Application Prerequisite Guidelines — Quantitative Research Society @NTU
Quantitative Research Society @NTU is an advanced, research-focused society. To ensure applicants are prepared for the rigor of our workshops, all applicants must complete foundational coursework in mathematics, statistics, and programming.
Applicants may satisfy prerequisites through:
- Equivalent NTU undergraduate modules (see NTU SPMS course list), or
- Approved external MOOCs (listed below).
All prerequisites must be completed for a letter grade (B or above) or an official certificate of completion.
To apply, you must complete one course in each mandatory category (Math, Stats, Programming). Completion of recommended or advanced preparation courses may allow applicants to start directly in Semester 2 or 3, or participate in research projects immediately.
1. Mathematics Foundations (Linear Algebra & Analysis) — mandatory
A solid background in linear algebra and introductory analysis is essential for functional analysis, PDEs, and optimization.
- Advanced Linear Algebra: Foundations to Frontiers (edX, US\$99)
- Mathematics for Engineers Specialization (Coursera, free for NTU students)
✅ NTU equivalents include MH1201 Linear Algebra II and MH3100 Real Analysis I.
2. Probability & Statistics — mandatory
Applicants must have prior exposure to probability and statistics, which underpin stochastic processes, econometrics, and data-driven modeling.
- Advanced Statistics for Data Science Specialization (Coursera Plus)
- Econometrics (Coursera, free for NTU students)
- Data Analysis with R Specialization (Coursera, free for NTU students)
✅ NTU equivalents include MH2500 Probability and HE2003 Econometrics I.
3. Programming & Algorithms — mandatory
Strong programming skills are required for research projects, simulations, and optimization. Applicants should be proficient in Python or R; C++ is optional but recommended for computational finance.
- Algorithms Specialization (Coursera, free for NTU students)
- Practice on coding platforms: LeetCode | HackerRank
✅ NTU equivalents include MH4701 Mathematical Programming.
4. Recommended Preparation — optional but can accelerate placement
Applicants completing any of these courses may be allowed to skip Semester 1 and start in Semester 2 or 3.
- Numerical Methods: Numerical Analysis (Coursera, free for NTU students)
- Optimization: Convex Optimization (Stanford Online, free)
- Machine Learning: Machine Learning Specialization (Coursera Plus)
-
Finance & Economics:
- Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics (Coursera, free for NTU students)
- Finance Applications: Akuna Capital Options 101 (free)
✅ NTU equivalents include MH3700 Numerical Analysis I, MH3701 Basic Optimization, MH4514 Financial Mathematics, and HE2002 Macroeconomics II.
5. Advanced Preparation — guaranteed accelerated placement / research readiness
Completion of any of the following programs demonstrates advanced mastery, allowing applicants to enter Semester 2, Semester 3, or participate in research projects immediately.
- MFE Preparation | Master of Financial Engineering | Berkeley Haas (US$1,995 per course)
- Math Foundations for Financial Engineers: 30-hour course covering essential math frameworks for financial modeling.
- Statistics for Financial Engineers: 30-hour course covering probability, statistics, and modeling techniques. (VEE Approved)
- Pre-MFE Program | Baruch College (US$1,650 per course)
- Advanced Calculus with Financial Engineering Applications
- Probability Theory for Financial Applications
- Numerical Linear Algebra for Financial Engineering
- Machine Learning for Financial Engineering Applications
Completion of these programs demonstrates strong quantitative and computational foundations and may allow direct placement into QRS\@NTU advanced workshops or research projects.
✨ Summary:
- Mandatory: Math + Probability/Stats + Programming
- Recommended: accelerates Semester 2/3 placement
- Advanced Preparation: guarantees advanced workshop or research eligibility