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 from basic principles and assumptions as thoroughly as possible, 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 enrol in this course are expected to be familiar with the material covered in ECON6015 – Optimisation Techniques for Economists.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon a successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the mathematical methods that are most widely used in economics, both from a formal, abstract perspective, and an intuitive perspective.
- Know how to read, understand, and construct mathematical proofs, and appreciate their role in the derivation of mathematical concepts and structures.
- Apply mathematical methods and techniques that are formulated in abstract settings to concrete economic applications.
Other Information
See the course outline on the College courses page. Outlines are uploaded as they become available. This course will replace ECON6015 Optimisation Techniques for Economists in the Graduate Diploma of Economics program in 2015.
Indicative Assessment
Two midterms worth 20% each and one end-of-semester examination (60%)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Four contact hours per week (three lectures and one tutorial).
Assumed Knowledge
Students who would like to review pre-requisite material before starting ECON6015/ECON8013 may look at textbooks such as Essential Mathematics for Economics and Business by Teresa Bradley (fourth edition 2013) or Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis by Knut Sydsæter and Peter Hammond (fourth edition 2012).
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3414 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4350 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1837 | 16 Feb 2015 | 06 Mar 2015 | 31 Mar 2015 | 29 May 2015 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3428 | 20 Jul 2015 | 07 Aug 2015 | 31 Aug 2015 | 30 Oct 2015 | In Person | N/A |
