MATHEMATICAL METHODS AND APPLICATIONS - 30 CREDITS - 2026/7

Module Overview

A foundation level mathematics module that covers the basic mathematics relevant for Economics students. The module is designed to prepare the students for the more advanced level mathematics and problem solving in the first year of their Economics programme. The module covers a variety of economic applications in order to illustrate to the students the link between economic theory and mathematics.

Module provider

Economics

Module Leader

LAZOPOULOS Ioannis (Economics)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 3

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Review of the basics: operations, fractions, indices
• Introduction to algebra, series, functions 
• Systems of linear equations
• Exponential and logarithmic functions
• Introduction to optimisation and differentiation
• Graphs of functions
• Applications to economic theory 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in performing basic mathematical operations, their understanding of the mathematical concepts and their ability to apply these skills and knowledge to economic analysis.

The assessment strategy is built around two different types of assessment: Formative (no contribution towards the final module mark) and summative (contributes towards the final module mark) assessment.

The formative assessment (e.g. practice tests) provides students with the opportunity to practice the skills that they will be examined on during the module. The built-in feedback will allow the students to identify their areas for improvement and encourage them to seek further feedback and support while taking responsibility of their own learning.

The summative assessment for this module consists of:

• 2 in-class Quizzes
• A class test
• A final exam

and provides an additional source of feedback. The solutions to the test questions will be provided after the assessment allowing the students to collect further information on how well they are doing and help with preparation for the final exam. Students wishing to obtain further individual feedback can attend student consultation hours of the teaching staff. They will be able to post and answer other students¿ questions on the Discussion Forum on SurreyLearn and will be encouraged to work in small groups to learn through discussion and exchange of ideas.

Module aims

• To establish a firm grounding in fundamental algebraic techniques, including the manipulation of equations, inequalities, and functions.
• To enable students to translate qualitative economic theories into quantitative models using linear and non-linear functions.
• To foster a systematic approach to solving complex quantitative problems by breaking them down into logical mathematical steps.
• To equip students with the skills to construct, read, and interpret graphs representing economic variables.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The strategy aims to refresh and enhance skills in basic mathematical operations and modelling techniques. Furthermore, it assists students in identifying, structuring, and solving mathematical problems, ultimately contributing to their resourcefulness and resilience.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials

Lectures introduce the weekly topics and provide examples of relevant applications within economic theory. Students are encouraged to engage in Q&A to deepen their understanding of the material. Tutorials focus on discussing mathematical problems and applications provided in advance. Students are expected to solve these problems before the session to facilitate discussion and clarify any points of confusion. Finally, guided learning consists of practice questions that provide instant feedback on student progress.

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: ECO0007

Other information

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 particularly in the following areas:

Resourcefulness and resilience: Students will develop the ability to identify, structure and solve mathematical problems. The various forms of feedback will allow the students to identify their strengths and areas for improvement and allow them to develop strategies for efficient learning. 

Employability: Students will be equipped with the quantitative literacy and analytical tools essential for pursuing a career in economics and finance. By mastering these skills early on, students build a competitive professional profile that signals both technical proficiency and cognitive discipline to future employers.

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 2026/7 academic year.