EC511-7-AU-CO:
Mathematical Methods

The details
2022/23
Economics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 06 October 2022
Friday 16 December 2022
20
01 September 2022

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC LN1412 Financial Economics and Accounting,
MSC L11012 Applied Economics and Data Analysis,
MSC L11024 Applied Economics and Data Analysis,
MSC L110EB Applied Economics and Data Analysis,
MSC L110UH Applied Economics and Data Analysis,
MRESL10012 Economics,
MRESL100EB Economics,
MRESL100EK Economics,
MSC L10012 Economics,
MSC L100EB Economics,
MSC L100EK Economics,
MSC L100UH Economics,
MSC L10312 Financial and Business Economics,
MSC L11112 Financial Economics,
MSC L111EB Financial Economics,
MSC L16012 International Economics,
MSC L160EB International Economics,
MSC L10412 Management Economics,
MSC L104EB Management Economics,
MRESL20624 Political Economy,
MPHDL10048 Economics,
PHD L10048 Economics,
MECNL130 Economics,
MECNLA30 Economics (Including Placement Year),
MECNLA31 Economics (Including Year Abroad),
MECNL131 Financial Economics,
MECNLB31 Financial Economics (Including Placement Year),
MECNLB32 Financial Economics (Including Year Abroad),
MECNL132 International Economics,
MECNLC32 International Economics (Including Placement Year),
MECNLC33 International Economics (Including Year Abroad),
MECNL133 Management Economics,
MECNL134 Management Economics (Including Placement Year),
MECNL135 Management Economics (Including Year Abroad)

Module description

The module explains a number of mathematical concepts and techniques which are fundamental to an understanding of modern economic theory. The topics covered include differential calculus, optimisation theory, convexity, sufficiency Theorems for optimality, differential equations and phase diagrams, optimal control theory and an introduction to dynamic programming.

Module aims

This module aims to provide students with the essential mathematical skills appropriate for Masters level modules in Economics. The focus is mainly on improving a student's problem solving skills, many applied economic examples are considered, both within lectures and in problem sets.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students should not only have a good understanding of optimisation theory, but also understand formally how economic arguments work and the role of equilibrium. Students are encouraged to work with each other when attempting the problem sets. The test will allow students to demonstrate their problem solving skills to solve real economic problems. Key employability skills include improved numeracy and analytic talents.

Module information



Compulsory for:
MSc in Economics, MSc in Financial and Business Economics, MSc in International Economics, MSc in Accounting and Financial Economics, and MSc in Applied Economics and Data Analysis.

Learning and teaching methods

One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour class per week. Feedback for this module will occur through class meetings where we will go over the answers to problem sets and where you will be able to ask questions about your own method of solution; answers that will be posted on the website for the module that will give you written guidance on the appropriate method to approach the problems, assignments, and tests; and office hours where any additional questions can be addressed. You should be sure that you use these methods to understand how to improve your own performance.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Test    100% 
Coursework   EC511 Summer 2023 Coursework Reassessment     
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during January 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Whichever is the Greater: EITHER 50 per cent Coursework Mark, 50 per cent Exam Mark OR 100 per cent Exam Mark IF Coursework Mark is a pass or better

Reassessment

Whichever is the Greater: EITHER 50 per cent Coursework Mark, 50 per cent Exam Mark OR 100 per cent Exam Mark IF Coursework Mark is a pass or better

Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Melvyn Coles, email: mcole@essex.ac.uk.
Lectures: Prof Melvyn Coles. Classes: various teachers
For further information, send an email message to pgteco@essex.ac.uk.

 

Availability
Yes
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr Domenico Moro
university of Birmingham
Lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 48 hours, 44 (91.7%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Economics

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