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Course Structure Overview

The Finance program at Doon Business School is structured over eight semesters, with a carefully designed curriculum that balances foundational knowledge with specialized expertise. Each semester includes core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory components to ensure comprehensive learning.

Advanced Departmental Electives

The department offers a range of advanced elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas of finance. These courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills relevant to current industry trends.

Quantitative Finance

This course delves into the mathematical and statistical tools used in modern finance. Students learn about stochastic calculus, Monte Carlo methods, and numerical analysis techniques for pricing derivatives and managing financial risk. The course emphasizes both theoretical foundations and computational implementation using Python and MATLAB. It is taught by Professor Rajesh Kumar and Dr. Anjali Sharma.

Derivatives and Options

This elective explores the mechanics of financial derivatives, including forwards, futures, options, and swaps. Students study pricing models such as Black-Scholes and binomial trees, and learn how to apply these tools in real-world scenarios. The course integrates case studies from major financial institutions and includes hands-on laboratory sessions using financial data platforms.

Algorithmic Trading

Students examine algorithmic trading strategies and their implementation in live markets. Topics include market microstructure, order execution, backtesting methodologies, and high-frequency trading techniques. The course leverages the Finance Lab's access to real-time market data and employs Python for algorithm development and optimization.

Financial Econometrics

This course introduces students to econometric models used in financial research and analysis. It covers time series analysis, regression models, volatility modeling, and asset pricing theories. The curriculum includes practical applications using R and EViews software, with an emphasis on empirical research and data interpretation.

Behavioral Finance

This course investigates how psychological biases affect financial decision-making. Students explore topics such as overconfidence, loss aversion, anchoring, and herding behavior. The course integrates insights from cognitive psychology and behavioral economics to understand market anomalies and inefficiencies.

Financial Engineering

This course combines engineering principles with financial concepts to design innovative financial products and services. Students learn about financial derivatives pricing, risk management systems, and financial software development. It includes laboratory components where students build models for pricing options, managing portfolios, and simulating market scenarios.

Advanced Investment Banking

This elective focuses on the structure and functions of investment banks. Students study underwriting, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and corporate finance advisory services. The course includes case studies from real M&A transactions and provides insights into career paths in investment banking.

Corporate Valuation

This course teaches students how to value companies using various methodologies such as DCF, comparable company analysis, and precedent transaction analysis. It covers valuation of different asset classes including equities, bonds, real estate, and intangible assets. The course includes practical exercises using Excel and financial databases.

Sustainable Finance

This course addresses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in financial decision-making. Students learn about green bonds, carbon markets, impact investing, and sustainable portfolio management. It also explores regulatory frameworks and reporting standards for ESG integration in financial services.

Fintech Innovation

This course examines the intersection of finance and technology. Students explore topics such as blockchain, digital currencies, robo-advisors, and regulatory challenges in fintech. The course includes guest lectures from industry professionals and lab sessions on developing fintech applications.

International Finance

This elective explores global financial markets and institutions. Students study exchange rate determination, international investment, cross-border capital flows, and emerging market finance. It also covers international regulatory frameworks and their impact on global finance.

Financial Policy and Regulation

This course provides an overview of financial regulation and policy-making processes. Students examine the role of central banks, securities regulators, and international bodies in shaping financial markets. The course includes discussions on recent regulatory reforms and their implications for financial institutions.

Project-Based Learning Philosophy

The Finance program at Doon Business School emphasizes project-based learning to ensure students gain practical experience while developing analytical and problem-solving skills. Projects are designed to mirror real-world challenges faced by financial institutions and organizations.

The curriculum includes both mini-projects and a final-year thesis/capstone project. Mini-projects are assigned in the second year and involve small teams working on specific financial problems or case studies. These projects typically last 4-6 weeks and require students to apply concepts learned in class to practical situations.

Students select their mini-project topics based on their interests and career goals, with guidance from faculty mentors. The evaluation criteria include the clarity of the problem statement, depth of analysis, quality of presentation, and innovation in methodology.

The final-year capstone project is a comprehensive research or development endeavor that spans the entire semester. Students work individually or in small groups to address a significant issue in finance. The project requires extensive literature review, data collection, modeling, and implementation of solutions.

Faculty mentors play a crucial role in guiding students through their projects. Each student is assigned a mentor who provides expertise, feedback, and support throughout the process. Mentors are selected based on their research interests and industry experience to ensure relevance and quality of supervision.

The evaluation of capstone projects involves multiple stages including proposal submission, interim progress reports, final presentation, and written report. The final grade is determined by the mentor, peer review panel, and external examiner to ensure academic rigor and industry relevance.