Liberal Arts and Professional Studies

Department of Economics

Course: AP Econ 1540 3.0P/R: Introductory Mathematics for Economists II

Course Webpage:

Term: Winter 2014

Lecture Time:Section P: Monday, 4:00PM – 7:00PM

Section R: Friday, 11:30AM – 2:30PM

Lecture Location:Section P: CLH C

Section R: ACE 001

Prerequisite / Co-requisite:

Prerequisite: AP/ECON 1530 3.00 or equivalent. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: AP/ECON 1000 3.00 or AP/ECON 1010 3.00, or equivalent. Note: No credit will be retained for this course for students who have successfully completed or who are currently enrolled in SC/MATH 1021 3.00, SC/MATH 1025 3.00, or SC/MATH 2221 3.00. Course credit exclusions: SC/MATH 1505 6.00, SC/MATH 1550 6.00, GL/MATH/MODR 2650 3.00. Note: Acceptable course substitutes are available in the Calendar. PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/ECON 1540 3.00, AS/SC/MATH 1505 6.00, AS/MATH 1540 3.00, AK/AS/MATH 1550 6.00, GL/MATH/MODR 2650 3.00..

Course Instructor

Gordana Colby

Vari Hall 1057

Course office hours: Monday11:30AM – 12:30PM

TA: TBD TA office hours: TBD

Expanded Course Description

Organization of the Course - The lectures will consist of going over the theory contained in the lecture notes (and corresponding sections of the textbook) and then going through problems that reinforce the material presented.

Course Learning Objectives

This course is the sequel to Economics 1530. Economics 1530 covers the essential elements of mathematical analysis such as limits, sequences and single variable calculus and applies them to economic problems. In Economics 1540 we introduce and develop topics in multivariable calculus and linear (matrix) algebra. Since most problems in economics focus on choices amongst numerous alternatives it is essential to go beyond the single variable techniques. Multivariable calculus is essential for solving constrained optimization problems in economics. Linear or matrix algebra greatly facilitates the manipulation of systems of equations commonly encountered in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.

Topics and Reading List

  1. Functions of Many Variables
  2. Tools for Comparative Statics
  3. Multivariable Optimization
  4. Constrained Optimization
  5. Linear Algebra: Vectors and Matrices
  6. Determinants and Matrix Inversion

Note: There may be small changes to the material coverage as the course develops.

Course Text / Readings

Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Fourth Edition (2012), Knut Sydsaeter & Peter Hammond

Note: lecture notes will be provided on the course website to supplement the text readings.

Note: Additional readings may be assigned or recommended during the course.

Evaluation

The final grade for the course will be based on the following items weighted as indicated:

Midterm Test: 40% (Section P: Monday, February10th - In Class)

(Section R: Friday, February14th - In Class)

Final Examination: 60% (To be scheduled by the Registrar’s Office)

Note: Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to Program or Faculty grades distribution profiles.

Grading, Assignment Submission, Lateness Penalties and Missed Tests

Grading: The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.). Assignments and tests* will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g. A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.)

(For a full description of York grading system see the York University Undergraduate Calendar - )

Missed Tests: No makeup tests will be given if a student misses the midterm. If a student misses the midterm and can provide appropriate documentation (i.e. medical note) that explicitly indicates the student was incapable of writing the midterm at the scheduled time, the weight of the midterm will be added to the final exam (i.e. the final exam will be worth 100% of the final grade). Any student that misses the final exam must provide appropriate documentation (i.e. medical note) to the Department of Economics within 5 business days of the missed exam and petition to write a deferred exam.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information, available on the Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents) -

• York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website

• Ethics Review Process for research involving human participants

• Course requirement accommodation for students with disabilities, including physical, medical, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities

• Student Conduct Standards

• Religious Observance Accommodation