EC123: Mathematical Techniques B

Alexander Dobson
Module Lecturer

12 CATS - Department of Economics

Autumn Module

Principal Aims

To develop the requisite quantitative skills for a rigorous study of contemporary economics. The module forms part of the first year core cluster EC120 Quantitative Techniques, which is made up of one module in Mathematical Techniques (A (EC121) or B (EC123)), one module in Statistical Techniques (A (EC122) or B (EC124)) as well as Computing and Data Analysis (EC125).

Principal Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module students will acquire the tools of quantitative methods necessary to study core and optional first and second year modules in economics for the single honours course in Economics; develop further their techniques of statistical methods and statistical modelling;

generate an awareness and analysis of data and of data handling.

Syllabus

Prerequisite. You will be expected to have a good knowledge of A level algebra and calculus including the rules of differentiation and integration (which will not be taught).

The module will typically cover the following topics:

Calculus of functions of two or more variables; Unconstrained and constrained optimisation; Comparative statics; Matrix algebra; Difference equations; Applications of all techniques in economics.

Context

Core Module: L100 - Year 1, L103 - Year 1, L116 - Year 1, L117 - Year 1, LM1H - Year 1
Optional Core Module: LM1D (LLD2) - Year 1
Pre or Co-requisites: For Economics joint degree course students A-level in Mathematics, or equivalent.
Pre-requisite for: EC203, EC220, EC221, EC226
Restrictions: This module is restricted to LM1D/LLD2, V7ML and Joint Economics and Modern Language students and L1L8 students on Route B.
Part-year Availability for Visiting Students: Available in the Autumn term only (1 x test - 4.8 CATS)

Assessment

Assessment Method: Coursework (25%) + 1.5 hour exam (75%)
Coursework Details: Two 50 min tests (1 x 12% + 1 x 13%)
Exam Timing: May/June

Exam Rubric

Time Allowed: 1.5 Hours, plus 15 minutes reading time.

Read all instructions carefully- and read through the entire paper at least once before you start entering your answers.

There are TWO sections in this paper. Answer ALL TEN questions in Section A using the Excel spreadsheet (40 marks total) and answer ALL FOUR questions in Section B inside this document (60 marks total).

Approved pocket calculators are allowed.

You should not submit answers to more than the required number of questions. If you do, we will mark the questions in the order that they appear, up to the required number of questions in each section.

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.