Recent FINC and BUSS1020 outlines? (1 Viewer)

[confused_cookie]

Hi guys! I'm currently going into my second year of BPsych, but am considering transferring to either the BComm or combined psychology/commerce. I hope to major in accounting and finance. I didn't do any maths for the HSC, and I know accounting doesn't require any maths beyond basic arithmetic, but I'm really worried about finance. I've looked at the handbook but the unit descriptions are too brief to be helpful. Could anyone provide recent unit outlines for: FINC2011, BUSS1020, FINC2012 and FINC3017? Thanks

 

[Amleops]

These are the most current ones.

View attachment BUSS1020.pdf
View attachment FINC2011.pdf
View attachment FINC2012.pdf
View attachment FINC3017.pdf

 

[confused_cookie]

Thanks so much, that's super helpful! As someone studying the BComm, do you think it's possible for someone like me to complete a finance major (given I did no HSC maths)? How maths intensive is finance?

 

[Amleops]

It's possible, though you may have to work a bit harder to get to the same level as everyone else. For Commerce in general they recommend knowing 2U material before you start, but there are foundational programs like bridging courses, and an ongoing program called Maths in Business which should be able to help you out.

I think it's a bit of a myth that finance is always very maths intensive; it can be, but it depends on what units you take, and what area you want to specialise in. Like for example I was looking up some old PhD theses the other day and came across these:

http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au//bitstream/2123/9007/1/CD-Mellare-2013-Thesis.pdf
http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au//bitstream/2123/7239/1/HR_Malloch_2010_thesis.pdf

Obviously you wouldn't know what either of them are talking about yet, but it's pretty obvious that one, they are on different topics, and two, the latter thesis uses a lot of maths, while the former doesn't use that much at all.

So yes, you will need to have a decent grasp of mathematics, but it isn't always intensive per se.

 

[confused_cookie]

Thanks again! I was wondering if you (or anyone else here) has notes for FINC2011? I don't want to be greedy and ask for people's personal summaries/study notes, but if anyone has any lecture slides they could share, I would really appreciate it. I'm certain I want to do an accounting major, and FINC2011 is a compulsory unit if you want the major to be accredited, so I'd like an idea of the level of maths involved. I'm also worried about BUSS1040, another core unit, so slides for that too would be helpful. My major concern is whether calculus is involved, and if so, do they teach you how to do it (enough that you'd be able to pass the unit) or just assume you know it? I'm not a total maths dunce - I got an HD in first year stats, and am fine with basic algebra, linear and quadratic functions, etc. I also don't hate maths - I just want an idea of how much catching up I'd need to do

 

[Amleops]

Don't have any notes I'm afraid, but if your interested, there are some FINC2011/2012 textbooks in the Coop Bookshop (this early on in the semester they might be stacked in the middle of the store somewhere, otherwise just check the bookshelves). Have a flick through and that might give you some idea on the type of maths you are expected to do.

BUSS1040 textbooks should be there too. There is some basic calculus involved in the unit I believe, and I'd imagine what your lecturers would recommend you do if you don't know the content is to go to Maths in Business sessions on calculus to get up to speed, because they will assume it. If you're lucky you could get a lecturer who may start from basics, but I wouldn't rely on it.

Also, not sure if you already know this, but if you have already done first year statistics then you won't be allowed to do BUSS1020, as they cover pretty similar content. There is a way to get around this (just don't apply for credit for the stats unit when you do the transfer), but it's probably worth your while, seeing as you are confident enough with statistics, that you get that exemption from BUSS1020 so you have a space free for an elective.