Unit outline_

BANK3600: Banking in Practice

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This capstone unit bridges the gap between theory and practice by integrating knowledge and consolidating key skills developed across the Banking major. It aims to provide students with practical experience in identifying, analysing, and solving contemporary business problems. Much of this unit is dedicated to a problem-based/experiential approach to learning. Students ensure their career-readiness by demonstrating their ability to apply concepts, theories, frameworks, methodologies, and skills to authentic problems and challenges faced in the field of banking.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Finance
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
completion of at least 112 credit points including FINC2011 and (BANK2011 or ECOS2004) and BANK3011
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

All other requirements for the major or program associated with this capstone must be completed prior to or concurrently with (if enrolment rules permit) this unit of study. Capstones must be completed at the University of Sydney Business School only.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator George Issa, george.issa@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Eliza Wu, eliza.wu@sydney.edu.au
Guangqian Pan, guangqian.pan@sydney.edu.au
George Issa, george.issa@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Presentation group assignment Group Project 1
Business Report
25% Week 06 pitch deck with multiple slides AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Presentation Individual Presentation on Group Project 1
Oral presentation
25% Week 07 12 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO7
Written work group assignment Briefing Paper on Group Project 2
Business Report
10% Week 10
Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 26 Oct 2025
1000 words max AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Presentation group assignment Group Project 2
Business Report
15% Week 12 pitch deck with multiple slides AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Presentation Individual Presentation on Group Project 2
Oral presentation
25% Week 13 12 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

 

  • Group assignment: The unit has two group projects. The projects are designed to have students work in teams on "real world" banking problems. Weeklyworkshops will involve practitioners who will be available to provide advice and insight, and to guide groups as they work through each project. It is therefore important to attend all workshops and actively participate within your group. Groups will present their findings, actions and conclusions on both projects that will be considered and assessed by a panel representing the Executive Management Team of their bank. The Pitch Deck should be included in the online submission for each project.
  • Individual Presentation: Each student is required to present as part of the group presentations in week 7 (on project 1) and in week 13 (on project 2). The presentations will cover a particular aspect of the team's submission for each project and Q&A performance.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas through the semester.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to banking in practice and the experiential learning activities Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Project 1 - Corporate lending Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Project 1 - Corporate lending Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Project 1 - Corporate lending Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Project 1 - Corporate lending Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Project 1 - Corporate lending Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Presentation by each group on project 1 Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Project 2 - Banking into the Future Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Project 2 - Banking into the Future Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Project 2 - Banking into the Future Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Project 2 - Banking into the Future Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Project 2 - Banking into the Future Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Presentation by each group on project 2 Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures are delivered on-campus, recordings may be made available on Canvas for student use. However, group work discussions are not recorded for privacy reasons. Please note the Business School does not own the lecture recording system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes and be accountable to their group members in this capstone unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

In addition to the lecture materials provided, all other readings for this unit can be accessed electronically through the Library’s online platform, available via Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. apply and integrate knowledge, concepts, and principles in the management of bank operations
  • LO2. identify, analyse, and solve banking business challenges reaching conclusions using relevant tools and techniques, concepts, principles and knowledge
  • LO3. communicate effectively and professionally in the context of business using a range of communication methods
  • LO4. recognise the need for, locate, evaluate and use information effectively
  • LO5. develop strategies to explore opportunities, construct new ideas and develop solutions to banking business situations involving business development and risk management
  • LO6. evaluate issues relating to business ethics, sustainability and social responsibility in addressing business challenges as they affect the operation of banks
  • LO7. apply the concepts of effective team working and make a positive contribution to a team-based structure.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Continual improvements are being made to this unit based on students' and industry practitioners' feedback and changes will be discussed in class during the semester. In particular, the final exam has been removed based on student feedback and noting the practical nature of the unit (which contains a substantial number of project deliverables).

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.