COMM 271 - Introduction to Capital Markets

COMM 271 provides an academically rigorous overview of the capital markets and the functions of the players in those markets. The course will combine examining the markets from a purely economic perspective as well as seeing the markets from the professional’s perspective; the professional perspective will be provided by capital markets professionals. Students will be responsible for integrating the academic and professional perspectives of the markets.

Much of the material will be self-taught, as student teams (organized by the instructors) take turns presenting class lectures, supplemented by the instructors.

Learning objectives

The objective of the course is to allow students who MAY have an interest in finance and the global capital markets to:

• identify institutions and careers in capital markets that align with their skills and interest
• apply fundamental valuation techniques to stock and bond investments
• understand written and verbal communications that are commonplace in capital markets
• describe firm characteristics that are associated with fundamental firm value
• convey written and verbal arguments on the fairness of valuation of stocks

Admission

Admission to COMM 271 is by application only and is restricted to BCom students entering Year 2. To apply, please email Jan Bena at jan.bena@sauder.ubc.ca to express your interest, and you will be directed to the course application page.

For the 2025 Winter Session, the deadline to apply is Friday, June 13, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified of acceptance and registered in the course in early July.

Students with a pre-existing interest in capital markets may also consider applying to the UBC Portfolio Management Foundation (PMF) program in their second year or to the UBC Sauder Women+ in Finance Training (SWIFT) program. However, please note that admission to COMM 271 is not a factor in the selection process for either PMF or SWIFT. This course is intended to help students prepare for a career in capital markets, regardless of whether they plan to participate in the PMF or SWIFT program.

Students with a pre-existing interest in capital markets or any area in finance more broadly are encouraged to pursue the Early Start to Finance Option.