EC3304 Mathematical Economics

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

When confirmed, check online https://timetables.st-andrews.ac.uk/.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr N L Grant

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Nicky Grant

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The module covers the basic mathematical tools used in economic theory. Good knowledge of elementary calculus will be assumed. The main topics are multivariate calculus, concavity and convexity, optimization theory, differential equations, and dynamic optimization. The main goal is that students learn to use the tools, so the emphasis will be on techniques and their applications to fundamental economic models rather than abstract theory.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

PERMISSION OF THE ECONOMICS HONOURS ADVISER

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework (incl. 2 x Class Test 25% each ) = 50%

Re-assessment

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

20 hours of lectures over 11 weeks, 1-hour tutorial (x 5 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours

25

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

175

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with the mathematical tools often used in economic analysis
  • Identify and use the corresponding tools to solve certain economic problems
  • Improve the ability of solving quantitatively demanding questions with rigorous thinking
  • Be prepared, on a mathematical skill set level, for potential postgraduate studies in economics