(I have provided the UCT course code, which can be Googled and/or looked up in the relevant Commerce Faculty Handbook. In selected cases, I have provided links to teaching material I have authored.).

Lecturing on AIFMRM's programmes

Financial Instruments, 2023 (MCom, part of FTX5013W, Risk Management: Markets). ​

Stochastic Financial Modelling II, 2023 (MFE, FTX5059S).

Financial Instruments, 2023 (MFE, part of FTX5055H, Financial Instruments, Risk and Regulation). ​

Introduction to Financial Engineering, 2023 (MFE, FTX4089F). ​

Stochastic Calculus for Finance II, 2022 (MPhil, FTX5049S).

Stochastic Calculus for Finance I, 2022 (MPhil, FTX5041F).

South African Financial Markets, 2021 (MPhil, FTX5040F).

Financial Instruments, 2020-21 (MCom, part of FTX5013W, Risk Management: Markets). ​

Credit Risk, 2019-20 (MCom, part of FTX5013W, Risk Management: Markets). (Slide set)

Introduction to Finance and Derivatives, 2019-22 (MPhil, FTX5039F).


Lecturing for UCT's Actuarial Science Department​

Selected Topics in Quantitative Finance, 2014-18 (BUS4087S). (Slide set) 

Financial Economics, 2017-18 (BUS4028F). (Slide set) 


Student Evaluations

Students are asked to complete a course evaluation at the end of all UCT courses, with a section about the lecturer(s). The first two questions in this section require a response on a scale of one to five:


Students have the option of leaving a comment; here are selected comments I have received:

“Alex is by far the most thorough and precise lecturer I've encounter at UCT. His stoic precision is exactly what a course like Fin Ecos requires! @ActSci Department: don't let Alex go work in industry - retain him!”

“I believe Alex is exceptionally knowledgeable of the course content. Responds to emails well and makes a huge effort to clarify understanding in consultations.”

“Extremely helpful and willing to assist students. He is approachable and has a great vision for the course. I appreciate that he tests understanding instead of so called ‘mechanical questions’. He is destined to be a great academic and UCT should try their best to retain an individual like of his calibre.”

“Well done for taking an incredibly complex set of topics and finding a way to present them in a manageable format.”

“The lecturer ensures we do not get lost in the technical detail of the course and always ensures the economic and practical applications are clear and understood. The lecturer shows a phenomenal understanding of content and is always able to provide assistance or clear things up when needed.”

“Knows stuff really well, explanations are detailed, always responds to emails on time”

“Alex is by far my favourite lecturer at UCT. His notes and lectures are well structured and they are more than enough to gauge the necessary concepts. He also helped me a lot in my preparation for test 2. He made himself available to answer my questions. He recommended extra books for me to read for interests sake. My interest in mathematical finance is predicated on his lecturing.”

“One of the best lecturers I had, with a solid understand of the material and insightful lecturing technique. Explained the material very well. I would recommend making sure there is more of a break between his lectures and the associated tutorial tests. I agree with his idea of understanding, above test technique, but think he should allow more time in tests for students to think about his unique questions. I believe his style encourages the most growth and understanding out of courses I have completed so far.”

“Very intelligent, very clear, very fair in tests.”

“Fantastic lecturer, one of the best I've had at UCT.”

“THANK YOU. I really am in awe of how great your lecturing was. Only thing that I would have liked different is for you to repeat questions that people ask you in class before answering them. Otherwise, fantastic!”

“I really enjoyed Alex's lectures.”

“Excellent lecturer and always willing to go over and above expected in helping his students.”

“I really like Alex's approach to teaching. He takes his time to explain concepts and does not rush into anything. Even when covering concepts that we probably covered earlier in the year, he would still take time out to quickly summarize what it was about. Honestly, such a good experience. Fair tutorials, that him and Mansa helped us through. Clear communication lines as well.”

“Alex, he's the best lecturer so far in my opinion. He doesn't rush through the content but ensures that every single thing on his slides is explained thoroughly.”

“Alex is one of the best lecturers I've had. Very approachable and helpful. Deserves an award for sure.”

“Alex is very good and clear lecturer. He is calm and enthusiastic about the content which is nice and he is always available to ask for help.”

“Yes, Alex Backwell, he loves teaching FI and makes sure that no student is left behind. He is not just a lecture but he is warm and welcoming and understands that some students may be left behind and motivates all.”

“Probably the best teacher I’ve ever witnessed. Thanks Alex.”

“Very organised and set a good pace. Always explained where we were heading at the beginning of each topic which I found helpful.”

“Alex is a very nice lecturer, keep it up.”

“the best, that's all”

“Literally one of the best lecturers I've had.”

“I think that they both articulated everything extremely well and forced us to think (often on the spot) which helped understanding greatly.” [referring to the two lecturers on the course]

“Alex was very thorough and always explained things clearly.”

“Dr Alex is always trying to help us and is more understanding so he should be considered for a Distinguished Teachers Award.”

“Great lecturer who engages with students and ensures students understand the work.”

“I enjoyed the practical way in which Alex explained concepts. Made me want to learn more about the field.”