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Module

Mathematics for Economic Research

Module description

Optimising decision behaviour is at the core of most economic analysis. Whether we ask how a consumer should behave, how firms should compete in a market or how governments should decide on their monetary policy, the ability to solve optimisation problems is key to finding an answer. This module provides a thorough introduction to the techniques involved in optimisation required to take PhD level Economics courses. Topics include advanced calculus, dynamic programming, difference equations and linear algebra.

Internationalisation

The whole content of this module is a neutral methodology that is applicable across disciplines and across geographic or national boundaries. It is taught by lectures with teaching and learning experience from many different countries.

 

Sustainability

All of the resources for this module are available on the ELE (Exeter Learning Environment).

 

Employability

The module will prepares for writing successfully a PhD at high academic standards.

 

Full module specification

Module title:Mathematics for Economic Research
Module code:BEEM132
Module level:M
Academic year:2021/2
Module lecturers:
  • Dr Szabolcs Deak - Convenor
Module credit:15
ECTS value:

7.5

Pre-requisites:

None.

Co-requisites:

None.

Duration of module: Duration (weeks) - term 1:

11

Module aims

The module aims to introduce students to the essential mathematical tools used in economic analysis.

ILO: Module-specific skills

  • 1. Demonstrate and be able to derive rigorous mathematical proofs.
  • 2. Demonstrate the ability to work with abstract mathematical concepts.
  • 3. Solve economic optimisation problems.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to read and work with current economic research papers.
  • 5. Critically analyze the logic of economic arguments.
  • 6. Use and analyze economic models.

ILO: Personal and key skills

  • 7. Demonstrate numeracy and the ability to handle logical and structured problem analysis.
  • 8. Demonstrate inductive and deductive reasoning.
  • 9. Apply essential research skills.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
32 hours118 hours

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Contact hours22Lectures (2 hours per week)
Contact hours10Tutorials (1 hour per week)
Guided Independent Study55 (5 per week)Reading
Guided Independent Study63 (approx. 6 hours per week)Preparing problem set answers and preparing for examinations

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Weekly problem setsOne set per week with 3 questions each1-9Verbal in class and ELE

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
30700

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Average of weekly problem sets30Weekly problem sets with 3 questions each1-9Verbal in class and ELE
Examination702 hours1-9Detailed grading
0
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Problem sets and ExaminationExamination (100%) 2 hours1-9August reassessment period

Re-assessment notes

None.

Syllabus plan

1. Basics of linear algebra: determinant, linear dependence and rank of a matrix, inverse of a matrix, determinant of a matrix, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, trace of a matrix, quadratic forms
2. Calculus: differentiation, integration, Taylor expansion, concavity and convexity, quasi-concavity and quasi-convexity
3. Optimization: unconstrained optimization, constrained optimization with equality constraints (Lagrange), constrained optimization with inequality constraints (Kuhn-Tucker)
4. Comparative statics and fixed points: envelope theorem, implicit function theorem, correspondences, fixed point theorems
5. Dynamic programming
6. First-order differential equations

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Knut Sydsæter, Peter Hammond, Arne Størm, and Andrés Carvajal (2016): Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, 5th edition, Pearson
Knut Sydsaeter, Peter Hammond, Atle Seierstad, and Arne Strøm (2008): Further Mathematics for Economic Analysis, 2nd edition, Pearson
Daniel Leonard and Ngo van Long (1991): Optimal Control Theory and Static Optimization in Economics, Cambridge University Press
Jianjun Miao (2014): Economic Dynamics in Discrete Time, MIT Press

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Origin date

04/04/2016

Last revision date

13/08/2020