Outline

Overview

This unit explores sustainable financial and impact investments to create value for stakeholders of the company. To meet the various stakeholder demand around the dynamically changing environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, the unit develop skill sets of analysing and interpreting financial and non-financial reports, identifying good ESG investment and avoiding scandals. The unit will discuss best practices around methods of evaluating ESG investments and assessment of ESG risk to implement a sustainable financial strategy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Finance
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	FINC5001
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jing Yu, jing.yu@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 written exam	50%	Formal exam period	80 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Midterm Test Closed book written exam	30%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2025 at 12:40	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Group Assignment Group Assignment	20%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Nov 2025	4-page document with 12 font size	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Mid-semester exam: The exam will cover all material relating to weeks 1-5 inclusive. This assessment will provide students with an opportunity to review initial principles. You are expected to be competent in the general concept of corporate sustainability and to understand basic investment strategies incorporating environmental, social and governance factors. You will be required to analyse valuation implications using portfolio construction techniques introduced in the unit.
Assignment: The task will involve the analysis and valuation of an Exchange-listed Company's climate profile. The assignment will be completed in three parts. Work will be assessed based on the application of the tools and methods learnt in the subject. Further details will be posted on Canvas.
Final exam: The final exam will assess the material discussed between weeks 6-13. It is a closed book exam and consists of a combination of theoretical and practical exercises. It will assess a student's ability to think critically about the models and solve problems related to portfolio environmental performance. The student is also expected to understand and apply shareholder activism, including impact investing, to help shape corporate sustainability policies.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

Learning outcomes for units of study are reported by grade only: the grade should be either Satisfied Requirements (SR) or Failed Requirements (FR). Learning outcomes for this unit of study are reported in the same way for all students enrolled in the unit.

Name	Code	Mark	Description
Satisfied requirements	SR	No Mark	Awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured as a pass or fail only without a mark to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Failed requirements	FR	No Mark	Awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured either as Satisfied Requirements or Failed Requirements only, without a mark. Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.

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:

Without special considerations, assignment submissions later than the deadline will attract late penalties. Every day post the deadline incurs a 5% mark reduction. For example, suppose the actual mark on the assessment is 20 and the submission is late by two days. Then the final mark on this assessment will be 20*(1-2*5%) = 18. No mark will be given for any assignment submitted after the closing date.

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	Introduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Measuring ESG	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Corporate Sustainability	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Corporate Sustainability and Valuation Analysis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Sustainable Finance Landscape	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	ESG and Portfolio Investment	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Midterm Test	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Measuring and Managing Climate Risk	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Climate Risk and Portfolio Investment	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Investor Engagement and Voting Policies	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Defining and Locating Impact Investing	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Emerging Biodiversity Risk	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Use of AI in Sustainable Finance	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: Lectures will be 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

Roncalli, T., Handbook of Sustainable Finance, http://www.thierry-roncalli.com/SustainableFinance.html.
Godeke, S., and Briaud, P, Impact Investing Handbook: An Implementation Guide for Practitioners, https://www.rockpa.org/project/new-impact-investing-handbook/.

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. Evaluate the ESG performance for a business enterprise using relevant and emerging financial tools and approaches
LO2. Construct and critically evaluate investment portfolios with various ESG criteria
LO3. Incorporate the principles of sustainability and ESG factors into financial analysis
LO4. Develop strategies to shape corporate sustainability policies leveraging shareholder activism
LO5. Critically evaluate and apply appropriate ESG criteria to assess the social performance of a business enterprise.
LO6. Develop strategies for identifying new investment opportunities that generate positive social impact.

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.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

FINC6007: Sustainable Finance Strategy

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links