Course Descriptions

Credits: 3 (3, 1, 0) Prerequisites: None

This course discusses the terminology, concepts, theory, methodology and limitations of microeconomic analysis. It provides students with a theoretical structure to analyze and understand economics as it relates to individuals and businesses and roles of the market price system in managing the use of society’s resources and in rationing available supplies. In addition, it seeks to provide students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of the government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

Credits: 3 (3, 1, 0) Prerequisites: None

An introduction to macroeconomics; national income accounting and determination; business cycles and main concerns about economic growth, development, inflation, and unemployment; the role of government and its policy tools; analysis of macroeconomic issues based on Keynesian and neoclassical principles.

Credits: 3 (3, 1, 0) Prerequisites: ECON 101, ACC111

This course is an introduction to financial management and finance functions. The main purpose of the course is to provide students with a basic financial literacy for them to be able to more easily understand the financial events or news happening in their day to day lives and in the business environments. It should also assist students to comprehend materials taught in other business courses and higher-level finance courses more easily. Topics include time value of money, interest rates, bonds, stocks, and risk and return. This course is a prerequisite to all higher finance courses.

Credits: 3 (3, 0, 0) Prerequisites: FIN 210

This course provides an overview of the global financial system in which financial managers and investors operate. It will examine the evolving structure and role of financial markets and financial institutions in providing financial intermediary services to the economy in the dynamic information age. Attention will be given to the financial markets in the context of intense global competition, increased capital mobility and global harmonization due to the recent domestic and international deregulation of financial intermediaries. Additionally, the various forms of risks face by financial intermediaries will be covered, with an emphasis on risk management techniques available to managers of financial institutions like commercial banks.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 210

The purpose of the course is to discuss how businesses fund their operations in order to maximize profits and minimize costs. It deals with the day-to-day operations of a business' cash flows as well as with long-term financing goals. Topics discussed include risk and return analysis, cost of capital, capital structure theories, dividend policy, financial planning, working capital management, and other topics, which may include financial risk management and international finance.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 210, ACC 111

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive framework for analyzing and forecasting financial statements to evaluate the performance of companies. Topics include financial ratios, market multiples, the effect of different accounting methods on financial analysis, financial reporting quality, and forecasting financial statements.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 210, FIN 250

This is an intermediate course in finance that, first, presents financial markets’ role, functioning and instruments (traditional and derivatives). Second, the central question of price formation is addressed: are securities fairly priced. The answer to that question determines the strategies used by investors. There are two cases: If investors believe that prices are fair, they will play passive strategies. Whereas when investors believe that the pricing process is not fair, they will try to catch up with investment opportunities by executing active investment strategies. Distinguish between open and closed end funds; exchange traded funds and other types of professionally managed investment companies and discuss the various types of fund loads, fees and charges. Finally, the efficient market hypotheses is presented in terms of issues, anomalies and implications.

Credits: 3(3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 310

The course is designed to provide a rigorous understanding of the International Financial Mechanism, Measuring Exposure to Exchange Rate Fluctuations, Direct Foreign Investment, Multinational Capital Budgeting, International Corporate Governance and Control, Country Risk Analysis, Multinational Capital Structure and Cost of Capital and International Cash Management The course also focuses on the role of a financial manager in international perspective. The risk to the firm, due to exchange rate fluctuations is divided into Economic, transaction, and translation exposure. For each of these areas, attempt is made to answer the questions like: why and how do fluctuating exchange rates place the multinational firm at risk? What can the firm do to minimize the risk associated with fluctuating exchange rates? International sources of financing international trade along with the issues relating to the way a firm raises capital are also considered. In this regard, the analysis of foreign capital markets and Euro markets is undertaken. International financial institutions and their role in the economic development of several countries will also be analyzed.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: STAT 271, FIN 310

This course provides basic knowledge about the main econometric techniques applicable to financial data analysis. Econometrics can be defined as the application of mathematical and statistical methods to the analysis of economic and financial data. This course introduces basic econometric modelling techniques such as the classical linear regression, univariate time series, cointegration, volatility forecasting, and panel data. These techniques will allow the student to analyze finance related problems empirically. At the end of this course, students should feel comfortable applying basic econometrics tools to analyze simple financial theoretical models empirically.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 210

This course aims to develop an understanding of the many decisions involved in real estate activities. The course covers topics ranging from the concepts of real estate including terminologies, legal concepts, ownerships and rights of parties involved in real estate, real estate appraisal and valuation, financing of real estate for both residential and non-residential properties.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to explain the tools and terminologies/concepts frequently used in real estate market, apply the suitable appraisal methods to estimate the market value of properties, differentiate between mortgage financing for residential and commercial properties.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 210, FIN 250

