Finance and Behavioural Bias
Overview
This unit aims to provide students with the knowledge of behavioural attributes underlying human decision-making, and how these attributes impact financial decision-making. The unit broadens students' understanding of the investor's mind and client's behaviour when obtaining financial advice. In this unit, the roles of behavioural biases, ethical principles, and legislative requirements in building a long-term client-advisor relationship are discussed and the professional skills and knowledge required for the development of financial strategies that meet the client's best interest are practiced. This unit further provides an understanding of the fundamental financial techniques that assist in the evaluation of financial products such as shares and bonds.
Requisites
50 credit points
08-February-2026
04-October-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Apply finance theories including the time value of money to assist financial decision making
- Explain a range of client behaviours and psychological processes and how these impact financial decision-making processes
- Apply behavioural finance knowledge in meeting legislative requirements and construct ethical advice based on a clients' level of financial literacy
- Communicate effectively to engage with and create positive relationships with clients and peers
- Work effectively in teams
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Lecture |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 12.5 | 12 weeks | 150 |
Swinburne Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 12.50 | 12 weeks | 150 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Group | 25 - 35% | 2,3,4,5 |
| Assignment | Individual | 30 - 50% | 2,3 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1 |
| Presentation | Group | 5 - 15% | 2,3,4,5 |
Content
- Time value of money
- Net present value and investment evaluation methods
- Knowing self and others
- Market and investor behaviour
- Risk profiling
- Constructing advice
- Client engagement
- Professional relationship building
- Financial advice legislative requirements
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.