Units / BFF2701
BFF2701 · Equity markets
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Department of Banking and Finance
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit examines equity markets from the perspective of financial economics. It emphasises the importance of efficient equity markets for well-functioning economies and aims to introduce you to the basics of efficient market design. You will develop an in-depth understanding of how equity markets function, the contrasting motivations of market participants, and state-of-the-art developments in market design. It also covers an overview of market microstructure theory and contrasts various market structures employed in Australia and abroad, but with particular attention paid to Australia’s equity markets.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Caulfield | First semester | Flexible (FLEXIBLE) |
| Caulfield | Second semester | Flexible (FLEXIBLE) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 - Presentation | Presentation | 18% | — |
| 2 | 2 - Quiz / Test | Quiz / Test | 20% | — |
| 3 | 3 - Written | Written | 2% | — |
| 4 | 4 - Examination | Examination | 60% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prerequisite
Joined by OR.
- ETB1100 — Business statistics
- ETC1000 — Business and economic statistics
- ETF1100 — Business statistics
- ETW1001 — Introduction to statistical analysis
- FIT1006 — Business information analysis
- SCI1020 — Introduction to statistical reasoning
- STA1010 — Statistical methods for science
- ETX1100 — Business statistics
Joined by OR.
Learning outcomes
- understand the importance of equity markets for the economy and for corporations
- understand the contrasting motives for investors to participate in equity markets
- evaluate market quality
- understand how market structure impacts on market quality
- apply different techniques to evaluate trading costs
- apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with equity markets
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in BFF2701.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Tutorials | 12 hours |
| Seminars | 24 hours |
| Assessments | — |
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