Syllabus

Title
1843 Foundations of Mathematics (MSc Economics)
Instructors
ao.Univ.Prof. Dr. Josef Leydold
Contact details
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
10/04/23 to 10/04/23
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Master Programs
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Wednesday 10/11/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Thursday 10/12/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Wednesday 10/18/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Thursday 10/19/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Wednesday 10/25/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Wednesday 11/08/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Thursday 11/09/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Wednesday 11/15/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Thursday 11/16/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Wednesday 11/22/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.1.01 OeNB
Thursday 11/23/23 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM TC.0.04
Tuesday 12/05/23 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM D4.0.136
Thursday 01/18/24 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM TC.3.05
Contents

Fundamental methods in Mathematics that are required for reading economic literature:

Matrix algebra, determinants, calculus of univariate and multivariate functions, static optimization, dynamic systems.

Learning outcomes

Participants gain or deepen their knowledge of mathematical methods that are obligatory to the understanding of economic literature. They are able to understand and apply the formal methods required in microeconomics and macroeconomics.

These includes

• linear algebra (matrix algebra, determinants, Cramer's rule, vector space, eigenvalues)

• calculus (derivatives and integrals, implicit and inverse function theorem, Taylor series, Hessian matrix, big Oh notation)

• static optimization (convex and quasi-convex functions, stationary points, extrema, Lagrange multiplicator, Kuhn-Tucker condition, envelope theorem)

• linear systems (first order linear difference equation,  cobweb diagram, first order differential equations, stability of solutions)

 

Attendance requirements

Attendance is mandatory. Absence not exceeding two units in total is accepted.

Teaching/learning method(s)

Mathematical methods will be presented and explained by the lecturers.

Participants should prepare by studying the respective chapters for each meeting as well as by submitting solutions to homework examples. They should be able to present their home solutions.

Feedback on selected homework examples will be provided by the lecturers.

Assessment
  • Short online quizzes in each unit (6 points each,  best 9 of 10 units)
  • Final exam (50 points)
  • Positive grade: at least 25 points on final exam, at least 50 points in total
Readings

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Recommended previous knowledge and skills

Basic concepts and techniques as discussed in the "Bridging Course Mathematics". These include handling and transformation of terms, equalities and inequalities, functions and maps, drawing and interpretation of function graphs, derivatives and integration, matrix algebra.

Availability of lecturer(s)

Flexible; arrange a meeting on short notice via email josef.leydold@wu.ac.at.

Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1
Last edited: 2023-08-10



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