The course teaches the mathematical foundations of models in economics, business and finance and its applications. Mathematical topics covered include set theory, functions, series, limits, univariate and multivariate calculus, unconstrained and constrained optimisation, matrix algebra. Applications include effective interest rates, present value, annuities, production functions, average and marginal cost functions, profit maximisation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of mathematical techniques discussed;
- be able to formulate economic problems in mathematical terms and apply the tools provided to analyse them correctly and precisely;
- demonstrate an understanding of the common functional forms and rules used in derivatives and integrals of functions that frequently appear in economic models;
- apply the basic principles of maximisation and minimisation to optimisation problems in economics and find the correct solutions to these problems;
- apply matrix algebra to simple economic problems and linear models, demonstrating the ability to solve linear systems of equations in matrix form;
- make use of basic principles of financial arithmetic in economic and financial problems to compute solutions.
Research-Led Teaching
Basic techniques used in economic research are developed.
Field Trips
N/A.
Additional Course Costs
N/A.
Examination Material or equipment
Have a computer with internet available.
Required Resources
"Solved Problems" textbook. This will be available for free download on Wattle as a PDF file.
Recommended Resources
N/A.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments (individual marking and correct solutions for the first two online quizzes will be available to students, plus written solutions to all tutorial problems)
- verbal comments during tutorials and office hours (consultation times)
- feedback to the whole class with comments on the academic performance of the class during the tutorials and quizzes
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Scientific method | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
2 | Numbers, functions, equations and inequalities, systems, polynomials | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
3 | set theory | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
4 | logic, basics of trigonometry, the tangent function | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook, online quiz 1 |
5 | limits | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
6 | derivatives | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
7 | rates of change, other economic applications | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
8 | optimisation and other economic applications | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook, online quiz 2 |
9 | introduction to multivariable calculus, integration (1) | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
10 | integration (2) | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
11 | introduction to matrices | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook |
12 | Matrices, determinants, Cramer Rule, and linear systems | Slides and "Solved Problems" Textbook, online quiz 3 |
Tutorial Registration
Tutorials will be delivered remotely this semester with an option for students in Canberra to have a face-to-face tutorial each week. Wattle will provide more details in the O-week.
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|
Online Quiz 1 | 33 % | 1,2 |
Online Quiz 2 | 33 % | 1,2,3,4 |
Online Quiz 3 | 34 % | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
Due to continued travel restrictions this course will be delivered mostly through online platforms, with some live lectures available to students in Canberra. Echo360 recordings will be available for students who are unable to attend live lectures. Details on the delivery of this course and expectations of student participation are outlined in further detail on the Wattle course site. We expect students to study continuously during the entire semester for this challenging, technical course.
Examination(s)
Details will be available on Wattle.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2
Online Quiz 1
Quiz covering the basics of sets, functions, numbers, graphs, algebra, equations, inequalities, polynomials, systems of equations, logs, exponentials, tangent function and the trigonometric circle, decimals, fractions, and percentages. This quiz covers all topics taught up to and including week 04. The quiz questions will be posted on Wattle. The date of the Quiz 1 is Saturday 21 August. The quiz will be marked as soon as possible and surely before two weeks or the census day, whichever comes first. No late submission will be accepted. This online quiz will be on Wattle. Only one attempt. The solution will be provided after marking. More information will be provided in Wattle before week 4.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Online Quiz 2
Quiz covering all topics taught before or during week 08. The quiz questions will be posted on Wattle. The quiz will be marked in two weeks. No late submission will be accepted. This online quiz will be on Wattle. The date of the Quiz 2 is Saturday 02 October. Only one attempt. The solution will be provided after marking. More information will be provided in Wattle before week 8.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Online Quiz 3
Quiz after the course classes end, covering all the contents of the entire course in slides, videos, textbook, classes, or tutorials. The quiz questions will be posted on Wattle. The quiz will be marked and results announced at the official date when all ANU results are announced. No late submission will be accepted. This online quiz will be on Wattle. Only one attempt. More information will be provided in Wattle before week 12.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.
The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.
The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded for late submission.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.
Returning Assignments
Quiz grades will be returned in at most two weeks from the day of the quiz, except for the final quiz grades which will be announced at the ANU official day of course result announcements in the end of the semester.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
No re-submission of any assignment will be permitted in this course.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research Interestsmicroeconomics |
AsPr Jose Rodrigues Neto
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
AsPr Jose Rodrigues Neto
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