FIN 5241
Derivative Securities
Covers Black-Scholes option pricing model. Provides an in-depth analysis of valuation and trading strategies for options and other derivative securities. Potential applications could include hedging, swaps, index arbitrage, corporate decision making, and financial market innovation.
Instructors
Hong Liu, Jian Cai, Linda Schilling, Philip Dybvig, Thao Vuong
Reviews
Professor Schilling teaches at a rigorous and detailed level and is always willing to explain examples thoroughly if students ask questions. While she may seem strict, this rigor benefits learning. Complaining about memorizing formulas in a derivatives course—especially for those pursuing quant roles—is unreasonable.
1/11/2026
In this class, really recommend to study the material meticulously and come to the lecture even though they are optional
12/26/2025
Heavy class, get ready to be tested. But generous grader.
12/21/2025
Worst professor I have had in 4 years at WashU, basically need to be a math PhD to somewhat understand this class.
11/20/2025
Worst professor within the business school. Content is hard and strict grading on completion-based assignments. Lectures are all very confusing.
11/17/2025
He forced us to prepare three different 5-minute presentations for three cases before the guest lecture day. And the requirement was announced just one day before. Each case has at least seven questions and requirements, including design tables and plans. During his class, he often got stuck on his logic. That is ridiculous.
4/15/2025
He does not know what he is doing. Excessively controlling, if he want to do so, maybe do it in some early education programs not graduate degree.
2/23/2025
No curve at all, and your grade of 75% depends on the finals
12/23/2024
The Mid-term consists of 11 multiple choice with a time limit of 80 mins. However, the final has 4 multiple choice and 10 essay questions in only 90 minutes. The course covers stochastic, derivatives, and finally Black-Scholes. Take this course if you like to challenge yourself.
12/12/2023
Extremely hard final exam. 90 minutes for 10 short answers and 4 multiple questions. Avoid this prof's class.
12/12/2023
He almost reads off the slides with a heavy accent. Not a very intelligent guy but is unusually condescending.
6/30/2021