Actuarial Science


Faculty List

Professors Emeriti 
D.F. Andrews, MSc, PhD 
A. Feuerverger, BSc, PhD 
D.A.S. Fraser, BA, PhD, FRSC 
I. Guttman, MA, PhD 
P. McDunnough, MSc, PhD 
R. Neal, BSc, PhD 
M.S. Srivastava, MSc, PhD 
A.M. Vukov, MA, ASA 

Professor and Chair of the Department 
M.J. Evans, MA, PhD 

Professor and Associate Chair, Graduate Studies 
S. Volgushev, PhD 

Associate Professor, Teaching Stream and Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies - Actuarial Science
V. Zhang, BSc, MSc, FSA, ACIA, Actuarial Science

Associate Professor, Teaching Stream and Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies - Statistics
N. Taback, BSc, MSc, PhD

University Professor 
N.M. Reid, MSc, PhD, FRSC, OC 

Professors 
A. Badescu, BSc, MSc, PhD 
S. Broverman, BSc, MSc, PhD, ASA
R. Craiu, BSc, PhD 
S. Jaimungal, BSc, MSc, PhD 
K. Knight, MSc, PhD 
X.S. Lin, MSc, PhD, ASA 
J. Quastel, MS, PhD 
J.S. Rosenthal, MA, PhD 
J. Stafford, MSc, PhD 
L. Sun, BSc, PhD 
B. Virag, PhD (UTSC)
Z. Zhou, BSc, PhD 

Associate Professors 
D. Brenner, MSc, PhD 
L.J. Brunner, MA, PhD (UTM) 
M. Franklin, BSc, MSc, PhD 
D. Roy, BSc, MSc, PhD (UTSC)
L. Strug, BA, BSc, Sc M, PhD
P. Zwiernik, MSc, PhD 

Assistant Professors 
M. Alexander, BSc, MA, MSR, PhD 
R. Alexander, BE, PhD
B. Babic, BA, JD, MS, PhD
M. Bing, BS, MFE, MSc, PhD
F. Chevalier, BSc, PhD 
D. Duvenaud, BSc, MSc, PhD
G. Eadie, BSc, MSc, PhD 
M. Erdogdu, BSc, MSc, PhD 
J. Gronsbell, BA, PhD
D. Kong, PhD (UTM)
V. Leos Barajas, BSc, PhD
C. Maddison, MSc, PhD
J. Y. Park, BA, PhD
S. Pesenti, BSc, MSc, PhD
X. Shi, BSc, MSc, PhD
J. Speagle, BA, MA, PhD
Q. Sun, PhD 
E. Tuzhilina, MSc, PhD
L. Wang, BSc, PhD 
L. Wong, BSc, MSc, PhD
Y. Zhang, BSc, PhD 

Associate Professors, Teaching Stream 
A. Gibbs, B. Math, BEd, MSc, PhD, Statistics 
B. White, BSc, M Math, PhD, Statistics - Biostatistics 

Assistant Professors, Teaching Stream 
S. Caetano, BSc, MSc, PhD
K. Daignault, BSc, MSc
K. Huynh Wong, BSc, MSc
M. Moon, BSc, MSc
N. Moon, BSc, MA, PhD
S. Schwartz, BA, BS, MSc, PhD

Introduction

Actuarial Science is based upon the application of mathematical techniques to reduce the impact of such hazards as loss of income through death, disability, or retirement, or loss of property through fire, accident, or theft. Actuaries are the chief architects of life, health, and property insurance plans, and pension plans, and bear the major responsibility for their financial soundness. By using concepts from the areas of probability and finance, actuaries model, forecast and value the costs of benefits that will be provided to the participants in such plans. Methods developed for modeling insurance risk can also be applied to modeling investment risk, and actuaries apply their expertise to the valuation of sophisticated investment vehicles such as options on equities, bonds and other investment derivatives. ACT230H1 and ACT240H1, though somewhat technical, are courses of interest to a wide audience, since almost every student will from time to time be either a saver or a borrower, and will be covered by insurance and pension plans. Other actuarial courses deal with more specialized topics, and are generally taken by students with a more serious interest in the field or who want to pursue a career as an actuary. University of Toronto's Actuarial Science programs are fully accredited by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and most professional requirements at the Associate level (ACIA) can be satisfied through courses in the actuarial programs. We are also designated as Society of Actuaries' Center for Actuarial Excellence (CAE). 

