This course is designed to 1) extend the student's knowledge of finance to the areas of investments, asset pricing and related research methods, and 2) direct the student's effort to publish in a refereed journal. The current academic research will be covered in the areas of portfolio theory, equilibrium and arbitrage-based pricing models including CAPM, APT and option pricing models, efficient market hypotheses, corporate hedging, and mergers and acquisitions. Related databases and methods will also be covered. It is imperative that students read all reading materials before the first class. Prerequisite: FIN 6500 or instructor approval.

( FIN 6500 )

A. Entrance Competencies:

1. Knowledge of tools and techniques of finance and accounting as applied mainly in a domestic setting.
2. Course(s) in microeconomics.
3. Basic quantitative skills, basic computer skills, and basic word processing and statistical software skills.

B. Exit Competencies:

After successfully completing FIN 6540, students are expected

1. to know the theories and empirical findings of the general literature in the following areas: Portfolio theory, equilibrium and arbitrage-based pricing models including CAPM, APT and option pricing models, efficient market hypotheses, corporate hedging, mergers and acquisitions, and select databases and research methods; and
2. to write a research paper that contributes to the current literature.

1. Required Materials


1. Textbooks

Financial Theory and Corporate Policy - 4.Edition - 2005
Copeland, Weston and Shastri
Addison-Wesley
Boston, MA
ISBN: 0321127218



APA Manual
The APA Manual is a recommended textbook for all courses.
Effective July 1^st 2009, the 6th edition of the APA Manual is recommended for all courses.

NSU Bookstore
Textbooks and Case Studies may be purchased from the NSU Bookstore (located in the University Park Plaza) by calling 1-800-509-2665 or online at http://www.nsubooks.bkstore.com.

The NSU libraries comprise the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center, East Campus Branch Library, Health Professions Division Library, Law Library and Technology Center, North Miami Beach Branch Library, University School Library Media Centers, and the William S. Richardson Ocean Science Library. Students are strongly encouraged to visit one of the physical locations and/or take advantage of the vast electronic library available for research. For more information, please visit http://www.nova.edu/library.

Please note that all required and recommended materials should be referenced in APA style.