Agricultural Economics 317
Quantitative Analysis in Agricultural Economics
Spring 2004
Instructor Office Hours
Dr. Jim Mjelde Open Door Policy and
Room 318 D Blocker by Appointment
845-1492
Class Web Page: http://agecon.tamu.edu/faculty/mjelde/ageco317/maintext.html
Teaching Assistant
Ken Szulczyk
Office Hours: TBA
Class Times
8:00 - 9:15 TR BLOC 114 - Section 501
9:35 - 10:50 TR BLOC 114 - Section 502
Class Objectives
Economic and financial problems facing firms today are complex. Improper problem conceptualization and use of quantitative techniques may lead to increasing risk the firm faces. The general objectives of this course are 1) to understand the basic principles and assumptions required to apply quantitative methods to problems facing agricultural firms, 2) establish a link between quantitative methods and economic theory, and 3) provide hands-on computer expericence.
Course Prerequisites
The prerequisite for AGEC 317 are MATH 142, STAT 303, and ECON 323 or their equivalents. The prerequisite for STAT 303 includes MATH 141. An understanding of the material in these classes is assumed. Because mathematical operations are lost through nonuse, a series of review problems have been developed to prepare students for the material in AGEC 317. This series has been developed based on the material in the prerequisites and general mathematical understanding. The review material is found in reading assignments 2-8.
Required Textbook
No textbook is required. Throughout the semester reading assignments will be posted on the class web page. Students are responsible for the material in all posted reading assignments. Reading assignments may also be handed out during class.
Course Grade and Requirements
Total Possible Points
Two mid-term examinations 200
Final 100
Total Test points 300
Quizzes 50
Homeworks 450
Total Points 800
The total points on the homework will exceed 450 points. Your homework points will be scaled to 450 points based on the percentage of the total points you receive. Final course grade will be determined as follows:
Number of Points Final Letter Grade
720 + A
640 - 719.9 B
560 - 639.9 C
480 - 559.9 D
< 480 F
The two class sections will be graded as one class. DO NOT EXPECT A CURVE.
Addition information concerning the course will be given in class.
Course Structure
The course involves lectures, readings, and homework problems. Tests will cover all material presented in the classroom, readings, or the homeworks. Each test will be comprehensive, but will concentrate on the material since the last test. Three tests will be given during the semester and a regularly scheduled final. Only two of the three tests will count towards your final grade. The final will be comprehensive.
The course web page will be used to disseminate class material.
Scholastic Dishonesty
As commonly defined, academic dishonesty/plagiarism consists of presenting as one’s own ideas, words, writings, etc. material that belongs to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you have the permission of the person. It does not matter from where the material is borrowed - a book, an article, material off the web, another student’s paper, etc. - all constitute plagiarism unless the source of the work is fully identified and credited. Identifying a paper or other material, as one’s own that has actually been written or prepared by someone else is always a case of academic dishonesty. Quotation or borrowing certain material and including, as a small component of one’s own original work, are appropriate if proper credit is given. It is important when using a phrase, a distinctive idea or concept, or a sentence from another source to credit explicitly that source either in the text, a footnote, or endnote. Plagiarism is a violation of academic and personal integrity and carries extremely serious consequences at Texas A&M University. Scholastic dishonesty (including cheating and plagiarism) will not be tolerated. The full consequences of scholastic dishonesty will be pursued consistent with University policy. If you have any questions, please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, under the section “Scholastic Dishonesty.” Be especially careful with your written assignments to make certain that any and all sources are explicitly acknowledged in writing. The instructor will make clear which course assignments are collaborative exercises in which it is appropriate for team-members to work together and share their ideas and writing, but not that of those outside their own team.
Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Room 126 of the Koldus Building. The phone number is 845-1637.
Copyright Statement
Please note that all handouts and supplements used in this course are copyrighted. This includes all materials generated for this class, including but not limited to syllabi, exams, in-class materials, review sheets, and lecture outlines. Materials may be downloaded or photocopied for personal use only, and may not be given or sold to other individuals.
Tentative Course TopicsReading assignments will be available on the class web page. Assignments when available will be posted on the announcement page for the class.
Topic / Week / Assignments -TBA
Introduction / Week 1 / 1 and syllabus
Multiple Variable Calculus and Math Review / Week 1 / 2-8
Regression Analysis / Weeks 2 - 5 / 9-12 and TBA
Midterm Exam 1 / Week 6
Applications to Forecasting, Demand, Production, and Supply / Weeks 6 - 9 / TBA
Midterm Exam 2 / Week 10
Linear Programming / Weeks 11 - 14 / TBA
Midterm Exam 3 / Last day of class / TBA
Final - Comprehensive / Section 501 - Monday, May 10, 1-3 pm
Section 502 - Friday, May 7, 12:30 - 2:30 pm