EC202-6-FY-CO:
Microeconomics (Intermediate)

The details
2019/20
Economics
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 03 October 2019
Friday 26 June 2020
30
04 October 2018

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

EC322, EC355, EC363, EC365, EC366, EC371, EC372, EC383, EC387

Key module for

DIPLL10009 Economics,
BSC N233 Actuarial Science (Including Placement Year),
BSC N323 Actuarial Science,
BSC N324 Actuarial Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC N325 Actuarial Science (Including Foundation Year)

Module description

The microeconomics course studies some of the fundamental concepts and methods in economics. In the first term, the basic theories of consumer and producer behaviour are studied in the context of competitive markets. Then, by combining these two theories, various properties of such markets are investigated together with their welfare properties. In the second term, the focus is on the study of how various imperfections, or frictions, affect the outcomes of decentralised markets.

Module aims

The course aims to equipt students with the basic tools and methods of analysis used in economic reasoning.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to understand the basic model-building methodology of microeconomics and should have conducted some original model-building of simple microeconomic problems. Relatedly, students should be able to conceptualise simple microeconomic issues and understand the analytical reasoning underlying microeconomic analysis. Students should understand the topics covered on several different levels: mathematical as well as graphical and heuristic or verbal. They should have a critical appreciation of the approach taken to economic issues and policies. Students should be able to express their analyses and appraisals in written form.

The module provides students with the following employability skills. Academic skills (literacy, numeracy, ICT skills) are enhanced through essay writing, mathematical problem solving and the use of ICT equipment. Students are encouraged to carry out research and information gathering as background reading. Communication skills are enhanced through various forms of assessment and class participation. Personal development planning (target setting and time management) is also promoted.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

2 hours of lectures per week, weeks 2-11, 16-25. One hour class per week, weeks 3-11, 16-25, 30. Feedback for this module will occur through class meetings where we will go over the answers to problem sets and where you will be able to ask questions about your own method of solution; answers that will be posted on the website for the module that will give you written guidance on the appropriate method to approach the problems, assignments, and tests; and office hours where any additional questions can be addressed. You should be sure that you use these methods to understand how to improve your own performance. For modules including a term paper, the term paper will be returned with individualised feedback that addresses what the marking criteria are and how you could improve your own work.

Bibliography

  • Varian, Hal R. (c2014) Intermediate microeconomics: a modern approach, New York: W.W. Norton & Co.

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
Coursework   Test     
Coursework   EC202 Assignment      
Exam  Main exam: 240 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 

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

Coursework Exam
50% 50%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Mr Simon Lodato, email: sploda@essex.ac.uk.
Dr George Symeonidis, email: symeonid@essex.ac.uk.
Mr Simon Lodato (AU) / Dr George Symeonidis (SP)
For further information, send an email message to ueco@essex.ac.uk.

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Hui Pan
Coventry University
Senior Lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 897 hours, 240 (26.8%) hours available to students:
657 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Economics

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