysis and Computation for Finance - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEAnalysis and Computation for Finance CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM003 MODULE CONVENERDr Frank Kwasniok (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 weeks 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 49
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

On this module, you will get the chance to use the popular computer package Matlab and other relevant modelling software. We will cover topics from linear algebra, differential equations, statistical/probabilistic modelling, stochastic differential equations, an introduction to time series analysis, and use these to demonstrate the versatility and capabilities of such packages in the application of modern numerical modelling techniques. The background and skills you will obtain in this module will be useful in the Financial Mathematics module MTHM006 Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing and in the dissertation MTHM021 Advanced Mathematics Project.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

Computer packages such as Matlab are playing an increasing role in implementing the models arising from theoretical ideas in mathematical finance. This module aims to give you an understanding of the modern methods of numerical approximation and financial modelling. Using Matlab and other relevant software, you will develop practical skills in the use of computers in financial modelling.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. demonstrate expertise in the use of Matlab and R widely used both inside and outside the academic community and be able to use these to model challenging mathematical problems.
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

2. tackle a wide range of mathematical problems using modern numerical methods;
3. model realistic situations and also understand the principles underlying the techniques and when they are applicable.
 

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

4. show enhanced modelling, problem-solving and computing skills, and acquired tools that are widely used in financial modelling.
 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Indicative outline:
 
- Introduction to Matlab system and interface: matrix data objects; mathematical operations and functions; 
 
- Advanced Matlab operations: I/O control; programming; graphical tools; plotting and data representation; 
 
- Applications of Matlab: analysis of financial data and introduction to simple financial models;  approximation techniques such as curve fitting; simple numerical matrix algebra: numerical calculation of eigenvalues, eigenvectors, determinants, inversion and decompositions; 
 
- Special topics in numerical linear algebra: condition number; matrix nearness; Matlab numerical linear algebra tools; practical, numerical modelling using Matlab; 
 
- Computational ODEs, PDEs and dynamical systems: series,transforms, splines and interpolation; finite differences and their convergence;  Matlab DE tools; 
 
- Practical use of Matlab to PDE, ODE and dynamical system models. 
 
- Statistical and probabilistic modelling: introduction to statistical and probability modelling; Simulation and understanding stochastic processes using Matlab. Applications to simple financial models, e.g. Markov chain models and random walks. 
 
- An introduction to times series modelling: fundamentals and financial applications. e.g. autoregressive processes and their
use in financial modelling. 
 
-  Stochastic differential equations and their numerical solution: numerical Ito integration, Euler schemes for numerical solution, Monte Carlo simulation. Investigations into specific financial and asset pricing models.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 39 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 15 Workshops
Guided independent study 114 Guided independent study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not applicable      

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam 60 2 hours 1-4 Written/verbal on request
Coursework 1 20 8-12 hours 1-4 Written comments on script.
Coursework 2 20 8-12 hours 1-4 Written comments on script.

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Written Exam Written exam (2 hours) 1-4 Referral/Deferral period
Coursework 1 Coursework 1 1-4 Referral/Deferral period
Coursework 2 Coursework 2 1-4 Referral/Deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.  
  
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%.  
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Kharab, A. and Guenther, R.B. An Introduction To Numerical Methods: A MATLAB Approach Chapman & Hall 2012 978-1439868997
Set Maindonald J. & Braun J. Data Analysis & Graphics using R 2nd edition Cambridge University Press 2007 9780521861168
Set Martinez W.L. & Martinez A.R. Computational statistics handbook with MATLAB Chapman & Hall 2001 000-1-584-88229-8
Extended Shumway, R H, Stoffer, D S Time Series Analysis and its applications With R Examples 2nd Springer Texts in Statistics 2006 978-0387293172
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 8th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Linear algebra; differential equations; statistical modelling; time series analysis; Matlab; R.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.