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Study information

Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEMathematical Theory of Option Pricing CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM006 MODULE CONVENERProf John Thuburn (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 48
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

On this module, you will be expected to study stochastic models of finance, including the Black Scholes option pricing model. You will have the opportunity to study numerical methods in order to solve partial differential equations. The module applies the mathematical and computational material from complementary modules to a central problem in finance - that of option pricing.

Pre-requisite modules: MTH3024 Stochastic Processes, or MTHM002 Methods for Stochastics and Finance

AIMS - intentions of the module

By taking this module, you will gain an understanding of the theoretical assumptions on which the mathematical models underlying option pricing depend, and of the methods used to obtain analytic or numerical solutions to a variety of option pricing problems.

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 Comprehend the mathematical theories needed to set up the Black-Scholes model;

2 Understand the role of Ito's calculus in the Black-Scholes PDE;

3 Transform the Black-Scholes PDE to the heat diffusion equation;

4 Analyse and derive the solution of the Black-Scholes PDE for the standard European put/call options;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 Derive rigorously a quantitative model from a set of basic assumptions;

6 Use the solution to the mathematical model to predict the behaviour of the option price;

7 Relate and transform one PDE to a simpler type;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 Demonstrate enhanced problem solving skills and the ability to apply numerical methods coded in MATLAB or Python.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- Financial concepts and assumptions: risk free and risky asset;

- Options;

- No arbitrage principle;

- Put-call parity;

- Discrete-time asset price model: option pricing by binomial method;

- Interpretation in terms of risk-neutral valuation;

- Continuous time stochastic processes: Brownian motion, stochastic calculus;

- Ito’s lemma and construction of the Ito integral;

- Black-Scholes theory: geometric Brownian motion;

- Derivation of the Black-Scholes PDE; transformation to the heat equation;

- Explicit formulae for vanilla European call and put options;

- Extensions, e.g. to dividend-paying assets and American options;

- Numerical methods: finite difference schemes for the Black-Scholes PDE, including comparison of stability and accuracy;

- Overview of risk-neutral valuation approach in continuous time.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 117 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 33 Lectures
Guided Independent Study 117 Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading

 

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
Coursework – Assignments (3) 10 hours each 1-8 Verbal in lectures

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 20 Written Exams 80 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 80 2 hours 1-7  
Coursework 1 10 10 hours 1-8 Written/tutorial
Coursework 2 10 10 hours 1-8 Written/tutorial

 

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) 1-7 Referral/Deferral Period
Coursework 1 Coursework 1 1-8 Referral/Deferral Period
Coursework 2 Coursework 2 1-8 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 Wilmott, P., Howison, S. & Dewynne, J. The Mathematics of Financial Derivatives: A Student Introduction Cambridge University Press 1995 000-0-521-49699-3
Set Etheridge, A. A Course in Financial Calculus Cambridge University Press 2002 0-521-89077-2
Set Higham, D.J. An Introduction to Financial Option Valuation - Mathematics, Stochastics and Computation Cambridge Univeristy Press 2004 0-521-54757-1
Set Baxter, M. and Rennie, R. Financial Calculus: An Introduction to Derivative Pricing Cambridge University Press 1996 0-521-55289-3
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES MTHM002, MTH3024
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 26th February 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Option Pricing; Financial Mathematics; Financial Derivatives; Stochastic Calculus; Financial Option Valuation

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