Module overview
This module is designed for students starting the BA Economics or BA joint honours programmes with Economics. It provides the mathematical foundations needed for undergraduate study in Economics, ensuring that all students are equipped with essential numeracy and analytical skills. The module emphasizes understanding and application of mathematics to economic contexts, building confidence and fluency that will support subsequent modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods.
Topics of study include functions, financial mathematics, differentiation, univariate optimisation, and elasticities.
The module is designed to prepare students for further economics modules in 2nd and 3rd year. It also complements the teaching of first year microeconomics and macroeconomics modules.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use mathematical techniques in financial analysis
- Evaluate economic arguments using mathematical techniques
- Use elasticities to inform economic decision-making
- Interpret graphical representations of economic phenomena
- Use differentiation to analyse economic phenomena
- Use mathematical notation to analyse economic concepts
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Communicate mathematical concepts clearly
- Learn how to interpret mathematical concepts in an economic context
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Develop answers to complex problems by use of logical reasoning
- Develop planning and organisational skills to meet deadlines
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Differentiate basic functions and find turning points
- Learn the language of mathematics and algebraic notation
- Develop the ability to manipulate mathematical objects such as functions, graphs and equations
- Develop a clear understanding of marginal analysis
- Solve systems of basic simultaneous equations and recognise when no solution is possible
Syllabus
- Linear and Quadratic Functions
- Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- Differentiation
- Economic Applications of Functions and Single Variable Optimisation
- Elasticity
- Comparative Statics
- Compound Growth and Discounting
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lecture, tutorials, masterclasses, and private study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Teaching | 5 |
| Independent Study | 113 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed as follows: A two-hour end of semester exam (70%), group coursework (20%), and online quizzes (10%). This is accompanied by continuous formative assessment in the form of problem sets. This is the same for internal repeats. Referral and external repeat assessments are through 100% final exam.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 70% |
| Group Assessment | 20% |
| Online test | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External