Programme specification
This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
| Programme: | ECONOMICS WITH MATHEMATICS |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | Economics |
| Final award: | BSC |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Honours |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | Economics |
| 2nd QAA Benchmark Group - Joint Schemes: | Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research |
| JACS code: | L1G1 |
| Publication date: | 09/10/2012 |
| Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions. |
A-levels: 320 points, including AB at A-level, including C in A-level Mathematics or higher GCSE Mathematics: C Scottish Highers: AAAB, plus Standard Mathematics grade 3 IB: 34 points, including Standard Mathematics grade 4 |
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.
Programme: BSC ECONOMICS WITH MATHEMATICS
Programme aims:
The BSc Economics with Mathematics is a three-year programme of study. Its main learning and teaching aims are: To provide students with an academic training in the principles of economics. To equip students with the tools of quantitative methods needed to solve theoretical or applied economic problems. To provide students with knowledge of mathematical ideas underlying the quantitative methods of economics. To foster in students an appreciation of the appropriate level of abstraction and simplification needed to explore a range of economic issues. To encourage in students the acquisition of autonomous study skills and the adoption of an investigative approach to tackle economic problems. To develop in students the ability to construct logical arguments, to communicate arguments clearly in writing, and to appreciate, evaluate and respond to potentially conflicting interpretations of economic phenomena. To allow students, through the study of economics, to acquire critical, analytical and research skills, problem-solving skills, and transferable skills. To provide students with a foundation for further studies in economics and allied disciplines. The outcomes detailed in this section represent the minimum that might be expected of a graduate of the Department of Economics at the University of Essex. The Department anticipates and intends that the vast majority of economics graduates will accomplish significantly more. Details of the differing standards expected to achieve the various course and degree classifications are available in the Undergraduate Economics Handbook, published annually by the Department of Economics.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
A1 : Knowledge of the fundamental principles of economics, including microeconomics and macroeconomics. A2 : Understanding of the application of economic reasoning to the study of relevant problems and policies. A3 : Understanding of the mathematical methods needed to articulate economic theories. A4 : Awareness of the sources of economic information. A5 : Knowledge of econometric methods and an awareness of how they are applied in the analysis and evaluation of economic issues. A6 : Familiarity with mathematical techniques that serve to underpin economic theory. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
B1 : Analyse a specified problem and choose the most suitable methods for its solution. B2 : Assess the relative merits of a range of theories, techniques and tools needed to articulate arguments and policies. B3 : Synthesise and interpret information from a range of sources (lectures, classes, journals, books, etc.) developing a critical evaluation of the importance and relevance of the sources to an area of study. B4 : Construct reasoned, informed and concise descriptions and assessments of economic ideas. |
C: Practical Skills
|
C1 : Identify, select and gather information, using the relevant sources. C2 : Organise ideas in a systematic way. C3 : Present economic ideas and arguments coherently in writing. C4 : Use and apply economic terminology and concepts. |
D: Key Skills
|
Communication: D1 : Communication in writing, using appropriate terminology and technical language: (a) the articulation of economic theories, (b) the description of economic evidence, (c) the critical assessment of economic arguments and policies.
IT Skills: D2 : Not assessed in this programme. Numeracy: D3 : Understanding of quantitative methods, an awareness of the contexts in which the methods are relevant and a knowledge of how they are applied in practice to analyse economic data. Problem Solving: D4 : Understanding of how mathematical and economic reasoning is used to address problems involving opportunity cost, incentives, households' and firms' decision-making, strategic thinking, expectations and market outcomes in equilibrium and disequilibrium. Working with Others: D5 : Not assessed in this programme. Self Learning: D6 : Capacity to: (a) organise and implement a plan of independent study, (b) reflect on his or her own learning experience and adapt in response to feedback; (c) recognise when he or she needs to learn more and appreciate the role of additional research. |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
Learning Methods Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the principles, concepts and arguments in A1-A6. Students are also assigned readings from textbooks, academic journal papers, unpublished research papers and on-line resources. Students' understanding is reinforced by classes, especially for outcomes A1, A2, A3, A5, A6. Laboratory sessions are provided to support learning of econometric methods (A5). Individual supervision of the final year project provides additional support especially for outcome A4, and reinforces A2, A3, A5. Assessment Methods Achievement of knowledge and understanding is assessed through marked assignments (A1, A2), tests (A1, A2, A3, A5), term papers (A1, A2, A4), project work (A1-A5) and unseen closed-book examinations (A1, A2, A3, A5, A6). Learning outcomes A2, A4 are assessed by tests and unseen closed-book examinations. Learning outcome A4 is assessed especially via term papers (in second year and final year economics courses) and the final year project. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
