EC106: Introduction to Quantitative Economics
Principal Aims
To introduce quantitative economics to students with a relatively strong mathematical background and to extend this analysis through the use of mathematics.
Principal Learning Outcomes
At the end of the year students should have a good grasp of the main theories and be ready if they wish to embark upon more advanced economics options taught in the second year, in particular, EC220/221 Mathematical Economics 1, and EC204 Economics 2.
Syllabus
The focus is mainly on economic theory but "real world" applications of relevant theories will also be examined, subject to time limitations. The module will typically cover the following topics:
Term 1: microeconomics, which is concerned with the economic behaviour of individual consumers and producing firms, and their interaction in markets for goods, services and factors of production, strategic interaction and the analysis of externalities and public goods.
Term 2: macroeconomics, which is concerned with aggregate economic variables or the workings of the national economy as a whole: aggregate output (Gross Domestic Product or GDP), employment and unemployment, inflation, interest rates, the balance of payments, exchange rates, etc., and with government economic policies to influence these variables.
Context
- Pre or Co-requisites
- A-level Mathematics or the equivalent
- Pre-requisite for
- EC220, EC221
- Restrictions
- May not be taken by GL11 students or students on Economics-based degree programmes
- Part-year Availability for Visiting Students
- Available in the Spring term only (1 x test - 9.6 CATS) and in the Autumn and Spring terms together (2 x tests - 19.2 CATS)
Assessment
- Assessment Method
- Coursework (20%) + 2 hour exam (80%)
- Coursework Details
- Two 50 minute tests (worth 10% each)
- Exam Timing
- May/June
Exam Rubric
Time Allowed: 2 Hours.
Answer ALL THREE questions from Section A (50 marks) and ALL THREE questions from Section B (50 marks). Answer Section A questions in one booklet and Section B questions in a separate booklet.
Approved pocket calculators are allowed.
Read carefully the instructions on the answer book provided and make sure that the particulars required are entered on each answer book.
Previous exam papers can be found in the University’s past papers archive. Please note that previous exam papers may not have operated under the same exam rubric or assessment weightings as those for the current academic year. The content of past papers may also be different.