Module Database Search
| MODULE DESCRIPTOR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title | |||
| Alternative Investments | |||
| Reference | BSM704 | Version | 7 |
| Created | December 2023 | SCQF Level | SCQF 11 |
| Approved | July 2019 | SCQF Points | 15 |
| Amended | March 2024 | ECTS Points | 7.5 |
| Aims of Module | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| To develop understanding of the nature and characteristics of derivatives and alternative investments and critically evaluate their applications. | |||
| Learning Outcomes for Module | |
|---|---|
| On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to: | |
| 1 | Analyse the nature and characteristics of the global derivatives market. |
| 2 | Critically appraise the use of forwards, futures, options and swaps for hedging, speculation and arbitraging. |
| 3 | Appraise the values of forwards, futures, options and swaps. |
| 4 | Critically evaluate investments in commodities, real estate, hedge funds and private equity. |
| 5 | Critically evaluate the role of derivatives and alternative investments in portfolio diversification. |
| Indicative Module Content |
|---|
| An overview of alternative investments; structure and characteristics of the global forwards, futures, options and swaps markets; nature and characteristics of forwards, futures, options and swaps; valuation of forwards, futures, options and swaps; applications of forwards, futures, options and swaps to speculate, hedge and arbitrage; mitigating climate-change risk with derivatives; commodities; real estate; hedge funds; private equity; portfolio diversification with alternative investments. |
| Module Delivery |
|---|
| On Campus Mode: The module is delivered by on campus lectures, interactive work and case study tutorials and directed self-study. Online Mode: The module is delivered in online mode by directed self-study materials for asynchronous learning, supported by synchronous online tutorials. |
| Indicative Student Workload | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Hours | 44 | 44 |
| Non-Contact Hours | 106 | 106 |
| Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours | N/A | N/A |
| TOTAL | 150 | 150 |
| Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body |
| ASSESSMENT PLAN | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only. | |||||
| Component 1 | |||||
| Type: | Examination | Weighting: | 30% | Outcomes Assessed: | 1, 2, 3 |
| Description: | Closed book class test. | ||||
| Component 2 | |||||
| Type: | Examination | Weighting: | 70% | Outcomes Assessed: | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Description: | Closed book exam. | ||||
| MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explanatory Text | ||||||||
| The calculation of the overall grade for this module is based on 70% weighting of C2 - Examination (vertical axis) and 30% weighting of C1 - Class test (horizontal axis). An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module. | ||||||||
| Examination: | ||||||||
| Examination: | A | B | C | D | E | F | NS | |
| A | A | A | B | B | B | E | ||
| B | B | B | B | C | C | E | ||
| C | B | C | C | C | D | E | ||
| D | C | C | D | D | D | E | ||
| E | D | D | D | E | E | E | ||
| F | E | E | E | E | F | F | ||
| NS | Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination | |||||||
| Module Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites for Module | None. |
| Corequisites for module | None. |
| Precluded Modules | None. |
| INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY | |
|---|---|
| 1 | BAKER, H.K. and FILBECK, G., 2013. Alternative investments – instruments, performance, benchmarks and strategies. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
| 2 | CHAMBERS, D.R., BLACK, K.H. and LACEY,N.J. 2018. Alternative investments: a primer for investment professionals. Charlottesville(VA): CFA Institute Research Foundation. |
| 3 | GOTTESMAN, A., 2016. Derivatives essentials: an introduction to forwards, futures, options and swaps . New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
| 4 | HULL, J.C., 2021. Options, futures and other derivatives. 11th ed. London: Pearson. |
| 5 | SOKOLOWSKA, E., 2016. The principles of alternative investments management: a study of the global market. Berlin: Springer. |