Meeting Investors’ Goals Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a comprehensive exploration of behavioral finance, combining theoretical frameworks with practical applications to help learners understand how psychological factors influence investment decisions. Over approximately 7 hours of content, learners will examine individual decision-making, market dynamics, and portfolio strategies, gaining tools to better meet investors' goals. The course includes insights from industry experts, including UBS professionals, and features flexible scheduling ideal for working professionals.
Module 1: General Introduction and Key Concepts
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Explore how emotions can hinder sensible investment decisions
- Review foundational concepts for strategic investment planning
- Lay the groundwork for rational decision-making processes
Module 2: How Individuals Make Financial Decisions
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Examine personal investment motivations and decision-making processes
- Identify cognitive biases affecting financial choices
- Analyze emotional influences on investment behavior
- Discuss the role of honesty, trust, and media in financial decisions
Module 3: Market Efficiency, Bubbles & Crises
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Analyze how collective investor behavior impacts asset prices
- Understand implications of market efficiency on trading strategies
- Study historical financial crises to identify causes and patterns
- Explore preventive measures for future market disruptions
Module 4: Portfolio Construction and Investment Styles
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Learn top-down and bottom-up portfolio construction methodologies
- Explore various investment styles in portfolio management
- Experiment with different trading strategies
- Compare outcomes with peers to evaluate strategy effectiveness
Module 5: Insights from Industry Experts
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Gain real-world perspectives from UBS professionals
- Understand practical applications of behavioral finance in investing
- Learn how institutions address investor behavioral biases
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Apply behavioral finance principles to a simulated investor scenario
- Construct a portfolio aligned with client goals and risk tolerance
- Present rationale for investment choices, addressing cognitive and emotional factors
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic financial markets concepts
- No advanced finance background required
- Beginner-level understanding of investing recommended
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand how rationality and irrationality influence investment decisions
- Identify cognitive biases and emotional factors in financial choices
- Analyze market efficiency and the occurrence of financial bubbles and crises
- Apply portfolio construction methodologies and investment styles
- Use insights from industry experts to enhance client advisory skills