Enquiries: 9th Floor, Ontario Power Building, 700 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z5 (416-978-3452)

Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies: Statistics - Professor N. Taback; e-mail: ugchair.statistics@utoronto.ca

Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies: Actuarial Science - Professor V. Zhang; e-mail: ugchair.actsci@utoronto.ca

Actuarial Science Programs

Actuarial Science Specialist (Science Program) - ASSPE0608

This program is designed to prepare a student for professional work as an actuary, and more generally in the financial risk management industry.

Enrolment Requirements:

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Completed courses (with minimum grades)
The following courses with the stated minimum grades are required:

MAT137Y1 (63%)/ MAT157Y1 (60%)
ACT240H1 (70%), ACT245H1 (70%) and ACT247H1 (70%)

Completion Requirements:

(13.0 credits)

First Year:

  1. MAT137Y1 (63%)/ MAT157Y1 (60%)
  2. MAT223H1/​ MAT240H1 (should be taken in first year, enforced as a prerequisite for MAT237Y1)
  3. ECO101H1, ECO102H1
  4. STA130H1

Note: STA130H1 is restricted to first-year students. If you are unable to complete STA130H1 in first year, see notes below for accepted substitutions for this requirement.

To be completed before the end of Second Year:

  1. CSC108H1/​ CSC120H1/​ CSC148H1. A student who has completed CSC110Y1 also fulfills this program requirement.

Second Year:

  1. ACT240H1 (70%), ACT245H1 (70%), ACT247H1 (70%)
  2. MAT237Y1/​ MAT257Y1
  3. STA257H1, STA261H1
  4. MGT201H1

Higher Years:

  1. A set of mandatory courses (3.5 credits): ACT348H1, ACT349H1, ACT350H1, ACT370H1, ACT451H1, ACT452H1, STA302H1
  2. 2.0 credits to be selected from lists 1 and 2 (students can only use at a maximum 1.0 credit from list (2), the practice oriented courses, to fulfill program requirements):
    (1) ACT371H1, ACT455H1, ACT460H1, ACT466H1, STA314H1, STA457H1, STA414H1, and
    (2) ACT372H1, ACT470H1, ACT471H1, ACT473H1, ACT475H1.
  3. Professional Experience Course ACT390H1: students are strongly recommended to complete this course in the Fall semester of the third year.
  4. Actuarial Professional Internship ACT391H1: a full-time work term in an actuarial field (420-hour long at a minimum, and may be longer due to professional or academic needs).

NOTES:

  • If you are unable to complete STA130H1 in your first year of study, this requirement must be fulfilled with one of the following 0.5 credits to fulfill your 13.0-credit program requirements: ACT455H1, ACT460H1, ACT466H1, STA314H1, STA457H1, STA414H1. The course taken in lieu of STA130H1 cannot be one that is being used to satisfy Requirement 2 in the completion requirements for Higher Years.
  • In order to enrol in ANY 300- or 400-level ACT course, the minimum grade of 63% must be obtained in each of ACT240H1, ACT245H1 and ACT247H1. The enrolment requirements and the prerequisites for all ACT courses will be strictly enforced.
  • Students who have an interest in pursuing studies in mathematical finance should consider taking MAT244H1, MAT336H1/​ MAT337H1 and APM346H1. Students in the Actuarial Science Specialist Program who have successfully completed ACT348H1 and ACT349H1 may request to enroll in the following RSM courses (provided the appropriate prerequisites and corequisites are met): RSM430H1, RSM433H1, RSM437H1. MAT246H1 is recommended (not required) for students in the Actuarial Science Specialist Program.
  • Wherever possible, the expectation is that the student will be paid based on industry standards for the duration of the work term.

