This module explores the key concepts and theories of financial derivatives. The focus is mainly on futures and options whose underlying asset is a financial asset (e.g., stock index options). Students will learn how to price these derivatives with the use of suitable pricing models. Additionally, they will learn how to use them to implement various risk management strategies. Overall, this module will enable students to possess a solid knowledge on derivatives and will give them the foundation to read further in the area and at a more advanced level (e.g., high quality journals).
Derivatives Trading Book Management with Programming is a practically focused advanced course in the market-making of derivatives products using computational modelling. Students will get a bird's eye view of the derivatives industry, and the roles of the major buy- and sell-side players, across all underlying asset classes. They will learn how to use the main 'vanilla' products - forwards, swaps, options, caps and floors - to structure bespoke features and exotic contracts for prospective clients. Using Python, students will create their own Monte Carlo engine and use it in the practice of market making: pricing, dynamic hedging, and risk management. Finally, students will learn about the role and social impact of financial market regulations.
Some of the biggest uncertainties in climate change predictions come from our lack of understanding of the impact of some of the smallest airborne dust particles. These dust particles are transported between continents from some of the hottest and most unpopulated regions on our planet, and potentially end up fertilising tropical rain forests or ocean algal blooms. Yet, even in the harshest of desert environments, vegetation or bacteria may still exist, and help to shape the windy landscapes that they reside in. Landscapes where wind-blown sand forms some of the most exquisite, self-organised patterns visible on satellite images and recognisable on other planets.
Conventional laboratory experiments are useful mainly to assist understanding or analysis. Because they are of necessity stereotyped, they are of limited usefulness when a circuit or system must be designed to meet a given specification. The majority of engineering tasks fall into this latter category, and therefore require design or synthesis skills, in addition to the understanding of underlying engineering principles. This module includes individual and team design exercises devised to provide a bridge between 'conventional' experiments and the project work in the third and fourth years, (which in turn provide a bridge to 'real' projects in industry). The exercise has real deadlines and concrete deliverables and students are encouraged to be creative, develop imaginative solutions and to make mistakes. Exercises share common characteristics: • Customer orientated rather than proscriptive specifications are given • Design work carried out, bringing academic knowledge to bear on practical problems • Laboratory sessions are used for development/ construction/ verification of designs • Allow students to demonstrate their communication skills in writing individual and group reports/presentations.
This module is suitable for students who are planning to conduct an empirical project for their dissertation, those who work in clinical and health research settings and those who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of design and methods for clinical and health research. It forms a basis for other research modules comprising the MRes programme. Learning is shared with the doctoral training programme. Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to: LO1.Critically appraise and integrate a wide range of literature related to your area of research, both from a scientific and a pragmatic perspective, and in the context of a health care environment LO2.Identify questions or topics relating to your area of practice and carry out a comprehensive literature search LO3.Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research design and methods through critical appraisal of selected literature LO4.Critically evaluate relevant research evidence and synthesise recommendations for your area of research or practice LO5.Identify and justify appropriate and feasible research question(s).
A well-designed experiment is an efficient way of learning about the world. Typically, an experiment may involve varying several factors and observing the value of a response at settings of combinations of values of these factors. The mathematical challenge is then to choose which settings to use in order to gain the maximum information from the resulting data. Experiments are performed in all branches of science, engineering and industry. In recent years, traditional application areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, medicine and pharmaceutical science have been joined by bioinformatics, genetics, drug discovery, finance and economics. Problems of increasing size and complexity from these new areas have led to the development of many new methods for designing and analysing experiments. The aim of this module is to provide a grounding in the statistical and mathematical methods that underpin the design and analysis of experiments, before exploring a number of areas where recent and ongoing developments are taking place. Mathematical criteria for quantifying the information available from a given design will be defined and explored, and will underpin much of the material in the module.
The course takes place during the Easter vacation at La Laguna University, Tenerife, Spain. The course consists of two separately assessed modules. Module 1 is a one week design study of an astronomical spacecraft. Module 2 is a week of practical observations at the Teide Observatory using optical and infra-red telescopes involving both solar and night-time observations. Due to space limitations at the observatory, only 12 students can take part in this module. Offers to participate are made only to the 12 academically strongest students registered on the MPhys with Astronomy Programme, based on performance in Year 1. Academic performance will be judged by the credit-weighted Year 1 average, using only marks obtained at the first attempt (i.e. no referral marks). Only students registered on the MPhys with Astronomy programme by the end of the summer term of their first year will be considered for invitation onto this module.
