ACC1052 : The Financial Environment
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Rob Jones
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The module aims to provide an introduction to the financial system and some of the main types of financial institution that operate within that system. It differs from other modules that examine finance as it looks at the subject from the broader perspective of the financial environment rather than the narrower perspective of individual companies and their financing. It provides a foundation for the further study of finance in the third and fourth years of the programme as well as covering material relevant to the ICAEW Professional Level modules in Banking and Insurance. The module examines relevant concepts and principles rather than being computation based. The module also has a skills development element, including communication, teamwork and ethical awareness thereby contributing to the development of skills relevant to professional practice and helping to prepare students for the professional placements in stages two to four.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Key Elements of the Financial System
• Fundamental Concepts including Risk and Return, Liquidity and Capital
• The Inter-relationship between Financial Institutions, Financial Markets and the Wider Economy
• The Business Activities of Major Financial Institutions and Markets, particularly Banking and Insurance
• Development of Skills Relevant to Professional Practice
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 18 | 2:00 | 36:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 66 | 1:00 | 66:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 32 | 1:00 | 32:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | non synchronous guided learning |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Whole module moderated discussion/Q&A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introduction to module (whole group) |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will be used to introduce and develop material. Small group sessions will be used to introduce case studies which students can then use to develop skills of team-working and communication. These skills will be demonstrated through the preparation of a group presentation which will comprise 25% of the assessment of the module. Specific guidance on the development of relevant skills will be given to students across all teaching.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 75 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 25 | N/A |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Q and A and review of written exercise in class |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Q and A and review of written exercise in class |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The module provides an introduction to the financial system and some of the main types of financial institutions that operate within the system. It also has a skills element contributing to the development of skills relevant to professional practice and helping to prepare students for the professional placements in stages two to four. These two elements form the basis of the assessment. Knowledge, understanding and application of concepts and principles will be assessed in a written examination. The development of relevant skills will be assessed in a group presentation. The presentation topic will require students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant subject material.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ACC1052's Timetable