EC1A3      Half Unit
Microeconomics I

This information is for the 2021/22 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Ronny Razin 32L.4.01

Availability

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Actuarial Science, BSc in Data Science, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in Finance, BSc in Financial Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Geography with Economics, BSc in International Social and Public Policy and Economics, BSc in Management, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business, BSc in Philosophy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and BSc in Politics and Economics. This course is available on the BA in Geography, BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Environment and Development, BSc in Politics and BSc in Politics and International Relations. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

This course cannot be taken with EC1A5 Microeconomics I.

Pre-requisites

A-level mathematics, or equivalent.

Course content

In this course, you will learn the main building blocks of microeconomics analysis and their applications. You will study the foundations of rationality and individual decision making and learn about strategic interaction and equilibrium (game theory). You will apply these tools to understand many applications, such as how consumers behave, how companies choose their strategies and how auctions work. The course will also touch upon behavioural models and how we think about individual welfare in economics.

This course, in combination with either EC1B3 or EC1B5, exempts those who complete them from BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

This course, combined with EC1B3, contributes to the CB2 Exemption of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA).

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the MT.

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes, live streamed (recorded) lectures, and some flipped content delivered as short online videos.

Formative coursework

There are weekly problem sets and Moodle quizzes. Feedback will be given on two problem sets. Weekly midweek tasks will contribute towards the coursework mark for the course.

Indicative reading

There is no set textbook for this course.

Optional suggested further reading is listed below. Any edition of these books can be used.

  • Further reading on topics: Microeconomics – Daron Acemoglu, David I. Laibson, and John A. List (note the content is also part of the textbook Economics by the same authors).
  • Further readings on tools: Jacques, I. Mathematics for Economics and Business, Pearson.

Assessment

Exam (90%, duration: 2 hours) in the January exam period.
Coursework (10%) in the MT.

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2020/21: Unavailable

Average class size 2020/21: Unavailable

Capped 2020/21: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills