University of Michigan is starting a free online course “Introduction to Finance” along with Coursera. The course will deal with fundamental methods and skills of finance which are vital for understanding valuation of any asset, personal or corporate. The concepts of time value of money and risk will be applied to understand the major determinants of value creation. The course will consist of both theory and real world examples to demonstrate how to value any asset. Its purpose is to equip students with a framework and basic tools and techniques necessary to make sound decisions. The main focus of the course is on valuation of both real and financial assets.
The course will be full of virtual or digital teaching. The student taking up this course will learn through video lectures and assignments. The classes will be based on the face to face version and thus enhance learning through learner and instructor interaction. The participation of learners will be encouraged through discussion forums.
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( votes)Course Duration and Date
The course will start on 7th October 2013 for the duration of 15 weeks and this will demand workload of 6-8 hour/week
Course Syllabus
This course will teach about the principles of financial valuation. Discussion will be made on the concept of time value of money with the use of several real world examples and then apply the principles of valuation to value (a) real projects or ideas and (b) financial securities (stocks and bonds).
Since decision making virtually involves risk and uncertainty so the concept of risk and the relation between risk and return will be introduced. This is followed by a discussion of the relation between the financing and the weighted average cost of capital in a world without frictions. This course will integrate the knowledge of cash flows with the understanding of risk and financing to revisit valuation and decision making. Although the concepts of competitive capital markets and market efficiency will not be covered in a separate session, they will be woven in the fabric of the course.
Eligibility
There is no pre-requisite for this course. To grab deep understanding of the course, students must have knowledge about economics, accounting, algebra and statistics etc.
Statement of Accomplishment
On successful completion of the course, students will be awarded with the Statement of Accomplishment signed by the instructor.
About Instructor
The course will be taught by Gautam Kaul, who works as professor of Finance at Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. He teaches a number of courses ranging from Corporate Finance, Investment and Financial Institutions, to advanced courses like Finance and the Sustainable Enterprise.