Actuarial Science Major (Science Program) - ASMAJ0608

Enrolment Requirements:

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Completed courses (with minimum grades)
The following courses with the stated minimum grades are required:

MAT137Y1 (63%)/ MAT157Y1 (60%)

Completion Requirements:

(8.5 credits)

First Year:
1. MAT137Y1 (63%)/ MAT157Y1 (60%)
2. MAT223H1/​ MAT240H1 (should be taken in first year, enforced as a prerequisite for MAT237Y1)
3. STA130H1

Note: STA130H1 is restricted to first-year students. If you are unable to complete STA130H1 in first year, see note below for accepted substitutions for this requirement.

To be completed before the end of Second Year:
4. CSC108H1/​ CSC120H1/​ CSC148H1. A student who has completed CSC110Y1 also fulfills this program requirement.

Higher Years:
5. ACT240H1, ACT245H1, ACT247H1, ACT348H1, ACT370H1
6. MAT237Y1/​ MAT257Y1
7. STA257H1, STA261H1
8. ACT451H1, ACT452H1, STA302H1

STA314H1 is strongly recommended.

NOTES:

  • If you are unable to complete STA130H1 in your first year of study, this requirement must be fulfilled with one of the following 0.5 credits to fulfill your 8.5-credit program requirements: STA314H1, ACT350H1, ACT455H1, ACT460H1, ACT466H1, STA457H1, STA414H1.
  • In order to enrol in ANY 300- or 400-level ACT course, the minimum grade of 63% must be obtained in each of ACT240H1, ACT245H1 and ACT247H1. The enrolment requirements and the prerequisites for all ACT courses will be strictly enforced.
  • Students who have an interest in pursuing studies in mathematical finance should consider taking MAT244H1, MAT336H1/​ MAT337H1 and APM346H1.
  • ACT390H1 is a required course in the actuarial science specialist program. The course is not required in the actuarial major program but a limited number of spots are available for actuarial major students by invitation, after a short application process. International students in the actuarial major program are not eligible for work permits for internships.
  • Students interested in actuarial practices should consider taking ACT371H1, ACT372H1, ACT470H1, ACT471H1, ACT473H1, ACT475H1.
  • The University of Toronto requires that any student who is using a combination of programs to graduate (e.g. two majors, a major and two minors) must complete a total of at least 12.0 distinct credits that are used to satisfy program requirements. It is possible that a student with a combination of actuarial science major and statistics major may not comply with this 12.0 credit rule (depending on how students select their courses within the statistics major) and may need to take additional courses to satisfy this rule. If you have concerns or questions regarding this rule, please consult with the department.
  • Students are highly encouraged to take ECO101H1 and ECO102H1 to obtain SOA VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) credit for Economics, and MGT201H1 and ACT349H1 to obtain VEE credit for Accounting and Finance."

Actuarial Science Courses

ACT199H1 - Decipher Financial Puzzles in the Media and Pop Culture

Hours: 24L

Have you ever watched a pundit’s passionate rant over financial crisis on TV and wondered whether he was right or wrong? Did you get the full story after watching movies like Margin Call or The Big Short? What was the efficiency market versus behavioral finance debate all about? Did you wonder why everyone in the financial press seem to be calling for a lower debt/equity ratio on banks in the post-crisis era? If you find yourself think about those questions, this is the course for you. We will start from some basic building blocks of finance, such as time value of money and discounting, and proceed to look at some of the important financial controversies you have read or heard in the pop culture or media. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT230H1 - Mathematics of Finance for Non-Actuaries

Hours: 24L/12T

Introduction to financial mathematics, interest measurement, present value calculation, annuity valuation, loan amortization, consumer financing arrangements, bond valuation. The course is aimed at a general audience who will not be continuing in the actuarial science program. Course manuals fee: $30.

Prerequisite: First-year Calculus
Exclusion: ACT240H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT240H1 - Mathematics of Investment & Credit

Hours: 24L/12T

Interest, discount and present values, as applied to determine prices and values of annuities, mortgages, bonds, equities; loan repayment schedules and consumer finance payments in general; yield rates on investments given the costs on investments. Course manuals fee: $45.

