Research Methods I
Module description
The module covers basic set theory and logic, and selected topics in advanced linear algebra and advanced real analysis.
Full module specification
| Module title: | Research Methods I |
|---|---|
| Module code: | BEEM136 |
| Module level: | M |
| Academic year: | 2020/1 |
| Module lecturers: |
|
| Module credit: | 15 |
| ECTS value: | 7.5 |
| Pre-requisites: | Only available to MRes Economics PhD pathway |
| Co-requisites: | |
| Duration of module: |
Duration (weeks) - term 1: 11 |
Module aims
The module aims to make the students familiar with the rigorous standards of mathematical writing and doing proofs and arguments as required at the research level and to publish in leading peer-reviewed journals. The emphasis is hence on depth rather than on covering a wide range of topics.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Derive rigorous mathematical proofs.
- 2. Work with abstract mathematical concepts.
- 3. Compute the mathematical aspects of economic modelling techniques.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 4. Read and work with current economic research papers.
- 5. Critically analyse the logic of economic arguments.
- 6. Use and analyse economic models.
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 7. Apply critical thinking.
- 8. Apply higher level quantitative skills.
- 9. Apply essential research skills.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 10 | Tutorials |
| Independent study | 118 | Independent study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Problems | Varies | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 70 | 2 hours | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
| Problem sets | 30 | 50 minutes | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam and problem sets | Examination 100% (2 hours) | 1-9 | August examination period |
Syllabus plan
- Logic, Set Theory and proofs
- Vector spaces, basis, and dimension
- Abstract vector spaces and linear maps
- Eigenvectors and eigenvalues
- Dynamical systems
- Topology on the Euclidean space, completeness
- Properties of continuous functions
- Taylor polynomials
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Simon, CP and L. Blume: Mathematics for Economists, Part VI and VII, 1994, W.W. Norton & Company, New York, London
-Rudin, W: Principles of Mathematical Analysis, 1978, McGraw Hill
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Origin date
24/06/2019
Last revision date
20/08/2019