Outline

Overview

Modern financial markets are at the heart of the global economy. Thus, an understanding of finance requires a global perspective. This unit of study focuses on three core ideas. First, it provides a description of the role of financial markets within the global economy using modern methods. Next, it focuses on the tools which are needed to understand finance from a global perspective. Finally, it focuses on the behaviour of market participants and how they interact in a global setting. On completion of this unit students have an understanding of financial markets and their participants and how they interact in an integrated world.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Finance
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	FINC5001
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Mandeep Singh, mandeep.singh@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Closed book	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual Assignment Written task based on the first four weeks of the unit learning schedule.	25%	Week 06 Due date: 04 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Up to 2000 words.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group Assignment Written report	25%	Week 10 Due date: 09 May 2025 at 23:59	Up to 2,500 words.
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = restricted AI ?

Assessment summary

Assignment: The assignments give you the opportunity to apply your critical reasoning and analytical problem-solving skills to case studies. The assigment tasks will help you to deepen your understing on the interconnectedness of financial markets.

Final exam: This exam will consist of short-answer and problem-solving questions. The final exam will test your overall knowledge and understanding of the materials covered in the unit and your ability to critically apply learnt knowledge and skills to given problems.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

Assignment: any assessment submitted after the due time and date (or extended due time and date) will incur a late penalty of 5% of the total marks per 24 hour period, or part thereof, late (note that this is applied to the mark gained after the submitted work is marked). For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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	Financial System	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Financial System	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Money	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Money	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Balance of Payments	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Balance of Payments	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Foreign Exchange Markets	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Foreign Exchange Markets	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Law of One Price and Purchasing Power Parity - Part I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Law of One Price and Purchasing Power Parity - Part I	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Law of One Price and Purchasing Power Parity - Part II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Law of One Price and Purchasing Power Parity - Part II	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	International Fixed Income Markets	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	International Fixed Income Markets	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Segmentation and Integration in World's Stock Markets	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Segmentation and Integration in World's Stock Markets	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Country and Political Risk	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Country and Political Risk	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Key Ideas in Finance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Key Ideas in Finance	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Why and When to Cross-List Shares	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Why and When to Cross-List Shares	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Emerging Issues in Finance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Emerging Issues in Finance	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Review Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All lectures and tutorials are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the 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.

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

International Finance: Theory and Policy, Global Edition, 11th Edition, By Paul R. Krugman, Maurice Obstfeld, Marc Melitz

The Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets, Global Edition, 13th Edition, By Frederic S. Mishkin

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. Describe the importance and purpose of financial markets and institutions in a global economy.
LO2. Apply and integrate the theories underpinning financial markets and their regulation.
LO3. Understand and evaluate the structure, nature and operation of financial markets and their role in the global economy.
LO4. Understand and evaluate the structure, nature and operation of financial institutions and their role in the global economy.
LO5. Analyse and evaluate the role of financial institutions in financial markets crises, and describe the macroeconomic effects of the crises.
LO6. Evaluate the ethical and social implications of the interactions of financial markets and their participants.
LO7. Apply knowledge and skills in a team to attain effective and professional outcomes

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.

In response to suggestions and feedback from past students, assignments will be more tightly connected to the teaching content in order to prepare learners more effectively for the final examination.

Additional information

Business School Policies

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) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

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

FINC5090: Finance in the Global Economy

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

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