https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/E_PM_MATHThe course builds on the mathematics that has been offered at high school ("Wiskunde A"). After taking this course, the student:understands the concepts of differentiation and optimization of functions of one and more variables. is able to work with limits, sequences and series. can analytically optimize functions, applying his knowledge about (partial) derivatives. can work with interest rates and discount rates. is familiar with the basics of matricesIn this Pre-Master course, students study the necessary knowledge and skills for quantitative analysis required throughout the Master of Finance program. We cover a broad range of topics, such that you can easily handle the mathematical content encountered in the courses investments, Asset Pricing, Derivatives, and Empirical Finance. You develop a thorough understanding of (partial) differentiation and optimization of functions with one and more variables. In addition, you understand the concept of limits, sequences and series, which are frequently used in time-series models. Finally, you get a primer of matrices, which come back in the research methods related topics in the master program. e.g. the linear regression model, which is one of the most used models in finance.The course consists of 18 sessions over a period of six weeks. Each session takes 2 hours and usually consists of brief lectures exposing the subject matter followed by exercises.Written exam – Individual assessmentProblem sets – group assessmentThe course relies on the following book: K. Sydsaeter & P. Hammond, Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, 6th Edition, Pearson, 2021, ISBN 9781292359304. The VU-bookshop offers a special edition with an access code for online training ("MyMathLab Global access card"). Using MyMathLab is not mandatory for this course and it is not supported by the teachers. Additional documents that are essential for this course will be available at the Canvas system.