EC111-4-QF-:
Introduction to Economics
2025/26
Economics
Full Year - Partner
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 02 October 2025
Friday 26 June 2026
30
17 September 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BE312, BE314, BE317, BE334, BE610, EC115, EC120, EC201, EC202, EC203, EC209, EC245, EC247, EC261, EC262, EC335, EC386, EC831
BSC N420BH Accounting and Finance
This module provides a broad overview of economics suitable as an introduction to the subject for all undergraduates. It is designed to develop students' knowledge of economic ideas in the context of contemporary issues using the tools of elementary economic analysis. Students are shown how to apply economic reasoning to a range of problems relevant for understanding the mechanisms and institutions that allocate and distribute resources.
In the Autumn Term theories of individual (micro) behaviour are introduced, including consumer decision-making as well as firms' conduct in different market structures. In the Spring Term the focus shifts to the study of aggregate (macro) level economic activity: inflation, unemployment, business cycles and economic growth. The national economy is analysed in a global environment that includes international trade, monetary and financial systems. The effects of government policy and the choice of those policies is analysed throughout the module.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide a broad overview of economics suitable as an introduction to the subject for all undergraduates.
- To give students a basic understanding of the key ideas in economics, and to apply these to explain contemporary issues in the news and policymaking.
- To serve as a foundation on which later modules will build, allowing students to progress to specialist subjects in later years.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Apply elementary economic principles to the analysis of problems in microeconomics and macroeconomics.
- Apply marginal analysis to demonstrate knowledge of economic decision making and the relevance of opportunity costs.
- Complete the assignments and tests, demonstrating their problem-solving analytical and deductive skills.
Skills for your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)
- Academic skills: literacy, numeracy, communication;
- Professional working skills: adaptability; flexibility, decision-making;
- External awareness: economic and business environment and policy;
- Personal development planning: Time management, self management, reflection and evaluation.
No additional information available.
The module will be delivered via:
- One 2-hour lecture per week, weeks 2-11, 16-25.
- One class per week, weeks 3-11, 16-25, 30.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 180 minutes during Partnership
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 180 minutes during Partnership
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Whichever is the Greater:
EITHER 50 per cent Coursework Mark, 50 per cent Exam Mark
OR 100 per cent Exam Mark IF Coursework Mark is a pass or better
Reassessment
Whichever is the Greater:
EITHER 50 per cent Coursework Mark, 50 per cent Exam Mark
OR 100 per cent Exam Mark IF Coursework Mark is a pass or better
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Lukas Altermatt, email: l.altermatt@essex.ac.uk.
Prof Gianluigi Vernasca, email: gvern@essex.ac.uk.
Lectures: Prof Gianluigi Vernasca (Autumn) & Dr Lukas Altermatt (Spring) / Classes: various teachers
For further information, send an email message to ueco@essex.ac.uk.
No
No
No
Dr Sanna Piritta Nurmikko-Metsola
University of Surrey
Senior Lecturer in Economics
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
Economics
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