The foundations of economic theory are based on mathematical models. Thus, a thorough understanding of the economic content of such models is not possible without a clear understanding of the mathematical concepts that underpin the modeling. Together with ECON8014 – Mathematical Techniques in Economics II, this course forms a two-semester sequence, which introduces students to a range of mathematical concepts and techniques that form the basis of advanced economic theory courses, such as the ones required of students enrolled in Honours, Masters and PhD programs. The introduced concepts and techniques will be derived as thoroughly as possible given the time constraints, and will be illustrated using standard applications from economics.

Due to the strong interdependence between the topics covered in the two courses, students are encouraged to take both courses as a sequence in the same year. In addition, post-graduate students who enroll in this course are expected to be familiar with the material covered in ECON6015 – Optimisation Techniques for Economists.

See http://cbe.anu.edu.au/courses/course.asp?code=ECON8013

Two midterms worth 20% each and one end-of-semester examination (60%).

Four contact hours per week (three lectures and one tutorial).

At least an average of 65% (or equivalent) in the final two years of an Australian undergraduate degree with introductory level courses in Economics, Statistics and Econometrics

Carl P. Simon and Lawrence Blume, Mathematics for Economists, W.W. Norton, 1994.

Students are encouraged to carefully read through the first seven chapters of the course textbook, which review material that students should be familiar with from previous study.

For further information please refer to http://cbe.anu.edu.au/courses/course.asp?code=ECON8013