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Overview

The necessary mathematical techniques used in continuous-time finance, including stochastic calculus, partial differential equations and applied probability.

After completing this paper, one should be able to fully understand no-arbitrage theory, the Black-Scholes equation, risk-neutral probability and martingale. The purpose of this paper is to lay down a solid mathematical foundation for students to learn more advanced topics in financial engineering, such as exotic options, interest rate derivatives and credit risk models.

About this paper

Paper title Mathematical Finance
Subject Finance
EFTS 0.1667
Points 20 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,665.83
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
FINC 405
Eligibility
Knowledge on derivatives securities and advanced calculus is required.
Contact
accountancyfinance@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff
Professor Jin Zhang
Teaching Arrangements

This paper is taught via lectures with in-class exercises.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper, but students will find the following reference books useful:

  1. Cerny, Ales, 2009, Mathematical Techniques in Finance: Tools for Incomplete Markets, Princeton University Press.
  2. McDonald, Robert L.,2013, Derivatives Markets, 3rd edition, Pearson.
Course outline
View the course outline for FINC 405
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper should:

  1. Understand the concept of Brownian motion, expectations and martingale
  2. Learn how to model stock and option prices and to derive a PDE for option price by using the no-arbitrage principle
  3. Learn how to solve the Black-Scholes equation

Overview

The necessary mathematical techniques used in continuous-time finance, including stochastic calculus, partial differential equations and applied probability.

After completing this paper, one should be able to fully understand no-arbitrage theory, the Black-Scholes equation, risk-neutral probability and martingale. The purpose of this paper is to lay down a solid mathematical foundation for students to learn more advanced topics in financial engineering, such as exotic options, interest rate derivatives and credit risk models.

About this paper

Paper title Mathematical Finance
Subject Finance
EFTS 0.1667
Points 20 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
FINC 405
Eligibility

Knowledge on derivatives securities and advanced calculus is required.

Contact
accountancyfinance@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff
Professor Jin Zhang
Paper Structure

Two 2-hour lectures each week.

Teaching Arrangements

This paper is taught via lectures with in-class exercises.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper, but students will find the following reference books useful:

  • Cerny, A. (2009). Mathematical Techniques in Finance: Tools for Incomplete Markets (2nd ed.). Princeton University Press.
  • McDonald, R. L. (2012). Derivatives Markets (3rd ed.). Pearson.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper should:

  • Understand the concept of Brownian motion, expectations and martingale.
  • Learn how to model stock and option prices and to derive a PDE for option price by using the no-arbitrage principle.
  • Learn how to solve the Black-Scholes equation.
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