Outline

Overview

This unit covers financial decision making by individuals rather than corporations. It provides a framework for analysing individual decisions on spending and saving, portfolio management (including human, housing and financial capital), retirement and bequests. Models incorporate personal preferences, and account for investment, labour income and longevity risks. It analyses retirement savings systems (including superannuation) covering current regulatory settings and policy debates

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Finance
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Students must meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Advanced Coursework), including completion of a pass undergraduate degree, a major in a business subject area and FINC2012
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	FINC3024
Assumed knowledge ?	Understanding of Financial modelling including time value of money calculations
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Susan Thorp, susan.thorp@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Closed-book exam (in person).	41%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	In-class test 1 Three in-class secure tests worked problems (equal-weighted), pen & paper	8%	Week 03	45 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	In-class test 2 Three in-class tests with worked problems (equal-weighted), pen & paper	8%	Week 06	45 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	In-class test 3 Three in-class tests with worked problems (equal-weighted), pen & paper	8%	Week 09	45 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2 Written report, modelling and slide deck as specified in assignment.	25%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Nov 2025	TBA	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Assignment 2 Teacher asks the Q&A of the group to assess knowledge of assignment.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2025 at 23:59	10-15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

In-class tests: Three in-class tests with worked problems (equal-weighted), pen & paper

Group written report and slide deck

Q&A on group presentation

Final exam: Supervised exam during formal exam period

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Overview: Personal wealth dynamics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to life cycle model; Long-term cash flows: feasibility, adequacy, risks	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Dynamic plans for consumption and investment 1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Dynamic plans for consumption and investment 2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Modelling and managing consumption risk	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Modelling and managing consumption and investment risk	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Investing with human capital	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Investing, human capital and housing	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Retirement incomes systems	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Current issues in building human capital	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Review	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Australian retirement income system	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Group presentations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

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

There is no prescribed text. Readings will be available via Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Integrate theories, frameworks and principles of: individual saving and consumption decisions over short and long horizons; individual portfolio choice over short and long horizons; human capital; risks including investment and longevity; behavioural influences on personal financial decisions.
LO2. Analyse and solve complex personal financial challenges using fundamental knowledge and concepts of finance.
LO3. Critically evaluate issues relating to ethics, sustainability and social responsibility in addressing personal finance challenges.
LO4. Communicate effectively and professionally to diverse stakeholder groups using a range of communication modes and methods.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Small in-class quizzes help students learn continuously and prepare for the final exam. The presentation q&a aims to ensure fair contributions by group members, and to promote authenticity and originality.

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BUSS4920: Contemporary Issues in Personal Finance

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links