Prerequisite: MAT137Y1 (minimum grade 63%)/ MAT157Y1 (minimum grade 60%)
Exclusion: ACT230H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT245H1 - Financial Principles for Actuarial Science I

Hours: 24L/12T

Term structure of interest rates, cashflow duration, convexity and immunization, forward and futures contracts, interest rate swaps, introduction to investment derivatives and hedging strategies.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1, MAT137Y1 (minimum grade 63%)/ MAT157Y1 (minimum grade 60%)
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT247H1 - Introductory Life Contingencies

Hours: 36L

Probability theory applied to survival and to costs and risks of life assurances, life annuities, and pensions; analysis of survival distributions; international actuarial notation. Course manuals fee: $35.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1; MAT137Y1 (minimum grade 63%)/ MAT157Y1 (minimum grade 60%); STA257H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT348H1 - Life Contingencies II

Hours: 36L

Determination of benefit premium and benefit reserves for life insurance and annuities; analysis of insurance loss random variables; theory of life contingencies for multiple lives. This is the second course in the life contingencies series, following ACT247H1.

Course manuals fee: $40.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%)
Corequisite: STA257H1, MAT237Y1/ MAT257Y1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT349H1 - Corporate Finance for Actuarial Science

Hours: 24L/12T

Corporate finance for actuarial science students.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%)
Corequisite: STA257H1, MAT237Y1/ MAT257Y1
Exclusion: ECO358H1, ECO359H1, RSM332H1, RSM333H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT350H1 - Applied Probability for Actuarial Science

The course offers an introduction to elementary probability theory and stochastic processes. The main goal of the course is to help actuarial students understand the concept of stochastic processes with particular emphasis on Markov chains that are of great importance in Life Contingencies and Property and Casualty insurance.


The course will cover the following topics: a basic review of probabilities with emphasis on conditional probabilities and expectations, discrete time Markov chains, Poisson processes, continuous time Markov chains, renewal theory and some applications, queueing theory.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%), STA257H1
Corequisite: MAT223H1/ MAT240H1, MAT237Y1/ MAT257Y1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT370H1 - Financial Principles for Actuarial Science II

Hours: 36L

Mathematical theory of financial derivatives, discrete and continuous option pricing models, hedging strategies and exotic option valuation.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%)
Corequisite: STA261H1, MAT237Y1/ MAT257Y1
Exclusion: RSM435H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT371H1 - Basic Reserving Methods For P&C Insurance

Hours: 24L/12T

Topics covered include reserving data and triangles, diagnoses methods that range from triangle of ratios of paid claims to reported claims to triangle of reported claim ratios. The syllabus also includes projection techniques. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1, STA257H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT372H1 - Basic Ratemaking Methods For P&C Insurance

Hours: 24L/12T

This course covers the basic ratemaking methods for P&C insurance. It assumes that students are familiar with traditional reserving diagnoses and projection methods. The syllabus would introduce concepts related to earning of exposures, on-level factors, catastrophe loading, large loss loading and credibility. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: ACT371H1
Distribution Requirements: Science

ACT390H1 - Professional Experience in Actuarial Science

Hours: 24S

This course is preparation for an internship work term. It includes various professional skill workshops, networking activities and an invited speaker series. The course is mandatory for students in the Actuarial Science Specialist program. A limited number of spots in the course are open for students in the Actuarial Science Major program. Students in the major program must apply to the department for permission to take the course. This is a CR/NCR course.

This course does not carry credit weight and is evaluated as Credit/No Credit. No tuition fee is associated, however a $625 ancillary fee will be assessed towards Professional Experience preparatory program costs.

Prerequisite: Enrolment in the Actuarial Science Specialist program or by approval of the Department of Statistical Sciences.
Distribution Requirements: Science

ACT391H1 - Professional Internship

Internship course for students enrolled in the Actuarial Science Specialist, fulfilled as a 420-hour work term at a minimum (maybe longer based on professional and academic needs) in a workplace related to actuarial science in third or fourth year. ACT390H1 must be completed first in preparation. Contact Department for more information.

