BAEcon Development Studies

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Introductory Mathematics

Course unit fact file
Unit code ECON10061
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

The aim of this course is to introduce students who have not taken mathematics A level to the main mathematical tools used in economics and the social sciences.
At the end of the course students should be able to: (i) differentiate simple mathematical functions of one variable, (ii) use differential calculus to solve simple, one-variable unconstrained optimisation problems; (iii) partially differentiate two-variable functions, (iv) integrate simple mathematical functions, and (v) use the definite integral to find the area under a graph.
 

Pre/co-requisites

GCSE/AS-Level Mathematics (compulsory Pre-Requisite).

Aims

The aim of this course is to introduce students who have not taken mathematics A level to the main mathematical tools used in economics and the social sciences.
 

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students should be able to: (i) differentiate simple mathematical functions of one variable, (ii) use differential calculus to solve simple, one-variable unconstrained optimisation problems; (iii) partially differentiate two-variable functions, (iv) integrate simple mathematical functions, and (v) use the definite integral to find the area under a graph.
 

Syllabus

Provisional

The course is organized in three parts of which the second will be the largest.


Algebra and Coordinate Geometry: Basic algebra, factors and factorizing, quadratic equations, powers, logarithms, mathematical functions, graphs, linear and non-linear functions.
Differential Calculus: Slopes of graphs between points and at a point, differentiability, ordinary differentiation, rules of differentiation, marginal concepts, second derivatives, maxima and minima, profit maximization, functions of more than one variable, partial derivatives.
Integration: Indefinite and definite integration, finding the area under a curve.

Please note when looking at past exam papers that the syllabus for ECON10061 changed in 2017-18, when matrices/linear algebra was dropped and replaced with partial differentiation and integration.

Teaching and learning methods

Synchronous activities (such as Lectures and tutorials), and guided self-study

Employability skills

Problem solving
Taking ECON10061 will enhance the basic numeracy and mathematically skills of students who only took maths to GCSE level at school. These skills, alongside literacy and being articulate in speech, are highly valued by employers

Assessment methods

30% coursework (3 assessments of 10% each)  
70% final exam

For information about assessment and feedback please follow this link:
http://www.campus.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/map/teachinglearningassessment/assessment/sectionb-thepracticeofassessment/policyonfeedbacktostudents/

 


 

Feedback methods

  • Answers to exercises and tests provided via Blackboard.
  • Exercises done during Lecture time
  • Weekly exercise classes/tutorials.
  • Student hours

 

Recommended reading

Students may find one of the following books useful in additional to the lecture notes and practice questions. There are several editions available, both second hand, and new of the following recommended books:

 

(1) Jacques, I. "Mathematics for Economics and Business“

(2) Renshaw, G. "Maths for Economics.”

(3) Wisniewski, M. "Mathematics for Economics”

(4) Asano, A. "An Introduction to Mathematics for Economics”

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Alexander Squires Unit coordinator

Additional notes

For every 10 course unit credits we expect students to work for around 100 hours. This time generally includes any contact times (online or face to face, recorded and live), but also independent study, work for coursework, and group work. This amount is only a guidance and individual study time will vary.
 

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