ST226 Half Unit
Actuarial Investigations: Financial
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Gelly Mitrodima
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Actuarial Science. This course is available on the BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is not available to General Course students.
This course has a limited number of places (it is capped, the maximum number of students will be 130) and priority will be given to students on BSc Business, Mathematics and Statistics and BSc Mathematics, Statistics and Business. Whilst there are places available to students from outside this programme they are very limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Pre-requisites
Students must have completed Mathematical Methods (MA100) and Elementary Statistical Theory (ST102).
Course content
- Introduction to actuarial modelling
- The application of compound interest techniques to financial transactions
- Generalised cash-models to describe financial transactions such as zero-coupon bonds, fixed interest securities, cash on deposit, equities, interest only loans, repayment loans, annuities certain and others
- Introduction to R programming for Actuarial Science
- Introduction to life insurance
Teaching
20 hours of lectures, 9 hours of seminars, 9 hours of computer workshops and 9 hours of help sessions in the MT.
This course will be delivered through a combination of classes, lectures and Q&A sessions totalling a minimum of 47 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some of this teaching may be delivered through a combination of classes and flipped-lectures delivered as short online videos. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to work in groups and give written answers to a number of problem sets throughout the term.
Indicative reading
J. J. McCutcheon & W. J. Scott, An Introduction to the Mathematics of Finance, Heinemann; Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, Formulae and Tables for Actuarial Examinations; Core reading notes obtainable from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries;D. Dickson, M. Hardy & H. Waters, Actuarial Mathematics for Life Contingent Risks, International Series on Actuarial Science, pp. I-Vi. Cambridge University Press. 2009
Assessment
Exam (90%, duration: 3 hours) in the January exam period.
Online assessment (10%) in January.
The timed (2 hours) online assessment will be during the January examination period i.e. Week 0.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Student performance results
(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| First | 45.3 |
| 2:1 | 24.9 |
| 2:2 | 13.6 |
| Third | 9.1 |
| Fail | 7.1 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Statistics
Total students 2020/21: 125
Average class size 2020/21: 30
Capped 2020/21: Yes (130)
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
- Specialist skills
