EC121-Introductory Mathematics for Economics 2

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: GCSE Maths grade B Level 6 or above
Co-requisites: EC116 Introductory Mathematics for Economics 1 or IC104 Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Fangya Xu
Email: fangya.xu@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module extends the knowledge of mathematical concepts and techniques gained through 􀀑EC116 Introductory mathematics for economics 1􀀒. Reference is made in compulsory taught modules for single degree programmes in the Department of Economics.

Aims:

This module introduces the mathematical concepts which are key in economics and to which reference is made in compulsory taught modules for single degree programmes in the Department of Economics. It aims to enable students whose background in mathematics is significantly beyond that of GCSE and includes an introductory level knowledge of calculus, to understand and apply mathematical techniques in the context of economic models and statistics.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module, students should:

(i) develop an understanding of the relevance of mathematics in economics;

(ii) handle with confidence and accuracy the techniques of algebra and higher level calculus required for the mathematical description of economic problems;

(iii) be able to describe a range of economic problems mathematically and interpret their solutions economically.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
Topics covered include logarithms and exponentials (review), differentiation of functions of a single variable and of several variables, optimisation, integration, elementary matrix algebra.

Global context:

Together with the ‘Introductory Quantitative Methods for Economics and Business 2 and Study Skills’ (EC120) this module develops the quantitative background for single honours study of economics.��

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is taught in a lecture+seminar format, to allow more contact hours to be devoted to problem solving. Recorded lectures covering the main module material will be published on Blackboard. In the week after each of these lectures is published, there will be three complementary live sessions to help achieve the learning objectives, in the following order:

1. A 1-hour review lecture. Students can ask for particular areas of the material from the recorded l ectures to be reviewed. There will also be chance for Q&A in these sessions.


2. A 1-hour large-group seminar session, covering additional mock and past exam questions.


3. A 1-hour small-group tutorial, to go over a problem set that students will be expected to have attempted in advance.

Students will be expected to attend all tutorials, seminars and lectures, having watched the recorded lectures and attempted the practice problem set s in advance. Students will be expected to take notes in all these sessions to supplement the learning materials.��

There is a recommended textbook for this module that will supplement the main learning material – however, the core learning material does not include the textbook.

There will be a 1-hour introductory lecture in the first week of the Spring term.

There will be two 1-hour revision seminar sessions in the Summer te rm.

Note: the recorded lectures are included in the contact hours breakdown as “Guided Independent Study”.