Entry requirements

Completed 15 credits from basic courses (A-level) in business studies, and registered for another 15 credits at the same level.

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide broadened and in-depth understanding of the subject of accounting as well as a basic understanding of corporate finance. After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the purpose(s) of accounting and regulatory frameworks as well as independently discuss regulatory developments in relation to societal developments,
• independently identify and discuss accounting-relevant questions from the various theoretical perspectives,
• independently analyse how the application of various accounting standards impact valuation and associated key performance metrics, and thereby the usability of accounting information for various stakeholders,
• independently describe the principal logics for consolidated financial statements including demonstrating a selection of applied adjustments illustrating these basic principles,
• independently demonstrate basic understanding of capital markets, financial assets and how companies use capital markets to raise funds,
• independently demonstrate basic understanding of regulatory frameworks within the field of sustainability reporting as well as independently discuss regulatory developments in relation to societal developments,
• demonstrate a developed economic language independently and in both oral and written form where the above-mentioned points can be discussed using a nuanced and correct vocabulary.

Content

The course aims to give an in-depth understanding of the subject of financial accounting and a basic understanding of corporate finance. The course departs from the question as to why accounting exists and what theoretical perspectives can be used to understand contemporary regulatory frameworks in accounting. Annual- and consolidated reports are then analysed with the focus on financial statements and how the use of various accounting standards can cause variations in valuation and associated key performance metrics. The purpose and basic principles of consolidated reporting is also covered in the course. Using the balance sheet as the source of departure, a given part of the course aims to provide a basic understanding of financial assets as well as creating a basic understanding for financial markets and how firms can use capital markets to raise funds. The course also provides an overview of sustainability reporting including basic vocabulary and basic understanding of regulatory frameworks and their implications on the subject of accounting.

Instruction

Teaching is delivered in form of lectures, applied lessons, QA-sessions and mandatory seminar involving group work. A mandatory quiz on cheating and plagiarism is carried out.

Assessment

The examination consists of three modules:

1. Written assignments and active participation in seminars, individually and in groups, 2 credits (U, G)
2. Individual written exam, 5.5 credits (U, G, VG)
3. Individual quiz on cheating and plagiarism, 0 credits (U,G)

A collective grade is given for the entire course, 7.5 credits.

Grading criteria are presented in the course study guide. In modules 1 and 3 the grades Pass (G) or Fail (U) are used. In module 2 the grades Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U) are used. Examinations submitted after the appointed time are not graded unless special reasons can be proven. Any supplemental assignments concerning module 1 must be submitted no later than the time specified in the course study guide.

For course grade G, the student must obtain the grade G on all examination modules. For course grade VG, the student must obtain the grade G on modules 1 and 3, and the grade VG on module 2.

For a student who has not attained a passing grade on Module 1, there is the opportunity to be examined via re-registration at a future teaching period. For a student who has not attained a passing grade on Module 2, there is the opportunity to be examined without re-registration via a retake on the exam at future teaching periods. For a student who has not attained a passing grade on Module 3, there is the opportunity to be examined without re-registration via a retake of the quiz at a subsequent course section.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.