SDST3615 Practical mathematics for investment (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department SCDS (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Prof K C Yuen, SCDS (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) < kcyuen@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof K C Yuen,Statistics & Actuarial Science)
Course Objectives This course introduces the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics which plays an important role in the development of basic actuarial techniques. Practical applications of these concepts are also covered.
Course Contents & Topics Key topics include: measurement of interest, annuities certain; discounted cash flow analysis; yield rates; amortization schedules and sinking funds; bonds and related securities; practical applications such as real estate mortgage and short sales; stochastic approaches to interest; and key terms of financial analysis such as yield curves, spot rates, forward rates, duration, convexity, and immunization.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 understand basic concepts of financial mathematics
CLO 2 understand and formulate elementary financial problems
CLO 3 apply compound interest theory to tackle some practical financial problems
CLO 4 show an understanding of the term structure of interest rates
CLO 5 show an understanding of simple stochastic models for investment returns
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in (SDST1601 and any University level 2 course) or (SDST1602 and any University level 2 course) or SDST2601 or (SDST1603 and any University level 2 course) or SDST2901; and
Not for students who have passed in SDST2902, or have already enrolled in this course.
Only for students admitted in 2025 and thereafter.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2U000C00 Course not offered under any Major/Minor/Professional core
2024 Major in Risk Management ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Minor in Actuarial Studies ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Risk Management ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Risk Management ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Minor in Actuarial Studies ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Risk Management ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Risk Management ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Actuarial Studies ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Risk Management ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Risk Management ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Minor in Actuarial Studies ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Risk Management ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2024 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2021 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        2nd sem    Examination May     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments Coursework (assignments, tutorials, class test(s) and participation) 50.0 1,2,3,4,5
Examination One 3-hour written examination 50.0 1,2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Kellison, S. G.: The Theory of Interest (Irwin: Illinois, 2008, 3rd edition)
Broverman, S. A.: Mathematics of Investment and Credit (ACTEX Publications - Mad River Books: Connecticut, 2004, 3rd edition)
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk
Additional Course Information NIL