This course does not carry credit weight and is evaluated as Credit/No Credit. No tuition fee is associated, however an ancillary fee of $790 will be assessed towards Professional Experience placement.

Prerequisite: ACT390H1

ACT398H0 - Research Excursions

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-excursions-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT398Y0 - Research Excursions

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-excursions-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT451H1 - Loss Models

Hours: 36L

Loss models policy adjustments, frequency and severity models, compound distributions.

Prerequisite: STA257H1, ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%)
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT452H1 - Loss Models II

Hours: 36L

Estimation of Loss and Survival Models using complete, censored and truncated data. Product-Limit estimation, empirical estimation, moment and percentile estimation, maximum likelihood estimation and simulation models.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%), STA261H1, ACT451H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT455H1 - Advanced Life Contingencies

Hours: 36L

Advanced life contingencies, multiple decrement theory, insurance policy expenses, multi-state transition models, Poisson processes. This course is the last in the three-course series for life contingencies, following ACT247H1 and ACT348H1.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%), ACT348H1, ACT350H1/ STA347H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT460H1 - Stochastic Methods for Actuarial Science and Finance

Hours: 36L

Applications of the lognormal distribution, Brownian motion, geometric Brownian motion, martingales, Ito's lemma, stochastic differential equations, interest rate models, the Black-Scholes model, volatility, value at risk, conditional tail expectation. Topics in advanced financial mathematics.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%), ACT350H1/ STA347H1
Recommended Preparation: ACT370H1 strongly recommended
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT466H1 - Credibility and Simulation

Hours: 36L

Limited fluctuation credibility, Bayesian estimation, Buhlmann credibility, non-parametric credibility methods, inverse transformation simulation method, specialized simulation methods for the normal and lognormal distributions, Monte Carlo methods, the bootstrap method.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1 (minimum 63%), ACT245H1 (minimum 63%), ACT247H1 (minimum 63%), STA261H1, ACT451H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT470H1 - Advanced Pension Mathematics

Hours: 36L

Topics in pension mathematics; funding methods for pension plans. (Offered in alternate years)

Prerequisite: ACT348H1 or permission of instructor
Corequisite: ACT455H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT471H1 - Topics in Casualty Actuarial Science

Hours: 36L

This course will cover current topics relevant to industry participants. Topics may include advanced modeling, pricing for different lines of business, financial conditions, regulatory impacts and current developments. Students will develop an understanding of key topics driving the industry today and some of the framework of reference used by actuarial practitioners for charting a course in areas of uncertainties.

(Offered in alternate years)

Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: ACT371H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT473H1 - Issues In Actuarial Practice

Hours: 24L/24T

Case study approach to current issues in life insurance, pension consulting and casualty actuarial practice. The focus of the course will be on communication and presentation. This course is Pass/Fail. Not eligible for Credit/No Credit.  The course is open to students in the specialist program in actuarial science. Students in the major program in actuarial science can enrol into the course with permission of the department.

Prerequisite: ACT348H1, ACT349H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT475H1 - Insurance Products and Regulation with AXIS

Hours: 36L

Case studies using leading actuarial application AXIS. Examine key types of insurance products and their pricing and valuation. Review representative developments in insurance regulations in US, Europe and Canada. Other topics include a brief introduction of the use of AI in life insurance.

Prerequisite: ACT240H1, ACT245H1, ACT247H1
Corequisite: ACT348H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT496H1 - Readings in Actuarial Science

Independent study under the direction of a faculty member. Persons wishing to take this course must have the permission of the Undergraduate Secretary and of the prospective supervisor. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT497H1 - Readings in Actuarial Science

Independent study under the direction of a faculty member. Persons wishing to take this course must have the permission of the Undergraduate Secretary and of the prospective supervisor. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT498Y1 - Readings in Actuarial Science

Independent study under the direction of a faculty member. Persons wishing to take this course must have the permission of the Undergraduate Secretary and of the prospective supervisor. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ACT499Y1 - Readings in Actuarial Science

Independent study under the direction of a faculty member. Persons wishing to take this course must have the permission of the Undergraduate Secretary and of the prospective supervisor. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

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