Course Catalogue

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The course provides further insights into linear and matrix algebra, compared to material covered in Economics level 1 and 2 courses. The course considers a variety of economic applications using computational methods that are now commonly expected from an economics graduate.

10 x 2-hour lectures.

1 x 1-hour online revision lecture held out with normal teaching hours.

10 x 1-hour labs in MATLAB.

University of Glasgow students must have achieved Subject Honours entry requirements as detailed below to enrol on this course. Permission is required for non-Economics students to take this course as an outside option.

A GPA of 12 (average C3) in Economics 2A and 2B with no course grade below D3, attained at the first attempt. A minimum grade of D3 in both ECON1012, Introductory Mathematics for Economists and ECON1013, Introductory Statistics for Economists unless exemptions were agreed on the basis of other courses taken in year 1. Refer to course specifications for details. These grades may be achieved at the second attempt.

None.

ILO

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Normally, the group-based assessment listed above cannot be reassessed.

■ Provide students with an appreciation of the variety of applications of simple matrix algebra in economics and related social sciences;

■ develop confidence in applying those methods with the use of standard software package (MATLAB);

■ build a basic understanding of programming techniques.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. apply matrix operations to solve a set of simultaneous linear equations;

2. understand spectral decomposition of a matrix and apply it to solve a set of dynamic linear system of equations;

3. Use MATLAB to solve systems of non-linear dynamic equations;

4. apply matrix algebra in economics;

5. design and critically comment on the basic programming necessary for applications in economics.

6. work collaboratively in a group to produce a combined piece of coursework, by liaising with other class members, allocating tasks and co-ordinating group meetings

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.