AFM1151 : Introductory Quantitative Methods and Assurance
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Mr Aidan Beck
- Co-Module Leader: Dr James Waldron
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To introduce the mathematical and statistical techniques and concepts necessary in the field of Accounting and Finance.
To ensure that students understand the assurance process, and fundamental principles of ethics in the context of assurance and are able to contribute to the assessment of internal controls and gathering of evidence on assurance work.
Outline Of Syllabus
Maths/Stats:
1. Linear equations and non-linear equations
2. Differentiation, partial differentiation and optimisation
3. Descriptive statistics
4. Basic probability and distribution (3 lecture sessions)
5. Estimation and hypothesis testing (3 lecture sessions)
6. Regression analysis (3 lecture sessions)
7. Revision
Assurance:
1. The concept, process and need for assurance
2. Risk, internal controls and information flows
3. Obtaining assurance evidence
4. Professional ethics and regulatory issues
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 15 | 2:00 | 30:00 | Assurance lectures (NN14 students only) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 28:00 | 28:00 | Assurance assessment preparation and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Maths lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 45:00 | 45:00 | Maths assessment preparation and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Assurance seminars - PiP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Maths small groups - PiP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Maths workshops - PiP |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 68:00 | 68:00 | Maths/Assurance independent study |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Mathematics and statistics (for both N400 and NN14 students) will be taught with lecture materials to introduce concepts and techniques, supported by workshop sessions where students will discuss and obtain feedback on their work on case studies designed to put into practice the material taught in lectures and have an opportunity to practice and obtain feedback on their attempts at in-class computer-based assignments. Students will also be set weekly practice questions with solutions that develop their ability to apply the key concepts of the module.
Assurance (NN14 only) will be taught in the cohort group which allows for both formal lecture material and question practice.
NB- only the maths and stats elements will be jointly taught with the ACC1012 maths and stats elements.
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 | 50 | Paired with maths exam for ACC1012 |
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 30 | Assurance exam |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Skills for Accounting and Finance | 2 | Only the 50% maths and stats exam is paired with the maths and stats exam on ACC1012. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 10 | CBAs and case studies for a total of 10% of the module mark. |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 10 | CBAs, case study and Minitab assignment for a total of 10% of the module mark. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | For maths, students can sit practice mode CBAs and will be provided with practice questions. |
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | For maths, students can sit practice mode CBAs and will be provided with practice questions. |
| Written Examination | 2 | M | Assurance mock exam. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The formal examination and individual assignment will test the mathematics and statistical concepts and techniques introduced in the module. The assurance examination will assess knowledge and understanding as well as relevant cognitive and professional skills. Its use also meets ICAEW’s Certificate Level examination requirements.
Only the 50% maths and stats exam is paired with the maths and stats exam on ACC1012.
If students are eligible to a second attempt resit will be any failed components and the resit calculation will be based upon the original module calculation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- AFM1151's Timetable