The degree project work should treat a problem in financial mathematics.
The emphasis is placed on analysis and modelling, not programming and implementation. The extent of the project should correspond to at least 20 weeks of full time studies. The formulation of a detailed project description and plan is required as well as literature studies. The completed work is presented at an open seminar.
The student is expected to demonstrate the ability to:
apply relevant knowledge and skills to a given problem within the engineering field of study,
independently plan and carry out a project in optimization and systems theory
collect additional knowledge and information necessary for the completion of the task
present the results in a written report and orally including a discussion of the prerequisites, methodology, approach and results of the work
identify one’s need for further knowledge and continuously develop one’s own competencies .
For students in Master's programme at least 60 credits must be completed before the degree project starts
For students within the Master's part of five-year degree (civilingenjör) at least 240 credits must be completed, and no more than 2 courses may be incomplete in the Bachelor part of the degree
It is the responsibility of the examiner to make sure that the student has an appropriate specialization and that the student has completed sufficient parts of the studies before the degree project is started. Exemption can, after assessment, be granted by the director of first and second cycle education. The degree project should normally be carried out during the last semester.
Specific eligibility requirements
Typically, the specific requirements for a degree project in financial mathematics are fulfilled if the student has completed the courses SF2701 Financial mathematics, SF2942 Portfolio theory and risk management, and at least one of the two courses SF2975 Financial derivatives or SF2980 Risk management, and at least one of the four courses SF2930 Regression analysis, SF2935 Modern methods of statistical learning, SF2943 Time series analysis, or SF2955 Computer intensive methods in mathematical statistics.
Depending on the project, other requirements may apply.
An independent literature search and study within the relevant field is expected. A reading list can be suggested by the examiner or supervisor.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
The examination includes
The degree project is performed individually or together with another student. In the latter case the examiner must ensure that the contribution of each student corresponds to the requirements for an individual degree project. The project is reported in writing and orally in English or Swedish.
The evaluation criteria for the degree project are given below, divided into the categories: Process, Engineering-related and Scientific Content and Presentation. The final grade is given by the examiner based on an overall assessment after the written report has been checked for plagiarism. To get a passing grade the student cannot be insufficient in any of the three evaluation categories. The evaluation criteria should also be regarded as a guideline for the students aiming at higher grades.
A student who is not finished with the degree project within 1 year can be failed. This decision is taken by the examiner after consulting the programme director.
Process
Excellent
Independently plan and carry out the project within agreed time frames, show good initiative and be open to supervision and critique. Independently identify one’s own need for new knowledge and acquire this knowledge. Show a good ability to adopt the perspective of another’s work and formulate relevant and constructive critique.
Good
Plan and carry out the degree work within agreed time frames, show initiative and be open to supervision and critique. Show the ability to acquire new knowledge. Show the ability to adopt the perspective of another’s work and formulate relevant critique.
Sufficient
Carry out the project work within agreed time frames, show certain initiative and be open to supervision and critique. Show a sufficient ability to acquire new knowledge. Show a sufficient ability to adopt the perspective of another’s work and formulate critique.
Insufficient
Insufficient respect for agreements, severe lack of independence, or disregard for supervision. Lacks the ability or desire to acquire new knowledge.
Engineering-related and scientific content
Excellent
From problems/inquiries and methodology, show a very good ability to apply engineering-related and scientific skills like problem formulation, modelling, analysis, development and evaluation in a systematic way. Where this is relevant, show awareness of societal and ethical aspects, including economically, socially, and ecologically sustainable development.
Good
From problems/inquiries and methodology, show a good ability to apply engineering-related and scientific skills like problem formulation, modelling, analysis, development and evaluation in a systematic way. Where this is relevant, show awareness of societal and ethical aspects, including economically, socially, and ecologically sustainable development.
Sufficient
From problems/inquiries and methodology, show a sufficient ability to apply engineering-related and scientific skills like modelling, analysis, development, and evaluation. Where this is relevant, show a certain awareness of societal and ethical aspects, including economically.
Insufficient
Significant lack of engineering-related or scientific skills or lack of methodology despite the request.
Presentation
Excellent
Show a well disposed report, with clear accounts of the project and the results, clear analysis, and well founded argumentation, as well as good language usage, format and scientific accuracy. Show a good ability to orally present with clear argumentation and analysis, and also a good ability to discuss the work.
Good
Show a well disposed report with clear accounts of the project and the results, analysis and argumentation, as well as good language usage and format. Show a good ability to orally present and discuss the project.
Sufficient
Show a written report with acceptable structure, format and language usage. Show the ability to orally present the report.
Insufficient
Lacks important elements in the written report despite the request, or lack of the ability to orally present or discuss the project.
The language of the course is English but it can also be pursued in Swedish.
