MICROECONOMICS - 2025/6
Module code: ECOM020
Module Overview
This module provides an in-depth introduction to the building blocks of graduate-level microeconomics. It introduces students to the modelling of economic behavior under certainty and uncertainty and the interplay among economic agents in markets.
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: 74
Lecture Hours: 22
Tutorial Hours: 10
Guided Learning: 22
Captured Content: 22
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- Consumer choice
- Choice under uncertainty
- Theory of the firm
- Partial and general equilibrium
- Introduction to game theory
Assessment pattern
Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
---|---|---|
School-timetabled exam/test | CLASS TEST (90 MIN) | 25 |
Examination | FINAL EXAMINATION (120 MIN) | 75 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of microeconomic theory, and their understanding of the appropriate techniques to use in analyzing complex economic problems.
Thus, the summative assessments for this module consist of:
- An in-semester test.
- A final exam covering the entire model.
Formative assessment and feedback
Students will receive verbal feedback during in-person lectures and tutorial sessions. Students are provided with weekly problem sets relating to the material covered in the lectures which they can solve either independently or in groups. Students receive guided solutions about the problem sets and in-person feedback during the tutorial sessions. Information about the assessments and sample papers are provided at the beginning of the semester for students to familiarize themselves with the setup of both assessments. Office hours provide students with additional opportunities for feedback.
Module aims
- Introduce students to the study of modern microeconomic theory
- Equip students with the tools needed to understand and build economic models
- Understand and analyze real-world economic problems in a systematic manner
- Enable students with the ability to critically evaluate economic research
Learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | ||
001 | Students will be able to understand advanced modelling techniques used in modern economics | KC |
002 | Students will be able to use mathematical models to analyze complex economic problems | KCP |
003 | Students will be able to discuss the welfare implications of economic policies | KPT |
004 | Students will be able to link economic theory to empirical evidence | KCT |
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:
Using in-person lectures, students are guided through the material in a systematic manner and any background knowledge required is covered to ensure students’ understanding of the module’s content. Lectures are interactive and designed to emphasize the connection between modern microeconomics and real-world problems. Tutorials are designed to help students gain familiarity and confidence in the analysis of microeconomic problems.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Readings using lecturer's guidance
- Solving exercises
- Responding to questions in class
- Preparing and taking part in the test
- Lectures, which are recorded and disseminated as captured content
- Tutorials
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
Other information
In line with the University's curriculum framework, the School of Economics is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Resourcefulness and resilience. In this module, students will learn how to make constructive contributions to class debates and embrace different perspectives on real-life problems. Students will also develop their problem-solving skills through tutorials and assessments.
Global capabilities. Students will build global capabilities through class discussions of real-life examples and how to utilize models and techniques developed during the module to critically assess economic policies
Programmes this module appears in
Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Economics (Econometrics and Big Data) MSc | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
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 2025/6 academic year.