Finance Course Descriptions

Here’s some sample finance course descriptions formatted as requested:

Introduction to Financial Accounting (FIN 101)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and practices of financial accounting. Students will learn how to record, summarize, and interpret financial transactions and prepare financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Emphasis is placed on understanding generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and their application in various business contexts. Topics covered include the accounting cycle, revenue recognition, inventory management, and the analysis of financial statement data. This course is designed for students with little or no prior accounting experience and serves as a foundation for more advanced accounting and finance coursework. Practical exercises and case studies will be used to reinforce key concepts and develop analytical skills.

Corporate Finance (FIN 301)

Corporate Finance explores the crucial decisions firms make regarding capital budgeting, capital structure, and dividend policy. Students will learn how to evaluate investment opportunities using discounted cash flow techniques, including net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). The course also examines the trade-offs between debt and equity financing, and the impact of capital structure on firm value. Furthermore, students will delve into dividend policy decisions and their implications for shareholders. Real-world case studies and financial modeling exercises will be used extensively to provide a practical understanding of corporate finance principles. Prerequisites: Introductory Accounting and Introductory Economics.

Investments (FIN 310)

This course provides a thorough introduction to the world of investments, covering a wide range of topics from asset pricing and portfolio theory to the analysis of individual securities. Students will learn how to evaluate stocks, bonds, and other investment instruments, and how to construct and manage diversified portfolios to achieve specific investment goals. The course also examines different investment strategies, including active and passive management, and the role of market efficiency in investment decision-making. Topics include risk and return, diversification, asset allocation, security analysis, and portfolio performance evaluation. Students will gain hands-on experience using financial data and analytical tools. Prerequisites: Introductory Statistics.

Financial Modeling (FIN 320)

This course equips students with the essential skills to build and use financial models for decision-making in various finance applications. Students will learn how to create models for financial forecasting, valuation, investment analysis, and risk management using spreadsheet software. Topics covered include model design, data input and analysis, sensitivity analysis, and scenario planning. The course emphasizes practical application, and students will develop models to solve real-world financial problems. Prerequisites: Corporate Finance.

International Finance (FIN 401)

International Finance explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by firms operating in a globalized world. Students will learn about foreign exchange markets, exchange rate risk management, international capital budgeting, and the financing of international trade. The course also examines the impact of macroeconomic factors, such as inflation and interest rates, on international financial decisions. Topics include currency derivatives, international banking, and cross-border investment strategies. Case studies will be used to illustrate real-world issues and challenges in international finance. Prerequisites: Corporate Finance.