OVERVIEW

The aim of the course is to provide the student with the knowledge of advanced mathematical methods to successfully deal with economic models from a quantitative viewpoint.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with a basic undergraduate background in Economics with the quantitative tools needed to fully engage with the courses of the Master’s program. Specifically, the course complements the contents of a standard undergraduate Mathematics course by covering topics in linear algebra, functions of several variables, and static optimization (both unconstrained and constrained). Particular attention is devoted to applications and examples based on economic models.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to deal, autonomously and properly, with the learned mathematical topics and apply them to economic problems with the needed methodological rigor.

Knowledge and understanding: The students must learn the main mathematcal techniques for the optmization and the description of dynamical systems.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: The students must be able to model and solve mathematical problems of static optimization and dynamical system in the field of social sciences.  

Making judgments: The students must be able to use the acquired knowledge with an autonomous evaluating assessment.  

Communication skills: Students must be able to use the correct technical language for the communication of the results and for the description of the techniques.

Learning skills: Students will develop adequate learning skills in order to continue with further studies about other aspects of the subject and different fields of application than those illustrated. 

PREREQUISITES

Calculus and optimization in one variable and basic notions of linear algebra.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching is conducted through lectures and a part of the hours will be allocated to laboratory activities.

Students with disabilities, SLD or SEN

Students with disabilities, with SLD or with SEN are reminded that, to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification to the University website atservizionline.unige.it <https://servizionline.unige.it/>, in the “Students” section. The documentation will be checked by the University’s Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with SLD.

At the beginning of the course, students are advised to contact the lecturer to agree on exam arrangements which, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account.

To request compensatory tools or dispensatory measures, students with disabilities or SLD must fill in the dedicated Webform available athttps://unige.it/disabilita-dsa, at least 7 working days before the exam.

Students with SEN may instead send their request by e-mail to the lecturer, copying the Department Representative, Prof. Elena Lagomarsino, at inclusione.economia@unige.it<mailto:inclusione.economia@unige.it>, and the Inclusion Office at   inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it <mailto:inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it>.

Requests from students will be assessed by the lecturer and may be approved or rejected.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Advanced topics in linear algebra
• Calculus in several variables and optimization
• Static optimization (unconstrained and constrained) and economic applications 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Simon, C., Blume, L.: Mathematics for Economists (1994), Norton and Company

- Peccati, L., D'Amico, M., Cigola, M. : Maths for Social Sciences (2018), Springer

- Knut Sydsaeter, Peter Hammond, Atle Seierstad, Arne Strom, "Further mathematics for Economic Analysis" (2nd edition), Pearson 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://economia.unige.it/calendario-didattico

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will be written and will contain questions on the the theoretical and modeling features treated in the course as well as exercises.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The  exam will evaluate the understanding of the contents of the course with the goal of assessing the reached skill of applying the tools and the methods learned in an economic perspective.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Other information will be provided during the course. For non-attending students the same rules apply.