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QB1509: ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (2026-2027)

Last modified: 3 Days, 19 Hours, 40 Minutes ago


Course Overview

This is an introduction to accounting which aims to provide an understanding of how organisations – particularly small and medium sized businesses – capture, create and use accounting information both to guide their activities internally within the management function and to communicate their financial performance and position to external users of the accounts. This course allows students to develop practical and analytical skills through a problem-solving approach to accounting-related aspects of business performance reporting and control, particularly in relation to bookkeeping, accounts preparation, budgeting and management accounting.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Offshore Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Alessandro Ala

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

An introduction to accounting

  • The need for performance measurement and accounting
  • An introduction to business planning

An overview of financial accounting

  • Recording and classifying transactions: Double entry systems
  • Analysing transactions: preparation of financial statements – trading and manufacturing
  • Basic cash flow statements

An overview of management accounting

  • Understanding costs – behaviour, labour, materials and overheads
  • An introduction to costing systems – absorption and marginal costing
  • Short term decision making
  • Budgeting

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Class Test - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
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2 x MCQ Computer Tests (15% each), in-person, duration 30 minutes.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualApplyPresent and interpret financial information using key accounting terms and techniques.
ConceptualUnderstandExplain how accounting information supports internal decisions, budgeting, planning, and communication of financial performance.
FactualUnderstandUnderstand how organisations capture and use accounting information, including double‑entry bookkeeping and key financial statements.

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 70
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse financial and management accounting information while developing skills in reading introductory academic materials.
ConceptualApplyPresent and interpret financial information using key accounting terms and techniques.
ConceptualUnderstandExplain how accounting information supports internal decisions, budgeting, planning, and communication of financial performance.
FactualUnderstandUnderstand how organisations capture and use accounting information, including double‑entry bookkeeping and key financial statements.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualApplyPresent and interpret financial information using key accounting terms and techniques.
FactualUnderstandUnderstand how organisations capture and use accounting information, including double‑entry bookkeeping and key financial statements.
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse financial and management accounting information while developing skills in reading introductory academic materials.
ConceptualUnderstandExplain how accounting information supports internal decisions, budgeting, planning, and communication of financial performance.

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