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2025/2026  KAN-CBIOO1007U  Finance and Accounting in Bio-Business

English Title
Finance and Accounting in Bio-Business

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Markets & Innovation
Course coordinator
  • Sof Thrane - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Main academic disciplines
  • Finance
  • Accounting
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 23/06/2025

Relevant links

Learning objectives
In order to achieve 12 students should
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the theories and models of control and finance.
  • Demonstrate an ability to apply theories and models to problems in the bio, medtech and pharmaceutical industry.
  • Demonstrate an ability to reflect critically upon the assumptions of theories and models.
Examination
Finance and Accounting in Bio-Business:
Exam ECTS 7.5
Examination form Written sit-in exam on CBS' computers
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Aids Limited aids, see the list below:
The student is allowed to bring
  • An approved calculator. Only the models HP10bll+ or Texas BA ll Plus are allowed (both models are non-programmable, financial calculators).
  • Language dictionaries in paper format
The student will have access to
  • Advanced IT application package
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The number of registered candidates for the make-up examination/re-take examination may warrant that it most appropriately be held as an oral examination. The programme office will inform the students if the make-up examination/re-take examination instead is held as an oral examination including a second examiner or external examiner.
Description of the exam procedure

The use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools or apps is not allowed for this exam

Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Course Content

Bio ventures and pharmaceutical companies rely heavily on strategic relationships to external stakeholders such as large costumer organizations, partners for out-sourced R&D, suppliers of venture capital etc. The development of new drugs and medico technical products is highly uncertain and development times are lengthy. Their internal operations (largely research) are difficult to manage and control by conventional approaches, and managing cash flows and portfolios of projects is challenging. These characteristics tie together a set of closely related issues in the financing and management of bio ventures and pharmaceutical companies. This course addresses these interdependent issues by teaching key concepts and tools of finance and management accounting.

Topics in management accounting focus on decision making and control for start-ups and established firms. Course components include the health economics, pricing in lifesciences, control and incentives in product development processes, cost accounting and budgeting.

The finance part of the course will mix entrepreneurial and corporate finance to deal with issues in forecasting and planning cash flows, the calculation of present and real option values of projects, relationships to VC, BA and Stock markets and how to secure funding for start-ups.

 

 

Teaching and learning Methods

The course will mix lectures with casework and simulations. There will be excel-based casework in class for the finance part.

Some sessions have a link to short videos explaining basic elements of particular techniques (Cost allocation, performance management/balanced scorecard and Budgeting). It may give you a good start on the reading if you watch the videos before reading.

Feedback will be given in class on quizzes, casework and simulations in class. Feedback will also be given in office hours.

 

Learning Outcome

The course enables students to analyze how their internal operations and external relationships can be managed an environment characterized by high uncertainty and where the development of the firm is dependent on both creative processes and the ability to handle relationships to stakeholders such as venture capitalists, stock markets, suppliers and customers. Students learn to design appropriate solutions for controlling innovation and product development. They learn how to plan cash flows, secure funding and manage portfolios of bio projects. They become capable at identifying opportunities and pitfalls of different finance and control mechanisms, to understand how they change over the life-cycle of the firm, and to use the acquired knowledge to build and successfully develop innovative enterprises.

Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Peer review including Peer-to-peer
Description of the teaching methods
The course will mix lectures with casework and simulations. There will be excel-based casework in class particularly for the finance part.
Some sessions have a link to short videos explaining basic elements of particular techniques (Cost allocation, performance management/balanced scorecard, and Budgeting). It may give you a good start on the reading if you watch the videos before reading.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback will be given in class on quizzes, casework and simulations in class. Feedback will also be given in office hours.
Student workload
lecture 40 hours
preparation 166 hours
Last updated on 23/06/2025