Course co-ordinator(s): John Phillips (Edinburgh).
Aims:
This course aims to introduce students to actuarial, statistical and financial mathematics professions and to improve their career planning. It is designed to help students build up a range of skills that will prepare them to cope well at the job interview stage and beyond.
Detailed Information
Course Description: Link to Official Course Descriptor.
Pre-requisites: none.
Location: Edinburgh.
Semester: 2.
Syllabus:
The course will consist of a mixture of lectures and tutorial/practical work. There will be opportunities for group work.
The following topics will be covered:
- An analysis of the opportunities available to Actuarial Science, Financial Mathematics and Statistical Modelling graduates.
- Case studies of career paths taken by graduates in these subject areas.
- Professional Development Planning and the graduate selection process.
- Using Excel to solve problems of the type found in industry.
- Developing problem solving techniques for real world situations.
Learning Outcomes: Subject Mastery
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of the role of actuaries, financial mathematicians, and statisticians in society.
- Understand importance of statutory appointments.
- Be aware of different employers, and how career paths within different types of organisations may vary.
- Differentiate between the types of work performed by actuaries in different practice area.
- Discuss issues currently of professional interest to actuaries, financial mathematicians, and statisticians.
- Understand the path required to obtain an actuarial qualification and the need for continuous professional development thereafter.
- Understand the role of professional bodies such as the Royal Statistical Society, Faculty of Actuaries, etc.
- Work effectively as a team member
- Develop better communication and presentation skills
- Understand the concept of commercial awareness, and the need to keep abreast of current issues
- Demonstrate a developing professional awareness and knowledge of the graduate labour market
- Review own progress to date and develop a plan to address future development needs
Assessment Methods:
Continuous assessment: group project analysing a particular company, presentation, written assignments and two computer projects which will be handed in at specified times.
SCQF Level: 7.
Credits: 15.
Other Information
Help: If you have any problems or questions regarding the course, you are encouraged to contact the lecturer
VISION: further information and course materials are available on VISION