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IDEC8015 Mathematical Methods in Applied Economics

Offered By International and Development Economics Program
Academic Career Graduate Coursework
Course Subject International and Developmental Economics
Offered in First Semester, 2011 and First Semester, 2012
Unit Value 6 units
Course Description

This course introduces students to a range of mathematical techniques and concepts required for modeling and analysing economic problems. Course topics include matrix algebra, calculus, static unconstrained and constrained optimisation, non-linear programming, difference and differential equations, optimal control theory and dynamic programming. The mathematical methods and techniques will be applied to specific problems from all areas of economics.

Learning Outcomes

On successfully completing this course, students are expected to:

  • be familiar with a wide range of the mathematical concepts, formalisms and techniques that are standard in economic analysis
  • correctly evaluate the content and meaning of the mathematical statements that appear in the economics literature (at least the simpler ones)
  • have command of the mathematical techniques required for modelling and analysing the economic problems that appear in masters level courses in micro- and macroeconomics.
Indicative Assessment

Two in-class quizzes (each 7½ percent), a mid-term exam (25 percent) and a final exam (60 per cent) will be in the standard closed-book format.

Workload

Contact time of 4 hours and a total time of 10 hours a week (masters students) or 13 hours a week (graduate diploma students).

Course Classification(s) AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation.
Areas of Interest Economics
Assumed Knowledge and
Required Skills

Students should have undertaken at least undergraduate study of economics and have completed high school level mathematics including algebra and analysis up to basic differential calculus.

Incompatibility

This course is equivalent to a condensed version of two courses offered in the School of Economics, namely ECON8013 and ECON8014 Mathematical Techniques in Economics I and II.

Prescribed Texts

Hoy, Michael, John Livernois, Chris McKenna, Ray Rees, and Thanasis Stengos (2001). Mathematics for Economics, 2nd edition. MIT Press.
Klein, Michael W. (2002). Mathematical Methods for Economists, 2nd edition. Addison-Wesley.
Adda, J., and R. Cooper (2003). Dynamic Economics. Cambridge. MIT Press.

Programs Graduate Certificate in International and Development Economics, Graduate Diploma in Environmental and Resource Economics, Graduate Diploma in International and Development Economics, Graduate Diploma in International and Development Economics, Graduate Diploma in Environmental and Resource Economics, and Graduate Certificate in International and Development Economics
Other Information

Delivery Mode:

First semester, On Campus.  3 hours of lectures (usually arranged as 1 hour + 2 hours) and one, 1-hour, tutorial a week for a 13 week semester.  

Academic Contact Dr Long Chu

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions