Free learning pathL0–L4

Quantitative research and trading

Build the foundations, methods and work samples used in quantitative research and trading roles.

An entry-level learning direction with educational tasks; check target-role requirements.

Practice setWork-sample templateJobs, resources and experiences

Your learning checklist

Required items: 0 / 10 completed or already known

Device storage

Next: Read a role through its responsibilities

Checklist statuses are self-reported; exercise scores are recorded separately. You can reset any item.

L0

Know the role

  1. Read a role through its responsibilitiesRequired

    Translate a role description into three observable learning goals.

L1

Build foundations

  1. Spreadsheet formulas and reconciliationRequired

    Build a sourced calculation table with an independent check.

  2. Statistics, samples and uncertaintyOptional

    Describe a distribution and its limits of inference.

  3. Probability and conditional probabilityRequired

    Independently: Use a tree diagram for a two-stage conditional event.

  4. Expectation, variance and oddsRequired

    Independently: Calculate expected payoff and distinguish it from variability.

L2

Develop core skills

  1. Research code and data checksRequired

    Independently: Write pseudocode for missing values, timestamps and duplicates.

  2. Signals and leakageRequired

    Independently: Mark training, validation and test periods and check future information.

  3. Backtests and costsRequired

    Independently: Calculate returns, costs and turnover on a fictional trade log.

L3

Practise scenarios

  1. Research, citation and argumentRequired

    Write a sourced analytical paragraph with limitations.

  2. Robustness and repeated trialsRequired

    Independently: Log every parameter trial and preserve an untouched test set.

  3. Research reporting and risk reviewOptional

    Independently: Report hypotheses, data scope, costs and failure scenarios.

L4

Build a work sample

  1. Present an inspectable work sampleRequired

    Submit a work sample with method, results and reflection.

Try a practice set

Calculations and choices receive immediate checks. Review open responses yourself against the rubric. All examples are educational.

1. There is a 50% chance of +4 and a 50% chance of −2. Expected payoff?
2. How can you reduce future-information leakage?
3. After the robustness and repeated trials task, state one assumption, one supporting fact and one condition that would change your conclusion.

Quant hypothesis and backtest review

For this quant hypothesis and backtest review, bound the problem to one educational scenario. List inputs and assumptions, preserve calculations and distinguish findings from missing evidence.

Define the question, scope and success criteria of this quant hypothesis and backtest review.

Record data, source links, dates, units and assumptions.

Write reproducible steps with calculations, evidence or a process map.

Separate observations, interpretation and recommendations.

List unknowns, validation steps and conditions that change the conclusion.

Work-sample checklist