MICROECONOMICS - 2021/2
Module code: ECOM020
Module Overview
The module examines how consumers and firms behave in a formal framework with strict assumptions. This will demonstrate the art of formal modelling which requires simplifying a problem by identifying the key elements of an agent’s behaviour without trivialising the issue. Thinking in a structured framework and the importance of rigorous arguments will be highlighted.
Module provider
Economics
Module Leader
GARFAGNINI Umberto (Economics)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 70
Lecture Hours: 20
Tutorial Hours: 9
Guided Learning: 22
Captured Content: 29
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- The theory of consumer choice
- Choice under uncertainty
- Household consumption
- Theory of the firm
- General equilibrium and the fundamental welfare theorems
- Asymmetric information – adverse selection
Assessment pattern
Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
---|---|---|
Online Scheduled Summative Class Test | IN-SEMESTER TEST - 1 HOUR AND 15 MINUTES | 25 |
Examination Online | EXAMINATION - 2 HOURS | 75 |
Alternative Assessment
Not applicable
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in microeconomic analysis, their understanding of the appropriate techniques to use and their growing appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.
Thus, the summative assessments for this module consist of:
- An in-semester test designed to check students' understanding of the material covered in the first part of the module.
- A final examination designed to check students' overall understanding of modern microeconomic theory.
Formative assessment and feedback
Students will receive verbal feedback during the lectures through direct interaction.
Before each assessment, students will be given a list of sample questions, similar in their complexity, to the questions of the assessment itself, and will be encouraged to ask questions.
Module aims
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced conceptual and mathematical tools in microeconomic theory
- Enable students with the ability to critically evaluate current research
- Understand and analyse complex issues in a systematic manner
Learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | ||
001 | Explain and discuss in a critical and systematic manner core principles in microeconomic theory | K |
002 | Use key mathematical techniques common in microeconomic theory | C |
003 | Apply the acquired knowledge to relevant and complex economic problems | CT |
004 | Continue to advance their knowledge in order to tackle and solve new economic problems | CPT |
005 | Export their knowledge to professional environments which involve complex economic decisions | P |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
- prepare the students for the study of economics and econometrics at FHEQ Level 7 (first week)
- Familiarise students to approaches in standard microeconomic theory.
- Familiarise students with a systematic approach to the analysis of complex situations.
- This will be achieved through lecture presentation supported by weekly tutorials to go over the previous week’s problem set.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- readings using lecturers’ guidance
- solving exercises
- responding to questions in class in week 1
- preparing and taking part in the test
- 4.5 hours of lectures per week in week 1
- 2 hours lectures x 11 weeks
- 1 hour tutorials x 9 weeks
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ECOM020
Programmes this module appears in
Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Economics and Finance MSc | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Economics MSc | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.