BFB3121 Investments and portfolio management
Faculty of Business and Economics
BFB3121 Investments and portfolio management is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Peninsula. It needs BFB1001, BFF1001 or BFW1001 and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 2 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Peninsula
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BFB3121
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After BFB3121
1 unit list BFB3121 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
To be successful in this unit, background knowledge and application of maths is required at the equivalent of VCE Year 11 level. You may have satisfied this by completing relevant prerequisite unit/s, or you have covered relevant topics in your final years of secondary study. You should self-assess your maths competency prior to enrolling in this unit.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit explores the conceptual foundations of investment and portfolio management with a focus on using various investment strategies and techniques, including valuation models. You will learn how to analyse and measure portfolio performance against major benchmarks. In addition you will learn the relevancy of CFAI standards and ethics which are crucial for professional accreditation.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Peninsula | On campus |
Assessment
- Exercise25%
- Written25%
- Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
critically evaluate financial market information via applying relevant trading mechanisms in order to measure risk and return of equity, shares, portfolios and the market indices
- 2
research and analyse live data to determine the value and performance of securities and portfolios
- 3
demonstrate problem solving skills by critically evaluating various financial instruments and applying those skills in decision making
- 4
reflect on knowledge acquired over the unit through providing evidence based justification for decision making
- 5
apply critical thinking, problem solving and aligned decision making by selecting high quality points of interest and analysis to produce a quality report and presentation.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachSimulation or virtual practice
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
This unit allows you to engage in guided, immersive experiences to develop relevant skills, knowledge and attitudes through simulation or virtual practice.
This unit engages you in enquiry-based learning, where you will be encouraged to use your own knowledge to develop and engage in a process of enquiry, study and research to identify areas to be investigated and an approach to doing so.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.
Learning resources
Required resources
Bodie, Z., Kane, A., and Marcus, A., Investments (12th ed.), McGraw-Hill, 2021
Technology resources
There may be an additional cost associated with purchasing a physical and/or virtual calculator. Specific details will be provided in the Learning Management System by commencement of Orientation week.
Where it fits
BFB3121 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Nafisa Ovi
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BFB3121?
You need BFB1001, BFF1001 or BFW1001 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after BFB3121?
BFB3121 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including BFF5915. Those lead on to 2 units in all.
When is BFB3121 offered?
In 2026, BFB3121 runs in Semester 1 at Peninsula.
How much work is BFB3121?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does BFB3121 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include BFB3121?
BFB3121 is part of Finance and economics.