Description
An introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions.
Aims
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with an understanding of the role, functions and tools of the financial services industry in the context of both domestic economies and the world economy.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Understand current issues affecting financial markets and institutions and their customers;
2. Understand the workings of financial markets and institutions and the flow of funds between global markets.
Indicative Content
1 Money and the Financial System
The Six Parts of the Financial System; What is Money and How Can We Measure It?; The Payment System.
2 Bond Markets and Interests Rates
The Bond Market and the Determination of Interests Rates; Ratings and the Risk Structure of Interests Rates; The Yield Curve; Theories of the Term Structure of Interests Rates.
3 Stock Markets and Derivatives
The Essential Characteristics of Common Stock; Measuring the Level of the Stock Market; Investing in Stocks for the Long Run; What are Derivatives?; Forwards and Futures; Options; Swaps.
4 Financial Institutions
The Role of Financial Intermediaries; Information Asymmetries and Information Costs; Bank Management; Bank Risk: Where it comes from and what to do about it?
5 Central Banking and Monetary Policy
Understanding the Central Bank's Balance Sheet; Monetary Base; the Money Multiplier and Money Supply; Monetary Policy; Unconventional Monetary Policy Tools.
6 Regulation and Financial Crises
The Need for Regulating the Financial System; The Government Safety Net; Regulation and Supervision of the Financial System; Financial Crises.
7 Foreign Exchange
Exchange Rates Determination and Foreign Exchange Markets.
8 Current Topics on Financial Markets and Institutions
The Euro Debate; Socially Responsible Investment; Islamic Finance; Microcredit.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 28 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 12 |
| Practical Activity | 0 |
| Assessment | 50 |
| Independent | 110 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