The third module is focused on the design and production of online learning across a series of lessons or learning sessions such as a module or curriculum. You will be given an opportunity to consider the issues around sequencing of learning, formative, and summative assessment, how to provide experiential online learning and how to produce online learning material including responsible use of AI to support the design and production of courses. The module will consider ways in which you can apply learning theory and pedagogy to your learning design and practice. You will learn how to support students as a tutor, how to reinforce learning, and provide for differentiation and progression across a series of lessons. Themes in the previous module will be developed further as we consider wider issues of learning design and creating a climate conducive to learning.
This practice-based module invites you to tackle complex and "wicked" global challenges using advanced design thinking, systems approaches, and iterative design methods. You will be encouraged to identify situations where the complexity of contemporary life overwhelms existing systems, services, or design responses - and to develop innovative, collaborative solutions that prioritise both people and the planet. Engaging across artefacts, services, strategies, and experiences, you will investigate the values, goals, and needs of diverse stakeholders. You'll develop the ability to frame and communicate complex issues, recognising the social, environmental, and technological dimensions of design. Through iterative cycles of ideation, prototyping, testing, and refinement, you will produce ethically informed, professionally executed design outcomes. Design Explorations promotes transdisciplinary collaboration and encourages co-creation with academic, civic, and industry partners. These partnerships will enrich your portfolio and equip you with the skills and experience needed for future professional pathways.
This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to creatively explore the role of immersive, smart, and mixed reality technologies in shaping future scenarios, products, services, and systems. A series of practical keystone projects offer you the opportunity to refine your design practice (concept, iteration, testing, and feedback) and build your portfolio. You will gain advanced skills in digital and physical prototyping, scenario planning, and critical storytelling. Critical engagement with current global issues and creative exploration of future possibilities, will develop your understanding of the ethical implications and systemic impacts of design choices. Co-design practices, knowledge exchange, and industry insight are integral to this module. Collaboration with industry partners and peers, ensure you remain at the forefront of this fast-evolving sector and gain valuable professional experience in the creation of future-facing solutions.
In the Design Futures and Emerging Technologies module, you will gain in-depth expertise in applying smart and emerging technologies - including sensory processing, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), artificial intelligence (AI), creative coding, and smart systems processing. The module investigates how these technologies can be applied to envision and shape sustainable, equitable, and ethical futures. Through speculative design briefs, you'll engage with both creative and technical methods to conceptualise and prototype forward-thinking interventions. The module emphasises immersive experience design, human-computer interaction, and frameworks for responsible innovation, while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, and the use of future foresight tools to address complex societal challenges. You’ll develop an understanding of how emerging technologies systems influence decision-making, systems and user behaviour. Emphasis is placed on designing for equity and accessibility, ensuring that future design solutions respond to diverse needs and cultural contexts. As you build advanced prototyping skills using digital and computational platforms, you’ll learn how to evaluate the broader implications of your design proposals within real-world socio-technical contexts.
The Final Project is a culmination of your studies on the PGT Design Management programme, preparing you for either further studies or a future career in Design Management. This module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of ‘real world scenarios’ and consider progressive thinking in sustainable practice and design management theories, and how this informs design management & strategic planning in industry. It also gives you the opportunity to develop an extended focus on a single topic to advanced critical levels, with a focused portfolio of skills. You will be considering real world scenarios together with your progressive learning on Design Management, to apply to an independently constructed project demonstrating your deeper understanding of concepts and methodologies. This is an independent and self-directed project with the guidance of a supervisor. On this module you will put into practice the research and analytical skills that you have learned on the programme. Focusing on a contemporary design management discussion, debate or issue, you will investigate this thoroughly to prepare a critical paper collating, critically analysing and commenting on the ideas and viewpoints of others, together with those of your own. This enables you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and apply to . As well as improves your communication and presentation skills that are key for employability. You will employ professional approaches to engage with relevant academic staff, and peers to explore and undertake an independent project. There will be flexibility to select a project . You will apply research and project management methods and techniques and demonstrate academic and professional ethical awareness. By your application of theory , your analysis and final output will engage with and extend your understanding of current issues and debates and industry and professional contexts.
