Investments - Business 410

Note: This course code has changed from B 410 to FIN 410. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.

Credits: 3 Semester Hours


Prerequisite(s)

Pre-business core (see catalog), Math 108, Statistics, and FIN310 or an accounting equivalent.

Course Description

This introductory course in investments provides a basic foundation for advanced courses in investments and securities analysis. Topics covered in this course include elements of investments, portfolio theory, debt securities, equities, security analysis, derivative markets, investment processes, behavioral finance, and technical analysis.

Course Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the basic functions of public equity and debt markets.
  2. Students will develop rational investor objectives, based on personal needs and best practices.
  3. Students will analyze third-party investor portfolios and produce sound analyses and recommendations for improved portfolio performance.
  4. Students will explore the principles of stewardship and faith-based investment practices and will develop personal roadmaps for the management of temporal resources.
  5. Students will develop professional skills such as spreadsheet modeling and presentation development.

Grading Scale

93-100% - A 73-76.99% - C
90-92.99% - A- 70-72.99% - C-
87-89.99% - B+ 67-69.99% - D+
83-86.99% - B 63-69.99% - D
80-82.99% - B- 60-62.99% - D-
77-79.99% - C+ 0-59.99% - Fail

Study Habits

This class is a fairly intensive review of financial principles, including several quantitative subjects. You will be successful in this class if you are disciplined in your approach; for instance, you complete the reading assignments, watch the video lectures, submit assignments on time and thoughtfully review peers. If you fall behind in reading or do not put forth consistent effort, you will likely struggle with the material.

Materials

All required materials are free and embedded in the course. Selected reading and research materials come from Investopedia.com, Morningstar.com and MarketWatch.com.

During the first three weeks you will participate in a private virtual stock exchange game. Your Instructor will post the game URL, password and sign-in instructions on Announcements.

Exams

Comprised of multiple choice and essay problem questions. Exams cover key terms and review questions from the reading assignments.

Microsoft Office

You will use Microsoft Excel extensively in this course. BYUI students may download and install Microsoft Office Suite (free) from the BYUI bookstore. https://www.byuistore.com/c-392-free-microsoft-downloads.aspx 

Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet models are a required component of the course. Students must have basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and must have access to a spreadsheet.

Due Dates

This is a 3-credit course; therefore you are expected to spend 9-12 hours each week working on this course. In an online course, regular and sustained attention is critical.

In Rexburg, Idaho due dates are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, however I-Learn 3.0 adjusts due dates and times based on your system settings. For instance,

If the due date is set for:

I-Learn converts it to:

Thursday, 11:59 PM in Rexburg, Idaho USA

Thursday, 10:59 PM in Riverside, CA, USA

Friday, 1:59 PM in Manilla Philippines

Friday, 6:59 AM in Accra, Ghana

Please refer to the I-Learn 3.0 Calendar or Content pages for your due date and time.

NOTE: Daylight savings time in the US and other countries may shift due dates. In Rexburg, Idaho daylight savings time currently starts in March and ends in November.

I-Learn 3.0 Help Guide: How do I Set My Timezone?

Class Policies