Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Finance (FINM7401)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Business School

Provides a comprehensive introduction to financial management and financial analysis. Focuses on creating shareholder value. Topics include the time value of money, stock and bond valuation, capital budgeting and net present value, risk and diversification, and the Capital Asset Pricing Model.

This course provides an introduction to corporate financial decision making. The course provides the necessary groundwork for the other finance courses offered by UQ Business School. The course covers financial mathematics, the time value of money, debt and equity security characteristics and valuation, project evaluation (emphasising net present value techniques), risk and return, the capital asset pricing model, the weighted−average cost of capital as well as financial managers' ethical and social responsibilities.

Students should note well that theory and practical work cannot be separated. Students need to understand the basics of each topic's theory in order to tackle practical questions successfully. In other words, theory forms the foundation of practical work and students will not be successful in the course if they do not have a thorough understanding of the underlying theory.

The course is progressive. For example, the introductory topic on the time value of money forms the basis for stock and bond valuation models. The key to successful completion of this course is to study consistently, allowing on average 10 hours per week, including the contact hours. This is the only formula to successfully complete Finance.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Maths B (or equivalent)

Before attempting this course, you are advised that it is important to complete the appropriate prerequisite course(s) listed on the front of this course profile. No responsibility will be accepted by UQ Business School, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or The University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

FINM1415 or 2401 or 2411 or 2412 or 7805

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Dr Dewan Rahman

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:

  • Full name
  • Student ID
  • Course Code

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is two-fold. First, it permits those students who wish to concentrate their studies in some area(s) of business rather than finance to obtain a sound introduction to financial management. In this respect, the course addresses the principal decisions confronting the financial manager of a firm and covers techniques used to evaluate corporate financial decisions. Second, the course provides those students wishing to specialise in the finance discipline with a core upon which further intermediate and advanced aspects of corporate finance can be developed.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand what corporate finance is, the role of the corporate manager, ethical issues and corporate responsibility, and the goal of financial management.

LO2.

Apply financial mathematics to problems on valuation and decision making and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the various financial decision-making techniques.

LO3.

Apply and evaluate the basic concepts of risk in a financial context, and the approaches adopted in finance to minimise this risk.

LO4.

Evaluate scenarios using the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the weighted average cost of capital (WACC).

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Examination In-Semester Exam
  • In-person
25%

Week 7

During Lecture Time

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Individual Project 25%

19/05/2025 3:00 pm

Examination Final Exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Assessment details

In-Semester Exam

  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
25%
Due date

Week 7

During Lecture Time

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02

Task description

The In-Semester Exam will be held during the lecture time.

The exam will contain a mix of theory-based and calculation-based multiple-choice questions. Further details will be made available on Blackboard closer to the date of the exam.

AI Statement:

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 90 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Individual Project

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
25%
Due date

19/05/2025 3:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L03, L04

Task description

The objective of this project is to assess students’ ability to apply valuation methods to estimate the price of a public company. You will need to gather all the necessary financial data either through the financial websites or databases provided by UQ. The main assessment criteria will be to assess students' ability to demonstrate their own thinking and justify their workings and final valuation. Whenever possible, students will need to discuss how they estimate all the inputs needed for the calculation. 

Your report is to be typed in 12pt Times New Roman with 1.5 line spacing and normal margin.

Importantly, you need to upload a soft copy of your excel worksheet (workings).

AI Statement:

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

The assignment must be submitted using both Turnitin and blackboard. For more details, refers to the "Assignment Guidelines" on Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Final Exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

This exam is a closed book, invigilated exam as required by UQ and Professional Accounting organisations.

The exam consists of problem-solving and short-answer questions. More details will be provided on the Course Blackboard site.

AI Statement:

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 29

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 30 - 46

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 47 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

Please select
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1
Lecture

Lecture 1: Introduction to Finance

The company and its goals, the roles of the financial manager, agency conflicts, stakeholder theory, corporate social responsibility, and ethical finance.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 2
Tutorial

Tutorial 1: Introduction to Finance

Learning outcomes: L01

Lecture

Lecture 2: Time Value of Money (I)

The time value of money, types of cash flow streams and their valuation.

Learning outcomes: L02

Week 3
Tutorial

Tutorial 2: Time Value of Money (I)

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Lecture 3: Time Value of Money (II)

In-depth cash flows valuation, Interest rate

Learning outcomes: L02

Week 4
Tutorial

Tutorial 3: Time Value of Money (II)

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Lecture 4: Share Valuation

Share markets, types of shares, and share valuation models.

Learning outcomes: L02

Week 5
Tutorial

Tutorial 4: Share Valuation

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Lecture 5: Bond Valuation

Debt markets, types of bond, bond valuation models

Learning outcomes: L02

Week 6
Tutorial

Tutorial 5: Bond Valuation

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Lecture 6: Risk and Return (I)

Risk and return computations and risk-return trade-off.

Learning outcomes: L03

Week 7
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

No Tutorial

No tutorial this week due to the In-Semester exam.

Lecture

In-Semester Exam During Lecture Time

In-Semester Exam held during lecture time.

Week 8
Tutorial

Tutorial 6: Risk and Return (I)

Good Friday Public Holiday - Friday 18 April 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes.

Learning outcomes: L03

Lecture

Lecture 7: Risk and Return (II)

Diversification, Capital Asset Pricing Model, Security Market Line, Risk Pricing.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Mid-sem break
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

In-Semester Break

Week 9
Tutorial

Tutorial 7: Risk and Return (II)

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Workshop

Project Presentation

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 10
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

No Tutorial

Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 5 May 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes.

Lecture

Lecture 8: Capital Budgeting (I)

Investment Decision Rules

Learning outcomes: L02

Week 11
Tutorial

Tutorial 8: Capital Budgeting (I)

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Lecture 9: Capital Budgeting (II)

Cash flow measurements and issues in capital budgeting.

Learning outcomes: L02

Week 12
Tutorial

Tutorial 9: Capital Budgeting (II)

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Lecture 10: Cost of Capital

Cost of debt, cost of equity, and weighted average cost of capital.

Learning outcomes: L04

Week 13
Tutorial

Tutorial 10: Cost of Capital

Learning outcomes: L04

Lecture

Lecture 11: Review of Materials

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.