Design as a function is the driver of change so therefore the role of the designer is demanding and dynamic, with an ever-changing landscape of economics, politics, society, culture and values. Designers are challenged to problem solve, working towards the United Nation Global Sustainable Goals (SDGs) to provide strategic plans for competitive advantage leading to global prosperity. We ask an overarching question of how can design enable industry, communities and society as a whole to create a more resilient future. “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests” (sdgs.un.org, 2023) The Principles and Practices module explores the relevance and context of the role of a designer in relation to products and services. It explores the designer and their values, principles & processes in practice in relation to responsible design. It looks at different stakeholder perspectives involved in the design processes to examine the interaction and key values & principles a designer must hold to address progressive sustainable practice from a global perspective. This would inform an approach to problem solving that takes a critical and purposeful direction that understands the human and the problem first. The module will delve into how a designer can harness these advanced skills to add value to the business environment and their own practice from a societal perspective. Decisions made in the design process towards this, advance the definition of sustainable practice to improve the three ‘Ps’ People, Planet and Profits (Tripe Bottom Line) . You will be expected to develop and present constructive & critical thinking in relation to your own direction and demonstrate understanding of the academic literature recommended on the module and beyond. During the course of this module, you will explore the SDGs and delve into models of sustainable practice considering Triple Bottom Line, Circular economy and social practice. The module will cover advanced key concepts in design practices for Human centred design in industry and delve into depth on the theoretical literature related to Human Centre and inclusive practice. You will also be encouraged to discuss, engage and articulate on the wider political, social, environmental and technological shifts in society to position your ideas within your chosen sector in Design Management. This would inform an approach to problem solving that takes a critical and purposeful direction that understands the problem first.
This module introduces students to formal design search and optimization (DSO) approaches using a mixture of lectures covering theory and practice and a series of worked case studies with student participation.
Design Thinking for Complex Systems is a practice-based module that equips you with critical and creative tools to navigate real-world complexity. You will develop the skills to design resilient, future-oriented solutions grounded in critical analysis and social responsibility. Activities include mapping systemic relationships, prototyping service and product ecosystems, and visually communicating complexity. Through collaborative projects, you will learn how to map, diagnose, and intervene in systemic challenges using advanced design and technical methods. The module tackles urgent issues such as climate adaptation, responsible technology, and inclusive innovation - focusing on areas like resilient healthcare services, sustainable climate interventions, and responsible digital transformation. Guest lectures, industry-led workshops, and field-based insights connect you with current practices and ensure that your learning remains relevant on both regional and global scales.
This module will develop your ability as a chemical engineer to communicate effectively with chemists, translating recent developments in chemistry into a business case and designing the next step in the commercialisation process.
In this module you will explores the practical challenges of designing and conducting research. The module provides a process focused overview of the stages of a research project from reviewing literature, defining research questions, and identifying appropriate methods of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, to navigating ethics, writing up and presenting the research, and data management. The teaching of these elements is underpinned by a strong emphasis on professional practice, practical research skills and critical reflection. The module is assessed via a research proposal that provides important foundations for conducting an empirical PGT dissertation. The skills covered on this module are a key part of professional research practice and as such are important transferable skills, valued by employers in a variety of sectors and industries as well as in academic career paths.
This applied research methods module aims to cover common research training needs for all students in their first year of postgraduate study in psychology. You will develop the knowledge and skills you need to begin to design your own research project, and work towards competency in some of the Health Professions Council (HPC) Standards of Proficiency (SOP) for practitioner psychologists.
This module explores the practical challenges of designing and conducting research. It provides a process focused overview of the stages of a research project from reviewing literature, defining research questions, and identifying appropriate methods of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, to navigating ethics, writing up and presenting the research, and data management. The teaching of these elements is underpinned by a strong emphasis on professional practice, practical research skills and critical reflection. The module is assessed via a research proposal that provides important foundations for conducting an empirical PGT dissertation in SSPC. The skills covered on this module are a key part of professional research practice and as such are important transferable skills, valued by employers in a variety of sectors and industries as well as in academic career paths.