This course introduces students to the laws and regulations that apply to the financial sector: Students learn the fundamental laws and regulations that govern the traditional and digital financial services. The paramount importance of these financial regulations is highlighted through analyzing some major financial crises that were caused by the breach of such financial regulations. Students are also introduced to the global financial markets and the regulations governing them along with the Kingdom’s own domestic financial sector’s laws and regulations. Students also learn laws and regulations pertaining to the derivative markets, both international and domestic.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 310

This course examines the market for and the price/yield determinants of various fixed income securities, including sovereign debt, ‎corporate bonds, agency debt, mortgages and asset-backed securities. Theories, models, quantitative methods and their applications in fixed-income markets will be emphasized. Topics include securitization, the term structure of interest rates and portfolio management strategies, such as duration, convexity, immunization and analysis of interest rate derivatives such as futures, options, swaps, caps, and ‎floors.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 320

The objective of the course is to familiarize the participants with the stock markets across world, its terminology, types of securities, determinants of the price behavior of securities, evaluation of fair price, and to provide a conceptual insight to the valuation of securities. It will also help students to improve decision-making skills in management of financial assets through a better understanding of modern portfolio theories management and capital markets’ functioning.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 320, FIN 335

This course introduces students to the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Financial Technology (Fintech). The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to analyze financial data and to enhance efficiency in developing and delivering financial services. Students are introduced to the basics of Fintech through the lens of finance theory. The course helps students develop a deep understanding of the link between AI and Fintech by exploring the concepts and instruments widely used in today’s financial world, such as Blockchain technology, crypto currencies, etc.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 340

This course aims to develop an understanding of the real estate market analysis and the measurement of real estate value. Topics include market analysis for both residential and commercial properties, fundamental concepts of value, professional standards, methods and procedures in property valuation for residential, commercial properties and special purpose property. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to explain the concepts of real estate market analysis, investment and value of real estate; distinguish relevant market analysis and appraisal techniques; estimate the value of property using three approaches to valuation: market approach, income or investment approach, and cost approach and demonstrate responsibility through report writing and presentation.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisites:FIN 340

This course aims to develop an understanding of the many decisions involved in real estate financing and investment. It is expected that it would enable students to understand the real estate financing under the both conventional and Islamic systems, financial and investment analysis techniques involve in corporate real estate decision, projects and land developments, and evaluates the real estate investment performance. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to explain the real estate financing for both conventional and Islamic systems; distinguish relevant financial and investment analysis techniques; assess the feasibility and financing of project and land developments; evaluate the performance of real estate investments; demonstrate responsibility through report writing and presentation and demonstrate good communications and numerical skills primarily through assignments and as well as classroom discussions.

Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: FIN 310, FIN 320

This course is designed to introduce students, and eventually equip them with, the quantitative tools that are necessary for making informed decisions in finance. Using spreadsheets, particularly, Microsoft Excel, students will learn how to optimize the use of spreadsheets in understanding and creating quantitative financial models that are commonly employed in measuring and managing financial risk as well as generating firm’s forecasts and predictions. After completing this course, the students should be able to understand the importance of spreadsheets in financial modeling; explain the causal impact of data on a firm’s financial overall performance; Identify and measure risks faced by the firm based on data analysis; Recommend various risk-managing approaches and present forecasts and predict about the overall financial performance of a firm.

Credits: 3 (3, 0, 0) Prerequisite: FIN 320

This course provides students with the techniques, concepts and applications relevant to financial derivative securities. Topics include analysis of various types of options and strategies of options, trading, principles of trading commodities on future markets, speculation and hedging using derivative securities. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to understand the main techniques and concepts related to derivative securities; how options, futures and forward contracts are used for hedging and speculation and use the main financial models to evaluate options and other contracts.

Credits: 2 (2, 0, 0) Prerequisite: FIN 310, FIN 320

This course will be an advance level based on ‘action learning’ concept. Purpose of this course to bridge the gap between theory and practice as well as introducing them to the broader financial community. The course offers hands-on experience with the latest technology, research tools, and databases to solve practical business problems, specifically in the financial markets. It provides the students with an opportunity to expand their classroom learning into the real world. Moreover, this will enable them to apply their existing knowledge as well as learning new skills by integrating use of information technology for better financial decision making.

Credits: 3 Prerequisite: Department Consent and 15 Finance CRs not counting FIN 301

The internship tends to be a full-time work during summer and part-time for the fall and the spring positions. One semester hour is equivalent to 100 hours of training. Students develop new skills through a practical training in a career-related job. The course must be repeated once.

Credits: 10 Prerequisite: Department consent

The Co-Op is a career related professional program available to all Finance students. Itis designed to help students build on skills already learned in the classroom and acquire new ones as well. Co-Op education is available to Finance students who have accumulated the requisite number or more credits. The Co-Op option counts for 10 credit hours (CRs) for practical onsite experience over a 7-month period, i.e. spanning one semester and a summer.