MODULE SPECIFICATION

  1. Title of the module

Mathematics for Economics Mode B (EC306)

  1. School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module

School of Economics

  1. The level of the module (e.g. Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7)

Level: 4

  1. The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents

15 credits, 7.5 ECTS

  1. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)

Autumn term.

  1. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules

Students are expected to have a mathematics background well below A-Level mathematics. For the UK, this equates normally to GCSE mathematics.

  1. The programmes of study to which the module contributes

This is an introductory mathematics module for students with only GCSE Maths, who need to study the mathematics skills relevant for entry to Stage 2 of an Economics degree. Students following economics degree programmes have to take either this module or the corresponding mode A module (EC305).

  1. The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
    On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
  2. Appreciate why economists use mathematics
  3. Understand how functions and equations are used in economics
  4. Calculate elasticities and work out equilibrium outcomes
  5. Differentiate simple functions and economic relationships
  6. Sketch curves and understand optimising behaviour in the context of marginal relationships
  7. Differentiate multivariable functions and calculate partial elasticities
  8. Solve linear programmes as the simplest illustrations of constrained optimisation
  9. Understand the basic concepts concerning matrices and matrix algebra
  10. Present solutions to mathematical problems and work in groups
  1. The intended generic learning outcomes.
    On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
  2. Provide an introductory knowledge and basic understanding of economic principles and methods and how they relate to economic behaviour.
  3. Demonstrate awareness and understanding of contemporary economic issues.
  4. Demonstratean understanding of the economic, social and cultural language and environment of accounting and business.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and evidence relevant to a career in accounting or a related area.
  1. A synopsis of the curriculum

The module will cover the following topics:

  • Basic algebra
  • Linear equations and functions
  • Non-linear equations
  • Differentiation of bivariate functions
  • Differentiation of multivariate functions
  • Special functions like exponential
  • Optimisation and curve sketching
  • Linear programming
  • Matrix algebra
  1. Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
  • G. Renshaw, Maths for Economics, Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • Jacques, Mathematics for Economics and Business, Addison Wesley.
  1. Learning and Teaching methods

Methods / Hours / Relationship to learning outcomes
Lectures / 24 / Plenary. Two hours per week. Introducing concepts and methods
Seminars/Workshop / 12 / One hour per week in which key concepts will be investigated alongside a wide range of questions for discussion.
Guidance on essay writing also.
Other self-managed learning and coursework / 114 / Students will be encouraged to utilise electronic learning resources to assist in their learning. Access to module material will be made available via a virtual learning environment (Moodle).
Total Hours / 150
  1. Assessment methods.

The final mark is a weighted average of the coursework mark (based upon two one hour class test and it receives a 20% weight) and the examination mark (a two hour examination in June with five compulsory questions and it receives an 80% weight).

The class exercises and tests develop the students' analytical and problem solving abilities. The development of these skills contributes to the achievement of the objectives set out above. Advice and help with problem solving is given in seminars and in staff office hours. This is followed up through feedback on the class tests, leading hopefully to successful exam outcomes along with the confidence to undertake Stage 2 of the Economics degree. The questions in the class tests and exercises are based on all the module material.

The examination requires students to answer five compulsory questions. It is important that students have a comprehensive understanding of the all the material contained in the module, hence the five compulsory questions. The examination and the coursework tests the full range of the knowledge and concepts developed in the module. Working for the examination develops students' understanding, and analytical and problem solving skills.

  1. Map of Module Learning Outcomes (sections 8 & 9) to Learning and Teaching Methods (section12) and methods of Assessment (section 13)

Module learning outcome / 8.1 / 8.2 / 8.3 / 8.4 / 8.5 / 8.6 / 8.7 / 8.8 / 8.9 / 9.1 / 9.2 / 9.3 / 9.4
Learning/ teaching method / Hours allocated
Lectures / 24 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Seminars / 12 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Private Study / 114 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Assessment method / Weight
In- Class Test / 2 x 10 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Examination / 80 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
  1. The Schoolrecognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’sdisability/dyslexiastudent support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
  1. Campus(es) or Centre(s) where module will be delivered:

Canterbury

FACULTIES SUPPORT OFFICE USE ONLY

Revision record – all revisions must be recorded in the grid and full details of the change retained in the appropriate committee records.

Date approved / Major/minor revision / Start date of the delivery of revised version / Section revised / Impacts PLOs (Q6&7 cover sheet)
19/07/16 / Minor / September 2016 / 1 / No

1

Module Specification Template (September 2015)