CF963-7-PT-CO:
Computational Models in Economics and Finance
2024/25
Computational Finance and Economic Agents (Centre for)
Colchester Campus
Spring Special
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 27 June 2025
20
27 June 2024
Requisites for this module
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This module introduces students to computational thinking in economics and finance. Students are exposed to a variety of techniques in order to acquire a broad understanding of the challenges and potential the relevant industries are facing. The module takes both a theoretical and a practical approach to provide a competitive skillset.
This module aims to introduce students to computational thinking in economics and finance by looking at different relevant models and theories, such as agent-based modelling and mechanism design. Students will also be introduced to various applications, such as financial forecasting and bargaining. Synergy will be explained i.e. students will be explained why some of the research in computation and finance or economics together can achieve something that they cannot achieve without the other.
By the end of this module, students will:
1. understand the basics of computational theories and modelling.
2. understand the synergy between computation and economics/finance
3. appreciate applications of computational thinking in finance and economics
Topics of study:
Computational Finance:
Studying Financial Markets
Potentials and Limitations of Computation
Machine Learning Overview
Agent-based Approaches:
Agent-based Modelling (Zero-intelligence Agents)
AGT-Equilibria, Bargaining, Oligopolies (Rational Agents)
Mechanism Design
Blockchain:
Distributed Consensus
The Blockchain Protocol
Lectures discussing the theory of the course.
Labs that put the theory to practice.
Formative assessment through means like in-class quizzes.
Summative assessment through one take-home assignment.
This module does not appear to have any essential texts. To see non - essential items, please refer to the module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Progress Test Open Book (Restricted) |
|
20% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1: Application of computational modelling techniques on financial and economic situations |
05/03/2025 |
40% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2: Application of computational modelling techniques on financial and economic situations |
26/03/2025 |
40% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Themistoklis Melissourgos, email: themistoklis.melissourgos@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Themistoklis Melissourgos
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770
No
No
No
Dr Anna Jordanous
University of Kent
Senior Lecturer
Dr Chung-Ching Tai
University of Southampton
Associate Professor
Available via Moodle
Of 39 hours, 20 (51.3%) hours available to students:
17 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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