Bruno Gerard is a professor in the Department of Financial Economics. He lectures in the Master of Science course Portfolio Management and the PhD course Empirical Asset Pricing.
The Portfolio Management course has a practical approach that enables the students to implement the basics they have learned about finance and investing. Gerard says that the cases used are closely connected with what students can expect in professional situations:
"Students are given the opportunity to implement and use basic and advanced investment tools. This will help students understand the practical advantages and limitations of financial theory."
Professor Bruno Gerard thinks this programme is suited to students with an academic background from a bachelor’s degree in economics or administration.
"The programme provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge, and an understanding of how finance is employed by individuals, companies and other institutions. I expect my students to be willing to learn, work hard and be open to new ideas."
International course
Portfolio Management is a course where the number of international students is typically fifty per cent. This gives Norwegian students the opportunity to participate in a master programme where they can acquire experience from different cultures and languages in addition to the theoretical element.
Gerard believes this will make students more attractive for international companies:
"In addition to the Norwegian students getting the opportunity to work together with the international students, and thus getting to know new cultures, many of the cases and examples we use are from actual companies world-wide."
Working with students from other parts of the world can also contribute different viewpoints and approaches to the cases. The class has about 40 students. Through this course Gerard attempts to encourage the students’ critical thinking and an ethical mindset.
Students are given the opportunity to implement and use basic and advanced investment tools. This will help students understand the practical advantages and limitations of financial theory.
Bruno Gerard, Professor - Department of Financial Economics
