Module
Macroeconomic Theory I
Module description
The module covers topics in modern macroeconomics with an emphasis on tools necessary to pursue
research in macroeconomics.
Full module specification
| Module title: | Macroeconomic Theory I |
|---|---|
| Module code: | BEEM138 |
| Module level: | M |
| Academic year: | 2023/4 |
| Module lecturers: |
|
| Module credit: | 15 |
| ECTS value: | 7.5 |
| Pre-requisites: | None. Only available to students on the MRes Economics and MRES Economics (PHD Pathway) programmes. |
| Co-requisites: | None |
| Duration of module: |
Duration (weeks) - term 1: 11 Duration (weeks) - term 2:0 Duration (weeks) - term 3:0 |
Module aims
The module explores core areas of modern macroeconomics with the aim to develop an understanding of
macroeconomic models that enables students to use them to tackle macroeconomic questions. The
emphasis will thus be on learning theoretical concepts and analytical techniques by using them in the
process of discussing relevant modern macroeconomic topics.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Address complex questions at the frontier of macroeconomic research systematically and creatively
- 2. Make sound judgements and communicate their conclusions to specialists and non-specialists
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 3. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving macroeconomics problems
- 4. Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 5. Identify, tackle and solve relevant research problems in macroeconomics
- 6. Work independently and responsibly on complex research problems
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 33 | 11 x 3 hour Lectures |
| Guided independent study | 117 | Reading, reflection, preparation for lectures and exams |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice problems | Varies | 1-6 | Oral/Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 50 | 3 hours | 1-6 | Oral/Written |
| 5 problem sets | 50 | 1-4 problems each | 1-6 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination 50% (3 hours) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Problem sets | Problem set 50% (1-8 problems) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral period |
Syllabus plan
Dynamic Programming Methods:
- Recursive Representations
- Value Function Iteration
- Markov Chains
- Stationary Distributions
- Policy Function Iteration
Dynamic Programming Applications:
- Neoclassical Growth Model
- Heterogeneous Firm Models
- Job Search Models
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Ljungqvist and Sargent, Recursive Macroeconomic Theory, MIT Press, 2018
- Stokey and Lucas, with Prescott, Recursive Methods in Economic Dynamics, Harvard University Press, 1989
- D. Acemoglu, Introduction to Modern Economic Growth, Princeton University Press, 2009
- Miranda and Fackler, Applied Computational Economics and Finance. MIT Press, 2002
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
None
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
None
Origin date
29/02/2016
Last revision date
03/05/2023