Learning Methods Students' acquisition of intellectual and cognitive skills, B1-B4, is enabled primarily through lectures and further sustained via classes. Outcome B1 is developed particularly in exercises designed for core economic theory, mathematical methods and quantitative methods classes. Outcomes B2, B3 and B4 are key elements in students' preparation for assignments. Individual project supervision and guidance for term paper study are especially important in providing opportunities for students to acquire B2, B3 and B4. Assessment Methods Achievement of intellectual/cognitive skills is assessed through marked assignments (especially B1 and B3), tests (especially B1), term papers (especially B2, B3, B4), project work (especially B2, B3 and B4) and unseen closed-book examinations (especially B1, B2 and B4). |
C: Practical Skills
|
Learning Methods Skill C1 is developed via directed reading from textbooks and academic journal articles together with searches for online materials. Skill C2 is acquired during lectures and classes, and as a consequence of studying course materials. Skill C3 is articulated in the preparation of assignments and term papers. Skill C4 is developed in classes and is emphasised in the preparation of assignments, term papers and projects. Assessment Methods Achievement of practical skills C1, C3 and C4 is assessed directly through marked assignments, tests, term papers, project work and unseen closed-book examinations. Skill C2 is assessed indirectly via assignments, term papers, projects and final examinations. |
D: Key Skills
|
Learning Methods Students are guided in lectures, classes and individual advice from teachers in acquiring skills D1, D3, D4, D6. Skills D3 and D4 are reinforced through the quantitative methods sequence of courses at the elementary and intermediate levels, together with courses in theoretical and applied economics and in mathematics. Skill D6 is enhanced as students reflect upon the knowledge they need when researching term papers and their final year projects. Only minimal formally assessed requirements for the completion of the programme are listed here. In reality, the overwhelming majority of economics students acquire a much broader range of key skills, and at greater depth, in ways that are integrated seamlessly throughout their studies of the subject. Assessment Methods Skills D1 and D4 are assessed through marked assignments, tests, term papers, projects and unseen closed-book examinations. Skill D3 is assessed particularly through tests and unseen closed-book examinations. Skill D6 is assessed indirectly through students' capacity to construct submitted work (assignments, term papers and projects for which feedback is given) and their study plans for unseen tests and examinations. |
SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE
Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary,
and view module details in the module directory.
Additional notes on module choices:
Students who take up to 30 credits at level 5 in their final year should consider this course of action very carefully and seek the permission of the Undergraduate Director before enrolling.
In order to be eligible for the award of a degree at the end of the final year, at least 210 credits must be achieved at level 5 and 6, with a minimum of 90 credits at level 6. Students who have 30 credits of fail from their first or second year of study must pass all their Final year modules.
15 credit components are not to be aggregated into 30 credit components unless a 30 credit option substitutes for two 15 credit options.
Year 1
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | EC111-4-FY | INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS | Core |
| 02 | MA104-4-AU | CALCULUS | Core |
| 03 | MA114-4-AU | LINEAR MATHEMATICS | Core |
| 04 | MA108-4-SP | STATISTICS | Core |
| 05 | MA118-4-SP | FURTHER CALCULUS | Core |
| 06 | MODULE FROM LIST A OR LIST C (1 X 30 CREDITS OR 2 X 15 CREDITS - 1 AUTUMN & 1 SPRING MODULE) | Optional |
Year 2
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | EC201-5-FY | MACROECONOMICS (INTERMEDIATE) | Compulsory |
| 02 | EC202-5-FY | MICROECONOMICS (INTERMEDIATE) | Compulsory |
| 03 | EC251-5-AU OR MA210-5-SP OR MA209-5-SP | Compulsory with Options | |
| 04 | EC252-5-SP | INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMETRIC METHODS | Compulsory |
| 05 | MA205-5-AU | OPTIMISATION (LINEAR PROGRAMMING) | Compulsory |
| 06 | MA206-5-AU | MATHEMATICAL METHODS | Compulsory |
Year 3
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | EC831-6-FY | PROJECT: ECONOMICS | Compulsory |
| 02 | FINAL YEAR ECONOMICS OPTION (1 X 15 CREDITS) | Optional | |
| 03 | FINAL YEAR ECONOMICS OPTION (1 X 15 CREDITS) | Optional | |
| 04 | FINAL YEAR ECONOMICS OPTION (1 X 15 CREDITS) | Optional | |
| 05 | FINAL YEAR MATHEMATICS OPTION (1 X 15 CREDITS) | Optional | |
| 06 | FINAL YEAR MATHEMATICS OPTION (1 X 15 CREDITS) | Optional | |
| 07 | ECONOMICS OR MATHEMATICS OPTION (1 X 15 CREDITS) | Optional |
SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT
Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/ug/rules.htm
Assessment information for individual modules can be found on the Module Directory at http://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/
See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Course
Materials Repository.
External Examiner Information
- Name: Dr Nizar Allouch
- Institution: QUEEN MARY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
- Academic Role: Reader in Economics
NOTE
The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)