Finance Principles 215: Curtin University Unit Outline

Finance Principles 215 (likely FIN2000 or a similar code depending on the current Curtin University naming convention) is typically an introductory unit designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of core financial concepts. This outline details the expected content, assessment structure, and learning outcomes you can anticipate.

Unit Overview

The unit likely covers fundamental principles of finance applicable to both personal and corporate financial decisions. It builds a framework for understanding how individuals and businesses manage money, invest resources, and assess risk. Expect a balanced approach between theoretical underpinnings and practical applications using real-world examples.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• Understand the time value of money and apply it to various financial calculations.
• Evaluate investment opportunities using techniques like Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR).
• Analyze financial statements to assess a company's financial health and performance.
• Comprehend the concepts of risk and return in financial markets.
• Apply capital budgeting techniques to make informed investment decisions.
• Understand the basics of corporate financing and dividend policy.
• Explain the structure and function of financial markets.

Core Topics

The curriculum generally encompasses these topics:

* **Introduction to Finance:** The role of finance in business and personal decisions, financial markets and institutions. * **Time Value of Money:** Present value, future value, annuities, perpetuities, and their applications to loans and investments. * **Financial Statement Analysis:** Understanding the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement; ratio analysis. * **Risk and Return:** Measuring risk, portfolio diversification, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). * **Capital Budgeting:** NPV, IRR, payback period, and other techniques for evaluating investment projects. * **Cost of Capital:** Calculating the cost of debt, cost of equity, and weighted average cost of capital (WACC). * **Corporate Financing:** Sources of financing, capital structure decisions. * **Working Capital Management:** Managing current assets and liabilities. * **Dividend Policy:** Factors influencing dividend decisions. * **Financial Markets:** Overview of stock markets, bond markets, and other financial instruments.

Assessment Structure

Assessments typically aim to evaluate both conceptual understanding and practical application. Common assessment components might include:

* **Mid-Semester Exam:** Covering the first half of the unit content, primarily testing knowledge and understanding. * **Assignments:** Problem-solving exercises, case studies, or financial statement analysis, emphasizing application of concepts. * **Group Project (Optional):** Analyzing a real-world company, evaluating an investment opportunity, or developing a financial plan. * **Final Exam:** Comprehensive assessment covering all unit topics, likely involving both multiple-choice questions and problem-solving tasks. Class participation may also be considered depending on the lecturer.

Recommended Resources

Consult the official Curtin University handbook and Blackboard (or equivalent learning management system) for the most up-to-date unit information, including the prescribed textbook, lecture notes, and tutorial materials. Lecturers will often provide supplementary readings and online resources to enhance learning.

This is a general outline and is subject to change at the discretion of the unit coordinator. Always refer to the official unit syllabus for the most accurate and current information.