Investment Planning unit (BFA607)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

In this unit, you will be introduced to the basic principles of investing. A discussion will be made of the main characteristics of investments with an emphasis on risk and return and the trade-off between the two. The unit focuses on the concepts of portfolio investment and the importance of risk management, plus addresses the issues of correlation and diversification. Identification of the risk profile of an investor is of critical importance in selecting an investment portfolio. The process of asset allocation is a very subjective one and particular to the needs of individual investors. You will study the process of asset allocation, as well as some basic investment approaches. While most people would have a number of basic investment objectives, few people are in a position to be able to devise a plan to help them achieve their objectives. A key ingredient to being able to implement a comprehensive financial plan is determining the investment products that may be appropriate for an investor. We will review the characteristics of individual investment products.

Summary

Unit name	Investment Planning
Unit code	BFA607
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline	Finance
Coordinator	Doctor Roger Colbeck
Delivered By	University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies): ECA
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the role of the financial system, its function, and the key participants within the finance system.
• Assess the potential risks affecting the financial system, their impact on financial service products, providers, clients and long-term economic performance using financial tools and techniques.
• Construct and defend a multi-asset portfolio.
• Apply the principles of behavioural finance to identify typical behaviour patterns exhibited by investors while making sustainable investment decisions.
• Evaluate funding methods for investments and communicate investment recommendations.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
081101	$2,174.00	$1,703.00	not applicable	$3,284.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Assessment	Application questions and case study (30%)|Mid-semester test (30%)|Final Exam - take home (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need the following text: Bodie, Z., Kane, A. and Marcus, A.J., (2023). Investments, McGraw-Hill, 13th edition, ISBN: 9781264412662, 1264412665

Recommended

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A., 2019. Research Methods for Business Students, Pearson education, 8th edition, ISBN: 9781292208787, 1292208783. Ackert, L. and Deaves, R., 2010, Behavioral Finance: Psychology, Decision-Making, and Markets, 1st edn, Cengage Learning. Taylor, S., and Juchau, R., 2020, Financial Planning in Australia: Advice and Wealth Management 9th edition Administration, LexisNexis Butterworths, Sydney. Valentine, T., and Scott, C., 2011, Modern Financial and Investment Planning 2nd edition, Pearson Australia. Jordan, B., Miller, T., and Dolvin, S., 2021. Fundamentals of Investments: Valuation and Management, McGraw-Hill, 9th Edition, (ISBN10: 1260013979 | ISBN13: 9781260013979).

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.