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Economics

You are here Postgraduate > MSc in Economics > Course Structure

Introductory Mathematics

Module Code: ECP77101

  • ECTS Credit: 0
  • Mandatory/Optional: Mandatory
  • Module Coordinator: Jian Cao

Aims of Module


This module is an overview of the most important mathematics techniques used in economic analysis. The module consists of two parts. The first week will be devoted to the tools used in microeconomics, ranging from set theory to optimization with non-linear constraints. In the second week, we will go through techniques typically used in macroeconomics such as integral calculus and dynamic analysis, both in discrete and continuous time.

Module Delivery

The module consists of 10 lectures of 3 hours each. Slides and other teaching material will be provided to the students at the end of each class.

Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the modules, students will be familiar with the most important mathematics tool applied in micro and macroeconomics.

Syllabus

  1. Lectures (first week):
    1. Sets, vectors and linear algebra
    2. One-variable calculus
    3. Multi-variable calculus
    4. Optimization with equality constraints
    5. Optimization with inequality constraints

Lectures (second week):

    1. Integral calculus and first-order differential equations
    2. First-order difference equations and discrete time analysis
    3. Simultaneous differential equations
    4. Optimal control theory (introduction)
    5. Test

Reading

  • Simon and Blume (1994) Mathematics for Economists. Norton
  • Chiang and Wainwright (2005) Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics. McGraw-Hill.

Assessment

The module does not award any credit therefore there will be no formal exam. There will be an open-book test in the last lecture which will not be graded. Personalised feedback will be offered to each student on the basis of the results.