Course Syllabus
Obiettivi formativi
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a systematic understanding of the functioning of financial
markets and of both traditional and innovative financial instruments. They will comprehend the organizational and
operational structures of markets, as well as the main mechanisms for valuing financial instruments. Furthermore,
they will be able to interpret economic and financial dynamics in global contexts.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to critically apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to the analysis of real-world cases, with a
particular focus on the technical evaluation of financial instruments and the analysis of market operations. They will
be capable of using analytical models and tools to interpret and solve complex problems in the financial domain.
Transversal Skills
Students will develop independent judgment in analyzing economic and financial phenomena, continuous learning
abilities, and communication skills to clearly and effectively present the results of their analyses. They will also be
able to work collaboratively and operate in professional environments characterized by international and
multidisciplinary dynamics.
Contenuti sintetici
The course analyses the following contents:
- The structure and functioning of the financial system
- The role of financial markets and financial institutions
- The money markets, the bond markets and the stock markets
- The financial instruments negotiated in the organised securities exchanges
Programma esteso
Structure and functioning of the financial system
A definition of financial system
The direct and indirect finance
The role of financial markets and financial institutions
Structure and organization of financial markets
Structure and functioning of the financial system
- A definition of financial system
- The direct and indirect finance
- The role of financial markets and financial institutions
- Structure and organization of financial markets
The financial markets: classification and functions - Money Markets
- Bond Markets
- Stock Markets
The financial instruments negotiated in the organised securities exchanges - Types of bonds
- Finding the value of bonds
- Rating
- Stocks, equity securities, and hybrid instruments
- Finding the value of stocks
- Financial Derivatives
- Mutual funds
- The initial public offering (introduction)
Prerequisiti
Basic background of financial mathematics, business economics and business accounting
Metodi didattici
The course consists of 49 hours (7 CFU) of these:
21 hours of face-to-face lectures
28 hours of e-learning activities (video lessons, case studies, multiple choice questions or open question, group
work)
All students are offered the opportunity to carry out a group project (outside regular class hours, as part of the
online activities) during the teaching period. Working in groups of 4 to 5 members, students are required to analyze
a topic assigned by the instructor, prepare a written report, and participate in a classroom debate. This activity
contributes to the development of problem-solving skills and enhances communication abilities in the financial field
Modalità di verifica dell'apprendimento
The final evaluation is done with a written examination (with optional oral at the request of the teacher or student)
composed by three parts:
1)10 multiple choice questions (3 points for each correct answer, maximum grade 30/30): for the extensive
monitoring of the preparation of the examination programme
2)1 open question (maximum grade 30/30): for intensive monitoring of autonomous thinking on critical points of the
programme
3)1 open question or an exercise (maximum grade 30/30): as control of disciplinary problem solving skills
The final grade is given by the simple average of the grade of all the three exam parts.
For all students who did the group work, the final examination mark will be calculated as: 40%* group work mark +
60% written examination mark
Intermediate tests are not foreseen
Testi di riferimento
Mishkin F.S., Eakins S., Financial Markets and Institutions, Pearson 2018 (the ebook is available at the Bicocca
Library website) ninth edition Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 12, 13, 20, 22, 24
Papers posted on the course webpage
Periodo di erogazione dell'insegnamento
Second semester
Lingua di insegnamento
English
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning objectives
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a systematic understanding of the functioning of financial
markets and of both traditional and innovative financial instruments. They will comprehend the organizational and
operational structures of markets, as well as the main mechanisms for valuing financial instruments. Furthermore,
they will be able to interpret economic and financial dynamics in global contexts.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to critically apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to the analysis of real-world cases, with a
particular focus on the technical evaluation of financial instruments and the analysis of market operations. They will
be capable of using analytical models and tools to interpret and solve complex problems in the financial domain.
Transversal Skills
Students will develop independent judgment in analyzing economic and financial phenomena, continuous learning
abilities, and communication skills to clearly and effectively present the results of their analyses. They will also be
able to work collaboratively and operate in professional environments characterized by international and
multidisciplinary dynamics.
Contents
The course analyses the following contents:
- The structure and functioning of the financial system
- The role of financial markets and financial institutions
- The money markets, the bond markets and the stock markets
- The financial instruments negotiated in the organised securities exchanges
Detailed program
Structure and functioning of the financial system
- A definition of financial system
- The direct and indirect finance
- The role of financial markets and financial institutions
- Structure and organization of financial markets
The financial markets: classification and functions - Money Markets
- Bond Markets
- Stock Markets
The financial instruments negotiated in the organised securities exchanges - Types of bonds
- Finding the value of bonds
- Rating
- Stocks, equity securities, and hybrid instruments
- Finding the value of stocks
- Financial Derivatives
- Mutual funds
- The initial public offering (introduction)
Prerequisites
Basic background of financial mathematics, business economics and business accounting
Teaching methods
The course consists of 49 hours (7 CFU) of these:
21 hours of face-to-face lectures
28 hours of e-learning activities (video lessons, case studies, multiple choice questions or open question, group
work)
All students are offered the opportunity to carry out a group project (outside regular class hours, as part of the
online activities) during the teaching period. Working in groups of 4 to 5 members, students are required to analyze
a topic assigned by the instructor, prepare a written report, and participate in a classroom debate. This activity
contributes to the development of problem-solving skills and enhances communication abilities in the financial field
Assessment methods
The final evaluation is done with a written examination (with optional oral at the request of the teacher or student)
composed by three parts:
1)10 multiple choice questions (3 points for each correct answer, maximum grade 30/30): for the extensive
monitoring of the preparation of the examination programme
2)1 open question (maximum grade 30/30): for intensive monitoring of autonomous thinking on critical points of the
programme
3)1 open question or an exercise (maximum grade 30/30): as control of disciplinary problem solving skills
The final grade is given by the simple average of the grade of all the three exam parts.
For all students who did the group work, the final examination mark will be calculated as: 40%* group work mark +
60% written examination mark
Intermediate tests are not foreseen
Textbooks and Reading Materials
Mishkin F.S., Eakins S., Financial Markets and Institutions, Pearson 2018 (the ebook is available at the Bicocca
Library website) ninth edition Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 12, 13, 20, 22, 24
Papers posted on the course webpage
Semester
Second semester
Teaching language
English
Sustainable Development Goals
Staff
-
Paola Agnese Bongini
