EFN430 Financial Analytics and Coding
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EFN430 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | BSN451 or BSO451 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFN430 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | BSN451 or BSO451 |
Overview
In recent years, large volumes of complex data have become available to investors and finance professionals. In this unit, you will develop computer coding skills in the widely used Python language and an understanding of modelling/statistical techniques and tools for analyzing such complex financial data. The analytical skills you develop in this unit are commonly used to inform investment and managerial decision making.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply foundational knowledge and skills in computer programming to understand and address real-world financial problems and contexts [KS 1.1, KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Use knowledge of modelling techniques and computer programming principles to develop strategies for analysing financial problems [KS 1.2, HO 2.1, HO 2.2]
- Implement a range of modelling techniques to analyse complex financial data and inform investment decision making [KS 1.2, HO 2.1, HO 2.2]
- Professionally communicate findings and recommendations arising from analysis of financial data to diverse audiences [PC 3.1, PC 3.2]
Content
In this unit, you will take a hands-on approach to learning the principles of coding within the context of financial analytics. After introducing preliminary ideas in programming in Python, you will develop coding solution for important problems such as exploratory data analysis, regression analysis and simulation methods.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply advanced, integrated discipline and professional practice knowledge, including relevant research principles and methods, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Leverage digital technologies, data-driven tools, technical and research skills to organise, interpret and extend discipline and professional practice knowledge to investigate digitally enhanced business environments.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate complex, real-world business problems by analysing, evaluating, and synthesising discipline and professional practice knowledge.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make evidence-based decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic responses to address real world business challenges.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts.
3.2 Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self- reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills to support continuous learning, adaptability and effective professional growth.
4.2 Apply collaborative capabilities to work effectively in diverse teams and across complex, interdisciplinary business environments.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate ethical reasoning and apply legal and governance principles to critically evaluate and respond to complex business decisions and practices.
5.2 Apply socially responsible and sustainability-focused thinking to analyse business issues and reflect on the broader impact of organisations in national and global contexts.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following:
The first part of the semester will be solely computer based to build up programming skills. After that period, weekly instruction will cover the different financial modelling and statistical techniques and applications to real financial data. It is expected that students will practice programming outside of class time.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment);
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Data Analysis Project with Presentation
You will be required to develop computer code to conduct data analysis using methods developed in the course. You will draw conclusions from the output to address the specified financial problems. You will present your work to your peers in your scheduled tutorial.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
The presentation aspect of this assessment is not eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative and Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.2)
Assessment: Simulation Project
You will be required to develop computer code to address specified financial problems using simulation techniques developed through the unit.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative and Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2)
Assessment: Final Exam
You will be required to address a range of theoretical questions regarding the modelling techniques covered in the unit along with questions relating to basic programming principles.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative and Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resources are provided on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate) 2027
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Simulation Project, Final Exam
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO4, Data Analysis Project with Presentation
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS12 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply advanced, integrated discipline and professional practice knowledge, including relevant research principles and methods, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project - Leverage digital technologies, data-driven tools, technical and research skills to organise, interpret and extend discipline and professional practice knowledge in digitally enhanced business environments.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam - Critically investigate complex, real-world business problems by analysing, evaluating, and synthesising discipline and professional practice knowledge.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make evidence-based decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic responses to address real world business challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam - Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts
Relates to: ULO4, Final Exam - Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Analysis Project with Presentation
BS68 Graduate Diploma in Business
- Apply advanced interdisciplinary knowledge, including relevant research principles and methods to understand and respond to professional challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project - Apply technical, digital, and research skills to organise, interpret, and evaluate discipline knowledge and practice to investigate business issues in digitally enhanced environments.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam - Critically investigate real-world business issues and challenges using analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam - Exercise innovative thinking and intellectual independence to make informed decisions and judgements in planning evidence-based responses to complex and evolving business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis Project with Presentation, Simulation Project, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills to communicate effectively in written forms and through appropriate digital media, tailored to diverse professional and organisational audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Final Exam