Mathematics with Finance and Economics

Bachelor of Science (Ordinary)

Certificate of Higher Education

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Diploma of Higher Education

Bachelor of Science (Ordinary), Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Diploma of Higher Education

USMFEC

Core

Compulsory

Programme Stage 1 consists of modules that make up 120 credits. All modules are core or compulsory. 

Stage 1

Elective

Programme Stage 2 consists of modules that make up 120 credits. 
There are five core or compulsory modules, and seven elective modules. Both EC2013 and EC2014 or both EC2015 and EC2016 must be taken. 

Stage 2

Core Elective

Programme Stage 3 consists of modules that make up 120 credits. There are two compulsory modules, one core elective module (choose one of three) and five elective modules. Three modules must be chosen from the mathematics elective modules (which have module codes that start with MA, together with AS3021). Two modules must be chosen from the finance and economics electives EC3010, EC3012, EC3013, EC2028, AS2207, EC3014, EC3022, EC3023, and EC3026.

The modules EC2015/6 are prerequisites for EC3012, the modules EC2013/4 are prerequisites for EC3013, and EC3022, and the module AS2114 is prerequisite for AS2207. The modules EC2028 and AS2207 cannot be chosen simultaneously, as they are both of level 5.

Stage 3

BSc Mathematics with Finance and Economics with Integrated Foundation Year

BSc Mathematics with Finance and Economics with Placement

BSc Mathematics with Finance and Economics with Integrated Foundation Year with Placement

Programme Structure

The principal aim of this programme is to introduce you to a variety of different aspects of modern mathematics, together with a range of topics from finance and economics.  In mathematics you will focus in particular on applied mathematics, although you will also be introduced to several aspects of pure mathematics throughout the degree. You will receive training in advanced mathematical techniques and develop problem solving and communication skills much valued by employers.

This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when they are/it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees. 

show confidence in calculating and manipulating mathematics within the context of the core modules in mathematics, statistics and computing.

Skills

acquire an ability to apply mathematics to real world problems, particularly those in economics and finance. 

demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the major ideas of pure mathematics. 

Knowledge

differentiate and integrate a comprehensive range of mathematical functions and carry out basic calculus, applying the same to suitable problems. 

display the basic skills in statistics in order to be able to understand and formulate a data-based problem in statistical terms. 

demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the major topics of numerical mathematics, applied and applicable mathematics, computing and computational mathematics, statistics and probability. 

manipulate matrices and vectors and be able to analyse problems involving the same using general methods. 

demonstrate an understanding and detailed knowledge of a wide range of financial structures and processes. 

comprehend problems, formulating them mathematically and obtaining solutions by appropriate methods. 

use your knowledge of computing to construct programmes in order to solve mathematical and non-mathematical problems. 

demonstrate the value of logical thought with respect to mathematical problems. 

Values and attitudes

apply mathematical methods to a variety of problems. 

understand logical arguments, identifying the assumptions and conclusions made. 

communicate in symbolic and written form and using oral presentations. 

follow, with rigour, an analytical approach towards problems. 

solve and analyse differential equations using standard analytical and numerical methods. 

discuss problems in finance using the appropriate language and mode of thinking. 

apply core concepts and principles in well-defined contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques. 

demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of mathematical methods and be able to apply these to a range of associated problems. 

use a qualitative approach to problems encountered in finance and economics. 

discuss problems in economics using the appropriate language and mode of thinking. 

demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of economic theory, both micro and macro. 

USMFEC - Mathematics with Finance and Economics

The first year of the programme is devoted to core material, including basic programming, economics and statistics that are needed by all Mathematics with Finance and Economics graduates. 
In the second year the proportion of the course that is core decreases, and you can choose from an increasing range of options. 
In the third year most modules are optional and a wide variety of mathematics, finance, statistics and economics options are available. 
A distinctive feature of the programme is the final year group project, which provides you with the opportunity to write a technical report and give individual presentations. The summer teaching term in the first two years is also designed around project work and presentation skills.
The programme is undertaken full time, for either three years or four years with an industrial placement. The industrial placement occurs between stages 2 and 3.
At the end of the first year it is possible to transfer to the BSc in Mathematics.
There is also an additional year before stage 1 for student who enter on the Foundation programme, details of which are provided in the relevant programme variation.

Teaching and Learning methods are designed to foster your knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject and  stimulate engagement and participation in the learning process. They encourage learning in depth and encourage you to reflect on and take responsibility for your own learning and to develop your academic self-confidence.
The majority of courses are taught using lectures. These are supported through tutorials, laboratories and examples classes where appropriate. Details can be found in the individual module specifications.
Lectures are the principal introduction to new material. They are relatively formal in style and are presented to the whole student group or sometimes to more than one group together. Each lecture is of 50 minutes duration with the timetable based on units of one hour to allow for short breaks. Full, prompt attendance is expected.
For tutorials, groups are much smaller and provide opportunities for you to work on problems and exercises connected with the lecture courses. This also provides an additional opportunity for staff to help you with questions arising from the lectures.
Laboratories provide you with the opportunity to practice computational and programming techniques, and to seek practical help from a tutor.
In addition to the taught elements of the programme, which on average require around 12-15 contact hours per week, there will be the need for private study. This time will be spent working on background reading, revision of notes, work on tutorial problems, coursework and individual or group work on projects including the major project in Programme Stage 3.
The academic year consists of two eleven week teaching periods, a three week summer teaching period, and two main examination periods. You are expected to undertake around 30 hours per week of private study spread over a rather longer period than the contact hours, to account for reflective learning weeks, revision and the project work in the summer term. The ratio of private study to contact hours is approximately 4:1. The number of self-directed study hours for each module is specified in the module specification.
All modules are supported by an online learning environment called “Moodle”. Moodle contains information specific to the modules you are studying on your programme and additional modules that provide support for your studies in a variety of ways. Moodle is used by different modules in different ways, but you will generally find module material, such as course schemes, supplementary study material, tutorial sheets etc., which you can download or look at online. Each module also contains a “Grades” application where you can view your coursework marks.
There is also a Moodle module which has been designed to support your studies in a more general way: the “Mathematics Focal Point”, which contains information relevant to the administration of the programme. Moodle will also be used to send messages to you.
All students have Personal Tutors. These staff members provide small group tutorials throughout Programme Stage 1 and are available to help throughout your time at the University. They provide support for mathematics and other matters, as well as serving as a link with other resources within the University and possibly elsewhere.

Curriculum Catalogue

Mathematics with Finance and Economics - BSc (Hons)

USMFEC