University of Michigan: Finance for Everyone: Smart Tools for Decision-Making Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This beginner-friendly course introduces essential financial concepts and tools for smart decision-making in personal and professional contexts. Designed for learners with no prior finance background, the program covers financial analysis, investment valuation, portfolio management, and risk assessment through practical exercises and real-world case studies. With a total time commitment of approximately 15-18 hours, learners engage in hands-on labs, quizzes, and guided projects to build foundational skills applicable across careers and life decisions.
Module 1: Financial Statement Analysis
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Introduction to key concepts in financial statement analysis
- Review of tools and frameworks commonly used in practice
- Interactive lab: Building practical solutions
- Guided project work with instructor feedback
Module 2: Investment Valuation Methods
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Introduction to key concepts in investment valuation methods
- Hands-on exercises applying valuation techniques
- Discussion of best practices and industry standards
- Assessment: Quiz and peer-reviewed assignment
Module 3: Portfolio Management
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Introduction to key concepts in portfolio management
- Case study analysis with real-world examples
- Interactive lab: Building practical solutions
- Guided project work with instructor feedback
Module 4: Risk Assessment & Management
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Introduction to key concepts in risk assessment & management
- Review of tools and frameworks commonly used in practice
- Guided project work with instructor feedback
- Interactive lab: Building practical solutions
Module 5: Corporate Finance Decisions
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Introduction to key concepts in corporate finance decisions
- Review of tools and frameworks commonly used in practice
- Case study analysis with real-world examples
- Guided project work with instructor feedback
Module 6: Market Analysis & Trading
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Hands-on exercises applying market analysis & trading techniques
- Case study analysis with real-world examples
- Interactive lab: Building practical solutions
- Assessment: Quiz and peer-reviewed assignment
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of mathematics
- Familiarity with using spreadsheets (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets)
- No prior finance knowledge required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Analyze financial statements using practical tools and frameworks
- Apply investment valuation methods to real-life financial decisions
- Construct and manage basic investment portfolios
- Assess and manage financial risks in personal and business contexts
- Interpret market trends and make informed trading and investment choices