Free online courseFinance course

Course Description

The Finance course offered by OpenCourseWare is an intensive 24-hour and 59-minute program that delves into the intricacies of corporate finance, positioned under the umbrella of Business Administration. This course is meticulously crafted to cater to both novices and those with some prior knowledge in the field, seeking to deepen their understanding of financial principles and applications in a corporate setting.

The journey begins with an engaging introduction and course overview, setting the stage for what lies ahead. Early sessions focus on foundational concepts such as present value relations, which are fundamental to mastering finance. Through a series of detailed lectures, you will progressively explore the complexities of fixed-income securities, equipping you with the knowledge to evaluate and navigate the fixed-income market with confidence.

As you advance, the course introduces equities, providing a comprehensive understanding of stock markets and investment strategies. This is followed by an in-depth exploration of forward and futures contracts, where you will learn about the mechanisms and strategies associated with these essential financial instruments.

The subject of options is another critical component, divided into multiple sessions to ensure a thorough grasp of this versatile tool. These sessions demystify the principles behind options, enabling you to leverage them effectively in various financial scenarios.

The course also addresses risk and return, an area of paramount importance in finance. By examining these concepts, you will learn how to measure and manage risk, fostering a balanced approach to investment and capital allocation. This naturally leads into portfolio theory, where advanced techniques for portfolio diversification and optimization are discussed.

Another highlight is the exploration of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). These sessions offer a deep dive into modern financial theories that explain the relationship between risk and expected return, guiding you in making informed investment decisions.

Capital budgeting is a critical focus area, teaching you how to evaluate investment opportunities and make strategic business decisions that maximize value. This is complemented by sessions on efficient markets, which cover theories and evidence related to market efficiency, offering insights into the behavior of financial markets.

By the end of this course, you will have acquired a thorough understanding of corporate finance, equipped with the tools and knowledge to analyze, evaluate, and execute financial decisions effectively. While there are no reviews yet, the comprehensive content and rigorous academic approach of this OpenCourseWare program promise a transformative learning experience for aspiring finance professionals.