EC144: Mathematical Methods for Economists

Module code: EC144

Module provider: Economics; School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Fangya Xu , email: fangya.xu@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module builds on the introduction of mathematical techniques covered in introductory level microeconomics and macroeconomics (EC113&EC114) or. principles of economics 1&2 (EC140&EC141).  It will present a further range of methods and their economic applications. Other modules in various economics programmes will make use of this material and provide further applications in their own context. Students will become familiar with the idea that mathematics can be used to describe and extend economics in a rigorous fashion. The precision of this approach and the breadth of application to economics of the different mathematical techniques will be emphasised throughout.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand economic theory which makes use of basic mathematical techniques involving, e.g., unconstrained optimisation, constrained optimisation, integration, and linear algebra.
2. Solve a range of economic problems which are formulated in mathematical terms.
3. Follow the mathematical content of the core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, and those electives that are more mathematical in content.

Module content

The module concentrates on those areas of calculus and linear algebra that are widely used in economic applications. The topics covered may include but are not limited to: revision of properties of the exponential and logarithmic functions and their use in economics, economic applications of differentiation and integration, unconstrained optimisation and constrained optimisation in economics, linear algebra and the use of matrices to describe and solve economic problems.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures will introduce the core concepts and methods which students will have the opportunity to apply in seminar questions, additional practice questions, as well as in summative assessments. Seminars will apply the core concepts and methods learned to economic problems via demonstrations, discussions, and group work.

Study hours

At least 30 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.