(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Economics and Mathematics
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
Economics
BSC LG11
19/03/2014
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB-BBB, including Mathematics
Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics
IB: 32-30 points, including Higher Level Mathematics grade 5
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. (Different requirements apply for second year entry.)
If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Tania Clare Dunning
Reader in Applied Mathematics
The University of Kent
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
BSc Economics and Mathematics is a 3 year programme of study.
Its teaching aims are:
To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of economics and mathematics.
To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment in business, commerce, industry, government service, the field of education and in the wider economy.
To provide students with an academic training in the principles of economics.
To foster in students an appreciation of the appropriate level of abstraction and simplification needed to explore a range of economic issues.
To develop in students the ability to construct logical arguments and to communicate arguments clearly in writing.
To provide students with a foundation for further study and research.
To produce graduates who are mathematically literate and capable of producing a logical argument.
To provide teaching which is informed and enhanced by the research activities of the staff.
To encourage in students the acquisition of autonomous study skills and the adoption of an investigative approach to tackle problems in economics and mathematics to ensure their continuing professional development.
To allow students to acquire critical, analytical and research skills, problem-solving skills, and transferable skills.
To provide students with a foundation for further studies in economics, mathematics and allied disciplines.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge and understanding of the basic mathematical methods and techniques of linear mathematics, calculus and statistics that underpin the study of more advanced mathematical ideas.
A2: Knowledge and understanding of some of the ideas and methods used in the proof of results in mathematics and familiarity with some specific examples.
A3: Knowledge and understanding of computer programming and mathematical computer packages, and experience in their use.
A4: Knowledge and understanding of the use of mathematics for modelling in economics, and as an investigative tool for the solution of practical problems.
A5: Knowledge and understanding at an introductory level of the central areas of mathematics, statistics and other modelling processes, and of applications to economics and other disciplines.
A6: Knowledge and understanding gained through the study at an advanced level of one or more areas of economics and mathematics.
A7: Knowledge of the fundamental principles of economics, including microeconomics and macroeconomics.
A8: Understanding of the application of economic reasoning to the study of relevant problems and policies.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1 - A8.
Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic journal papers and material available on-line.
Understanding is reinforced by means of classes (A1 - A8), laboratories (A3, A4, A5) and essays and assignments (A1 - A8).
Lectures and classes in final year courses are particularly important to enable students to achieve A6.
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed through unseen closed-book examinations (A1 - A8), and also, in some modules, through marked assignments and tests (A1 - A8), term papers (A6 - A8) project reports and oral examinations.
Achievement of knowledge and understanding is assessed through marked assignments (A7, A8), tests (A7, A8), term papers (A6 - A8) and project work (A6 - A8).
Formative assessment in mathematics is provided by regular problem sheets.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse a specified problem and choose the most suitable methods and tools for its solution.
B2: Assess the relative merits of a range of theories, techniques and tools needed for a problem's solution or to articulate arguments and policies.
B3: Synthesise and interpret information from a range of sources (lectures, classes, journals, books, etc.) developing a critical evaluation of the importance and relevance of the sources to an area of study.
B4: Construct reasoned, informed and concise descriptions and assessments of economic ideas.
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and the skills are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and independent study, and assignments.
Outcome B1 is developed particularly in exercises designed for core economic theory, mathematics and quantitative methods classes.
Students’‘ acquisition of intellectual and cognitive skills, B1 - B4, is enabled primarily through lectures and further sustained via classes.
Outcomes B2 - B4 are key elements in students’‘ preparation for assignments.
Supervision and guidance for term paper study are especially important in providing opportunities for students to acquire B2 - B4.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual/cognitive skills is assessed through marked assignments (especially B1 and B3), tests (especially B1), term papers (especially B2 - B4), and unseen closed-book examinations (especially B1, B2 and B4).
C: Practical skills
C1: Use computational tools and packages.
C2: The ability to apply a rigorous, analytic, highly numerate approach to a problem.
C3: Identify, select and gather information, using the relevant sources.
C4: Organise ideas in a systematic way.
C5: Present economic ideas and arguments coherently in writing.
C6: Use and apply economic terminology and concepts.
Learning methods
The practical skills of mathematics are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
C1 is acquired through the learning of at least one programming language and the use of a number of computer packages, as a part of the teaching of modules for which they are relevant.
C2 is acquired and enhanced throughout the programme.
C3 is developed via directed reading from textbooks and academic journal articles together with searches for online materials.
C4 is acquired during lectures and classes, and as a consequence of studying module materials.
C5 is articulated in the preparation of assignments and term papers.
C6 is developed in classes and is emphasised in the preparation of assignments and term papers.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills C1 - C6 is assessed directly through marked assignments, tests, term papers and unseen closed-book examinations.
Skill C4 is assessed indirectly via assignments, term papers, projects and final examinations.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate effectively, both mathematical arguments and textual accounts of ideas, evidence and critical assessment in mathematics and economics
D2: Use appropriate IT facilities as a tool in the analysis of mathematical problems.
D3: Use mathematical techniques correctly.
D4: Analyse complex problems and find effective solutions.
D5: Capacity to organise and implement a plan of independent study.
Learning methods
Students are guided in lectures, classes and individual advice from teachers in acquiring skills D1 - D4, D6.
D1 is practised throughout the scheme in the writing of solutions to mathematical problems, both for assessment and as exercises.
D1 and D2 are developed in group and individual project work.
D2 is also developed through the use of computer packages.
D3 and D4 are reinforced through the quantitative methods sequence of modules and the mathematics element in the programme, where they are developed in exercises and assignments throughout the scheme.
D6 is developed through homework assignments, and is enhanced as students reflect upon the knowledge they need.
Only minimal formally assessed requirements for the completion of the programme are listed here.
In reality, the overwhelming majority of economics and mathematics students acquire a much broader range of key skills, and at greater depth, in ways that are integrated seamlessly throughout their studies of the subject.
Assessment methods
D1 and D4 are assessed through marked assignments, tests, term papers, projects and unseen closed-book examinations.
D2 is assessed primarily through coursework.
Assessment of the key skills D3 and D4 is intrinsic to subject based assessment.